The lyrics were inspired by nursery rhymes and the songs Donovan was writing: Donovan's songs were "fairy tale" like. Donovan states, "I think the eventual imagery was suggested by my own songs of fairy tales. We had become very close in exchanging musical vibes." The song was based in part by two nursery rhymes, "Sing A Song Of Sixpence" and "Cry, baby, cry...stick a finger in your eye...etc."
John Lennon said he got the title for the song from an advertisement. The original line from that advertisement was, "Cry, baby cry. Make your mother buy." John told Hunter Davies (the Beatles official biographer) "I've got another (song) here, a few words, I think I got them from an advert - 'Cry baby cry, Make your mother buy.' I've been playing it over on the piano. I've let it go now. It'll come back if I really want it."
At the very end of the song, there is a conversation between George Martin and Alistair Taylor. Here is what's said: Alistair Taylor: "Bottle of claret for you if I'd realized. I'd forgotten all about it George, I'm sorry..." George Martin: "Well, do next time." Alistair: "Will you forgive me?" George: "Mmmm...yes..." Alistair: "cheeky bitch."
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