It was first recorded by the Chantels on October 16, 1957 in a doo-wop style with Barrett playing piano, released in December 1957, and climbing the charts in January 1958. It reached #15 in the pop chart and #2 in the R&B chart. It was subsequently described as “arguably, the first true glimmer...
[Verse 1]
Maybe, if I pray every night
You'll come back to me
And maybe, if I cry every day
You'll come back to stay
Oh, maybe
[Verse 2]
Maybe, if I hold your hand
You will understand
And maybe, if I kissed your lips
I'll be at your command
Oh, maybe
[Bridge]
I've cried and prayed to the Lord
To send you back my love
But instead you came to me
But only in my dreams
[Verse 3]
Maybe, if I pray every night
You'll come back to me
And maybe, if I cry every day
You'll come back to stay
Oh, maybe (maybe, maybe, maybe)
[Outro]
Maybe (Maybe, maybe, maybe)
Maybe (Maybe, maybe, maybe)
Maybe (Maybe, maybe, maybe)
Maybe was written by Richard Barrett & George Goldner.