Meaning of "Baby Don't Do It" by Shannon & The Clams

The lyrics of "Baby Don't Do It" seem to tell a story of someone trying desperately to save another person from making a mistake or getting into trouble. The imagery of following the subject's trail through the forest with a machete suggests a sense of urgency and determination to protect them. However, the repetition of "Baby, don't do it" and the realization of being too late convey a sense of helplessness and inability to truly save the other person from their own actions. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for trying to save a loved one from themselves, but ultimately recognizing that everyone has to make their own choices and face the consequences. The use of a machete as a tool to navigate through the darkness could symbolize the aggressiveness or forcefulness of the speaker's attempts to intervene. Overall, the song explores themes of love, protection, and the limits of control in relationships.