You Don't Have to Be a Baby to Cry

"You Don't Have to Be a Baby to Cry" is a song written by Bob Merrill and Terry Shand, first recorded in 1950, and best known in its 1963 recording by British girl group The Caravelles. The single reached No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100,[2] and No.6 on the UK Singles Chart in 1963.[3]

The song was originally recorded by Moon Mullican,[4] Jimmy Dorsey (with vocals by Terry Shand),[5] and Ernest Tubb[6] in 1950. Tennessee Ernie Ford recorded the song in 1956 and used it as a 'B' side to "Sixteen Tons".[7]

It was also recorded by U.K singer Frank Ifield in 1963 and released as a B side.[8] Julie London recorded the song on her 1964 LP Julie London (Liberty Records LST-7342 US). "You Don't Have to Be a Baby to Cry" was also recorded by Billie Davis in 1963. Her version remained unreleased until her compilation Watcha Gonna Do? was released in 2007.[9]

It was also recorded and released by Ceil Clayton in 1960[10] and re-released in 1968. Her version appeared on her debut album, Ceil Clayton,[11] and also on her second album, I Meet the Nicest People,[12] on the Norman Records label.