What Made The Baby Cry? – Toby Keith

Introduction:

Toby Keith, one of country music’s most prominent artists, released the song “What Made The Baby Cry?” in 1995 as part of his third studio album, Boomtown. Although it wasn’t one of his major commercial hits, the song stands out due to its heartfelt lyrics and Keith’s signature blend of storytelling, a hallmark of his country music style. The track’s reflective tone and emotional depth make it a noteworthy entry in Keith’s extensive catalog, which spans multiple decades of success in the country music industry.

“What Made The Baby Cry?” is a country song with traditional instrumentation that leans into the genre’s classic sound. Its themes revolve around family, loss, and emotional struggles, making it resonate with fans of country music who appreciate songs that delve into personal stories and heartfelt experiences. The song represents Toby Keith’s ability to convey genuine emotion through his powerful vocal delivery and thoughtful lyrics, a skill that has defined much of his career.

Musically, “What Made The Baby Cry?” stays true to Keith’s roots in country and honky-tonk, genres in which he has long excelled. The song features twangy guitars, subtle harmonies, and a slow tempo that complements its introspective lyrics. Keith’s vocal performance is central to the song, carrying the weight of the story with sincerity and authenticity.

The song was produced by Harold Shedd and Toby Keith himself, both of whom were integral in shaping the sound of Boomtown, an album that marked a significant step forward in Keith’s career. Shedd, a well-known producer who had worked with major country stars like Alabama, played a crucial role in refining Keith’s sound and bringing out the emotional nuances of the song. Keith’s decision to co-produce his music at this point in his career also marked his growing involvement in the creative direction of his work, setting the stage for the independence and control he would later achieve with his own record label.

Although “What Made The Baby Cry?” didn’t achieve the same level of chart success as some of Keith’s other singles from the mid-’90s, such as “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” or “A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action,” it remains a fan favorite for its poignant storytelling. The song’s lack of commercial breakthrough doesn’t diminish its significance in Keith’s discography, as it showcases his ability to tackle diverse emotional themes beyond the more mainstream, radio-friendly hits.

Toby Keith went on to become one of country music’s best-selling artists, with more than 40 million albums sold worldwide. His career is marked by numerous hits and accolades, including multiple Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards and Country Music Association (CMA) Awards. Despite being a lesser-known track, “What Made The Baby Cry?” represents an important piece of Keith’s musical journey, offering listeners a glimpse into his versatility as both a songwriter and a performer.

Video:

Lyrics:

“What Made The Baby Cry?”

On a cold night, late December
As the snow fell to earth
That’s the one night, we remember
When a woman gave birth
And for miles and miles around
The baby’s cry was the only soundDid He know the world was filled with pain
Could He feel all the hunger and the shame
Or did He know about the way He would die
And the reason why
Is that what made the baby cry?
Is that what made the baby cry?

As his Mother turned to hold Him
Her face filled with joy
He grew quiet when She told Him
He was more than just her baby boy
And for miles and miles around
Her lullaby was the only sound

Did She know the world was filled with pain
Could She feel all the hunger and the shame
Or did She know about the way He would die
And the reason why
Is that what made Her baby cry?
Is that what made Her baby cry?

And as He fell asleep
She wiped away His tears
But the question still remains
Have we changed in two thousand years

Don’t you know the world is still in pain
Can’t you feel all the hunger and the shame
Did we forget about the way that He died
And the reason why
Would we still make the baby cry?
Would we still make the baby cry?