Sonny & Cher, I Got You Babe | Dazzling Duets

In the fourth edition of Dazzling Duets (2026), Sonny Bono and Cher (Sonny & Cher) collaborate on the iconic folk-pop duet, “I Got You Babe.” 

Sometimes, two is better than one! That is the case when it comes to Dazzling Duets! On Dazzling Duets, we highlight striking songs performed by two artists collaborating. These duets can be from any musical style, making Dazzling Duets a flexible, versatile column. In the fourth edition of Dazzling Duets (2026), Sonny Bono and Cher collaborate on “I Got You Babe”. Let the dazzle begin!

Indeed, Sonny & Cher! Sonny Bono (1935 – 1998) and Cher (b. 1946) made a formidable duo back in the day. From 1969 – 1975, they were husband and wife.  The duet they are most renowned for is “I Got You Babe”.  “I Got You Babe” is the second track from their 1965 album, Look At Us. This is one of the truly great, quintessential records from the 1960s. Bono wrote and produced “I Got You Babe.”  The musical arrangement is brilliant.  The sound palette includes a standard rhythm section (piano, guitars, bass, and drums), as well as orchestral instruments (including oboe and bassoon). “I Got You Babe” spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Furthermore, it was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. While “I Got You Babe” didn’t earn a Grammy nomination itself, Sonny & Cher were nominated for Best New Artist at the 8^th Annual Grammy Awards, recognizing achievements in 1965.

“I Got You Babe” begins with a rhythmic instrumental intro.  Vocally, the chemistry between Sonny and Cher is undeniable; they mesh superbly. One reason I believed this duo was effective was the distinct, huskier sound of Cher’s voice. Both understand the assignment and the ‘60s, folk-pop vibes also bode well for the duo.  Generally, they split the sections equally, at times, trading lines.  Sonny and Cher split the first verse, with Cher drawing first blood (“They say we’re young and we don’t know / We won’t find out until we grow”) and Sonny concluding the verse.  Both sing the titular line in the chorus (“I got you babe, I got you babe”). Once again, in the second verse, Cher sings first while Sonny takes the second half of the verse (“…I guess that’s so, we don’t have a pot / But at least I’m sure of all the things we got”).  How cute! Following another joint effort via the crème de la crème, the chorus, in the third verse, Sonny sings the first line (“I got flowers in the spring, I got you to wear my ring”). Cher then sings the next four lines, including the lyrics, “So let them say your hair’s too long / ‘Cause I don’t care, with you I can’t go wrong.”  In the bridge, excerpted earlier, they trade lines, beginning with Sonny (“I got you to hold my hand”), followed by Cher (“I got you to understand”).  All told, “I Got You Babe” doesn’t require extensive analysis.  This classic folk-pop duet speaks for itself.  Once-in-a-lifetime? You bet!

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Sonny & Cher » Look At Us » Atlantic » 1965

Sonny & Cher, I Got You Babe: Dazzling Duets No. 4 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic; ANTONI SHKRABA production from Pexels; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

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