"I'm a Big Girl Now" is a novelty song written by Al Hoffman, Milton Drake, and Jerry Livingston.[1][2] It was recorded in 1946 by American bandleader Sammy Kaye with vocals by singer Betty Barclay.[2][3][4] Released as a single by RCA Victor, Kaye's recording was a commercial success in the United States, topping The Billboard's Best-Selling Popular Retail Records chart in the issue dated April 27, 1946.[5][2] It also peaked within the top ten of the magazine's Records Most-Played on the Air, Most-Played Juke Box Records, and Honor Roll of Hits charts.[6]
According to Drake, "I'm a Big Girl Now" was written at the request of Kaye, who had recently recruited Barclay to sing with his band and sought a "special" song to debut at their first public performance together. Its lyrics are addressed to the singer's boyfriend, conveying to him her desire to no longer be treated as a child.[7]
^"Triple 'Lie' May Be Obie-Kaye Tiff Pt.". The Billboard. 1 June 1946. p. 37. Retrieved 17 July 2020. Like Girl, the Lie item was written by Drake, Hoffman and Livingston and published in elaborate secrecy by Kaye's World Music.