You Can't Buy My Love

Album: Band of Joy (2010)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is a cover of a 1965 recording by the Texan R&B star Barbara Lynn, which Plant came across on a CD that was included in a copy of The Oxford American magazine. He told Mojo: "I know what I know, and what I bring to the party is black American pop from 1963 New Orleans."
  • Robert Plant performed this song live on The Andrew Marr Show on September 5, 2010; earlier, he told host Marr it was a response by Barbara Lynn to "Can't Buy Me Love". He said he found it in a compilation put out by a literary magazine in the Deep South; this was actually Invitation Oxford - Oxford, Tennessee, not that other literary place called Oxford!
  • Barbara Lynn - born Barbara Lynn Olsen - is one of those rarest of creatures, a black female guitarist. Although she is a songwriter, she didn't write this one. Running to 1 minute 55 seconds, the 1965 Immediate Record release is credited to B & B Babino, who are Billy and Bobby Babineaux.

    Immediate was a UK based company; in the US it was released on Jamie Records backed by "That's What A Friend Will Do".

    Although Robert Plant performed with a female vocalist in addition to his band, most discerning listeners will prefer the original version, if only because it sounds rather silly to hear a man singing about his would-be lover giving him diamonds and pearls!

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?