Anybody Seen My Baby? – The Rolling Stones – 1997

About The Song

Shortly before the release of “Bridges To Babylon,” The Rolling Stones became aware of the striking resemblance between this song, particularly the vocal melody in the chorus, and kd lang’s 1992 hit, “Constant Craving.” With a major publicity campaign and album tour on the horizon, they were keen to avoid any potential lawsuit. To preempt such legal issues, they officially credited Lang and her “Constant Craving” co-writer, Ben Mink, as composers alongside Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. This move ensured that Lang received royalties for her contribution, a gesture she greatly appreciated.

The music video for this song was directed by Samuel Bayer, renowned for his work on Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Notably, Angelina Jolie, then 22 years old, took on the starring role as a stripper who abruptly halts her performance and exits the club.

Legend has it that this song may have been inspired by actress Mary Badham. In 1970, Mick Jagger briefly became infatuated with the star of the film “To Kill A Mockingbird.” However, their romance was short-lived, with Badham ultimately ending the relationship.

Adding to the song’s musical pedigree, Waddy Wachtel played guitar on this track. Wachtel, a highly sought-after Los Angeles session musician, is celebrated for his collaborations with artists such as Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Randy Newman, Warren Zevon, Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, and Don Henley.

Remarkably, this is one of the rare Rolling Stones songs that incorporates a sample. Approximately two-thirds into the track, listeners can hear a snippet from the 1986 Biz Markie song “A One Two.” Biz Markie is best known for his 1989 hit “Just A Friend,” which gained renewed popularity when featured in a widely broadcast 2009 Heineken TV commercial.

Video

Lyrics

She confessed her love to me
Then she vanished on the breeze
Trying to hold on to that was just impossible

She was more than beautiful
Closer to ethereal
With a kind of down-to-earth flavor

Close my eyes
It’s three in the afternoon
Then I I realize
That she’s really gone for good

Anybody seen my baby
Anybody seen her around
Love has gone and made me blind
I’ve looked but I just can’t find
She has gotten lost in the crowd

I was flippin’ magazines
In that place on Mercer Street
When I thought I spotted her

Getting on a motor bike
Looking rather lady like
Didn’t she just give me a wave?

Salty tears
It’s three in the afternoon
Has she disappeared
Is she really gone for good

Anybody seen my baby
Anybody seen her around
If I just close my eyes
I reach out and touch the prize
Anybody seen her around

Anybody seen my baby
Anybody seen her around
If I just close my eyes
I reach out reach out and touch the prize
Anybody seen her around

Anybody seen my baby
Anybody seen her around
Lost, lost and never found
I must have I must have called her a thousand times
Sometimes I just think she’s just in my imagination

Lost in the crowd