Songfacts®:

• This was written in swinging London in 1966 by Cat Stevens. It was almost released as Cat's first single, but "I Love My Dog" was thought to be stronger. After "I Love My Dog's" success, "Here Comes My Baby" was shelved for several months. The Tremeloes picked it up and it became their breakthrough hit in America and their first hit in the UK since their lead singer Brian Poole left them. The song's success helped establish Cat Stevens as a songwriter and he included it on his first album Matthew And Son.
• The Tremeloes' version leaves out the final verse from Cat Stevens' original.
• Steven's jazzy original was more laid back than The Tremeloes infectiously upbeat, goodtime jamboree feel that they bought to their version. However, all the general jollity disguised the fact it was actually quite a sad breakup song.
• Often when performing this live, The Tremeloes inserted the phrase "Parrot-face", when they sang the line, "I try to call you names."
• The Tremeloes had been a back up band for Brian Poole and when they split in 1966 after 8 UK hits, they looked to be another backing band set for oblivion. They bought in the good-looking Len "Chip" Hawkes as their bassist and lead singer and their career took off. They added a further 13 UK hits, of which this was the first and also one of several in America. Brian Poole however had little solo success and he eventually went to work in his family's butcher shop.
• Len "Chip" Hawkes son is Chesney Hawkes who recorded the UK #1 hit "The One And Only" in 1991.
• The Mavericks covered this in 1999.
• The song is featured in the film Rushmore. >>

  Suggestion credit:
  Edward Pearce - Ashford, Kent, England, for all above