I Love You Period

"I Love You Period" by Dan Baird, from his 1992 solo debut Love Songs for the Hearing Impaired, is a catchy, tongue-in-cheek rock anthem that blends Southern rock with a playful take on punctuation. The song’s lyrical hook—“I love you period / Do you love me question mark / Please, please exclamation point / I want to hold you in parentheses”—was inspired by Baird’s knack for clever wordplay, reflecting his self-described tendency to “write like a smart bar-stool bard,” as noted in a 1992 Rolling Stone review. Baird shared in a rare MySpace blog post that the song’s concept came from a humorous riff on school days, where he imagined a lovestruck kid using punctuation to charm a crush, a theme that resonated with fans for its relatable, lighthearted vibe. The track became a minor hit, peaking at #26 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1992, and its music video, featuring Baird’s laid-back swagger, got decent airplay on MTV, cementing its place as a quirky staple of ‘90s rock radio.

Behind the song’s creation, Baird worked with producer Brendan O’Brien, who brought a crisp, punchy sound to the album, and Rick Rubin, the executive producer, whose Def American label gave Baird the freedom to explore his post-Georgia Satellites sound. A lesser-known tidbit from a 2014 blog post on deKe’s Vinyl Reviews reveals that Baird’s live performances of the song often sparked sing-alongs, with audiences shouting the punctuation lines, turning gigs into rowdy, communal experiences. Fans on the Georgia Satellites Fan Club Facebook group have shared stories of Baird joking onstage about the song’s “grammar lesson,” sometimes dedicating it to “anyone who flunked English.” Despite its novelty vibe, the song’s raw energy and Baird’s sly delivery made it a standout, with one critic on Rate Your Music calling it a “silly but infectious” highlight of the album.

Dan Baird, born December 12, 1953, in San Diego, California, but raised in Atlanta, Georgia, kicked off his musical journey as a teenager, picking up the guitar and jamming with local bands. His early years were shaped by Atlanta’s gritty bar scene, where he honed his raw, bluesy style, drawing from influences like Chuck Berry, the Rolling Stones, and the Faces. In 1980, Baird formed The Georgia Satellites, a band that fused Southern rock, punk, and country into a sound dubbed “cowpunk.” Their 1986 hit “Keep Your Hands to Yourself” shot them to fame, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, but Baird left in 1990 to go solo, craving creative control. His debut, Love Songs for the Hearing Impaired, showcased his knack for blending heartfelt grit with humor, a thread that’s run through his career, from his work with The Yayhoos to his band Homemade Sin.

Baird’s official website, danbairdandhomemadesin.com, offers updates on his music and tour history, though it notes his 2019 retirement from touring due to health challenges, including a 2017 leukemia diagnosis. Fans can connect with him on Facebook, where he occasionally shares throwback photos and gig memories, and on Instagram, which features glimpses of his vintage guitar collection, including a prized Fender Esquire once owned by Steve Marriott. His X account is less active but still reflects his dry humor and love for classic rock. For diehard Zoo Freaks, the Georgia Satellites Fan Club on Facebook is a lively hub for swapping stories, rare tracks, and updates on Baird’s legacy, while Last.fm hosts fan-driven discussions and playlists celebrating his solo and Satellites work.