Song Details
- Album Release Date: 1993-04-20
- Album Name: The Full Custom Gospel Sounds Of . . .
Song Meaning (Interpretation) of “Big Little Baby” by The Reverend Horton Heat
The Reverend Horton Heat’s song “Big Little Baby” is a playful tune about having a child, whether it’s one’s own or a godchild. The song starts off with the narrator talking about how sweet it is to have a little one in their lives, marveling at how quickly they grow and develop. But the tone quickly shifts when the narrator reflects on the scary reality of parenthood. They warn that a big problem is inevitably ahead, because, as the title suggests, “you can’t keep a big little baby in its cradle forever.” The narrator goes on to express awe at the fact that young children can tackle such difficult situations, and also acknowledge the difficulty of parenting in light of the unpredictable nature of raising a child. Ultimately, while it’s a daunting task, the narrator chooses to be optimistic and reflects on how beautiful childhood is. “Big Little Baby” is an ode to both the joy and terror of parenthood.