The Mystery Behind Bob Seger’s Humming in 'Night Moves'

Bob Seger's song 'Night Moves' has intrigued fans for years with the mention of a mysterious song he hummed while falling asleep in 1962. For decades, many believed it was the song 'Rain Drops' by Dee Clark, as put forward by a DJ from WZLX Boston. However, recent analysis and speculation have shifted the focus to the song 'Be My Baby' by The Ronettes.

Initial Speculation and DJ’s Insight

For a long time, I always thought that the song Seger hummed was 'Rain Drops' by Dee Clark. This assumption seemed plausible because a DJ from WZLX Boston once informed me, 'He hummed a song after waking last night to the sound of thunder.' Though it sounds fitting, it turned out that the song referenced in 'Night Moves' was actually 'Be My Baby.'

Lyrics Analysis and Background Information

Despite not explicitly mentioning the title, the song states: 'I started humming a song from 1962.' This is all the information we have. However, a more detailed background on the song can be found in the comments section of the YouTube video. There, someone provided insights into the lyrics and revealed that the 1962 song is likely 'Be My Baby' by The Ronettes.

Speculation and Theories

Limited to the lyrics themselves, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact song. However, many speculate that it could be 'Green Onions' by Booker T and the MGs. An instrumental track like this one is often hummed rather than sung, and Seger would have been a teenager in 1962. The influence of soul music is evident in Seger's music, which aligns with his origins in Detroit.

Another theory is that it may be a Beatles song. Living through 1962 and every subsequent year, it's possible that Seger hummed one of the Beatles' tunes from that era. However, it's worth noting that artists don't always fact-check their lyrics accurately.

Bob Seger’s Confirmation

Bob Seger himself has referenced 'Be My Baby' in various interviews. He has long maintained that the song was 'Be My Baby' by The Ronettes. Nevertheless, considering the playful nature of creative adaptations in music, it's intriguing to ponder the potential hidden meanings and connections in 'Night Moves.'

So, the mystery remains: what exact song was Bob Seger humming in 1962? Only Seger can provide a definitive answer. However, it's clear that the era of 1962 and the rich musical landscape of that time contributed significantly to the song’s enigmatic appeal.