Early career
The performing name Kramer was chosen at random from a telephone directory. It was John Lennon's suggestion that the "J" be added to the name to further distinguish him by adding a 'tougher edge'. Billy soon came to the attention of Brian Epstein, ever on the look-out for new talent to add to his expanding roster of local artists. Kramer turned professional but his then backing band, The Coasters, were less keen, so Epstein sought out the services of a Manchester based band, The Dakotas, a well-respected combo then backing Pete MacLaine.
Even then, The Dakotas would not join Kramer without a recording deal of their own. Once in place, the deal was set and both acts signed to Parlophone under George Martin. Collectively, they were named Billy J. Kramer with The Dakotas to keep their own identities within the act. Once the Beatles broke through, the way was paved for a tide of "Merseybeat" and Kramer was offered the chance to cover a song first released by the Beatles on their own debut album, Please Please Me. The track had been allegedly turned down by Shane Fenton (later Alvin Stardust) who was looking for a career reviving hit.
Success
With record producer George Martin, the song "Do You Want to Know a Secret?" was a number two UK Singles Chart hit in 1963, and was backed by another tune otherwise unreleased by The Beatles, "I'll Be on My Way". After this impressive breakthrough another Lennon/McCartney pairing "Bad to Me" c/w "I Call Your Name" reached number one. "I'll Keep You Satisfied" ended the year with a respectable number four placing.
Billy was given a series of songs specially written for him by John Lennon and Paul McCartney which launched him into stardom and a proper place in the history of Rock and Roll. I'll Keep You Satisfied, From A Window, I Call Your Name and Bad to Me all became international million sellers for Billy, and won him appearances on the TV shows Shindig!, Hullabaloo and The Ed Sullivan Show.
The Dakotas , meanwhile, enjoyed Top 20 success in 1963 on their own with Mike Maxfield's composition "The Cruel Sea", an instrumental retitled "The Cruel Surf" in the U.S., which was subsequently covered by The Ventures. This was followed by a George Martin creation, "Magic Carpet", evoking a dreamy atmosphere with a subtle echo laden piano, playing the melody alongside Maxfield's guitar. But it missed out altogether and it was a year before their next release. All four tracks appeared on a highly-collectable EP later that year.
The three big hits penned by Lennon and McCartney meant that Kramer was always seemingly in the Beatles' shadow, unless he did tried something different. Despite being advised against it, he insisted on recording the Stateside chart hit "Little Children" - the lyrics were allegedly about getting his girlfriend's brothers and sisters out of the way so they could make love. It became his second chart topper and biggest hit. It was Kramer's only major hit outside of the UK. In the U.S., this was followed up with "Bad to Me" which reached number nine. Despite this success Kramer went backwards with his second and last UK single of 1964; another Lennon/McCartney cast-off "From A Window", which only just became a Top Ten hit.
After the peak
The year 1965 saw the end for the Merseybeat boom, and the next Kramer single was "It's Gotta Last Forever", which harked back to a ballad approach. In a year where mod-related music from the likes of The Who prevailed, the single missed completely. Kramer's cover of "Trains and Boats and Planes" saw off Anita Harris' cover version only to find itself in direct competition with its composer, Burt Bacharach's effort, which won the day. Kramer's effort still reached a respectable number 12, but was the group's swansong, as all future cuts missed the chart.
The Dakotas ranks were then strengthened by the inclusion of Mick Green, the ex-guitarist with the London band the Pirates who backed Johnny Kidd. This line-up cut a few tracks which were at odds with the balladeer's usual fare. These included a take on "When You Walk in the Room" and "Sneakin' Around". The Dakotas final outing whilst with Kramer was the blues driven "Oyeh!" - but this also flopped.
The final showing
After releasing "We're Doing Fine", it too missed the charts leaving singer and group to part company. Kramer had a brief solo career which took him eventually to live in America.
The Dakotas re-formed in the late 1980s and recruited vocalist Eddie Mooney and session musician Toni Baker. They still tour and record. Other latter-day members are drummer Pete Hilton and guitarist Alan Clare.
In 2005, Kramer recorded the song "Cow Planet" for Sandra Boynton's children's album, Dog Train. A long-time fan of Kramer's, Boynton had sought him out for her project: in 1964, at age 11, she had bought Little Children as the first album she ever owned.
Tell Me Girl
Billy J. Kramer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
cnd I'm starting to fall back into an old familiar
With an old familiar friend
I'm sitting here in my room, writing down more words about you
I hear all these voices talking in my head
Saying here we go again
So tell me what you want from me
But I could use some help to see
Where I'm supposed to go
‘Cuz this is not where I wanna be
I'm reading books about turning it around
cnd I'm calling everyone I know in and out of town
It helps to keep me on solid ground, but it's a cry for help
c few laughs to dim the pain spells
So tell me what you want from me
I know you want the best for me
But I could use some help to see
What I'm supposed to do
‘Cuz this is not who I wanna be
I've felt this way for far too long
cnd I just keep waiting till it's gone
I know you think it's a shame to carry on re-living that mess
But I do my best
So tell me what you want from me
I know you want the best for me
But I could use some help to see
‘Cuz I don't know where I'm going
Or who I'm gonna be
In Billy J. Kramer's song "Tell Me When," the lyrics revolve around a sense of confusion and a longing for guidance. The singer finds themselves lost in familiar patterns and falling back into old habits with a familiar friend. They express a sense of frustration, feeling stuck in their current situation and yearning for something more fulfilling.
The songwriter conveys a mix of vulnerability and determination in their search for direction. They acknowledge that they need help and guidance to understand where they are meant to go in life. The chorus repeats the plea for someone to tell them what they want and what they should do. There is a sense of urgency in seeking clarity, as the singer expresses their dissatisfaction with their current circumstances and the desire to break free from them.
The lyrics also touch upon the singer's attempts to find support and solace through reading books and seeking advice from both local and distant contacts. They know that they have to keep themselves grounded and find ways to cope with the pain, even if it means seeking temporary distractions. Despite the challenges, they continue to try their best, but they still feel uncertain about where they are headed and who they will become.
Line by Line Meaning
It's getting late again, and I forgot the day again
Time is passing quickly and I often lose track of the days
And I'm starting to fall back into an old familiar
I find myself returning to familiar patterns and habits
With an old familiar friend
Accompanied by the comfort of someone I know well
I'm sitting here in my room, writing down more words about you
I'm alone in my room, penning my thoughts about you
I hear all these voices talking in my head
Many thoughts and ideas constantly occupy my mind
Saying here we go again
Expressing a sense of repetition and frustration
So tell me what you want from me
Please clarify your expectations of me
I know you want the best for me
I understand your desire for my well-being
But I could use some help to see
I could benefit from guidance and support
Where I'm supposed to go
Determining the right path for me is uncertain
‘Cause this is not where I wanna be
I am dissatisfied with my current situation
I'm reading books about turning it around
I am seeking advice on how to make positive changes
And I'm calling everyone I know in and out of town
I am reaching out to friends and acquaintances near and far
It helps to keep me on solid ground, but it's a cry for help
These actions provide temporary stability, yet indicate a plea for assistance
A few laughs to dim the pain spells
Finding moments of humor to alleviate emotional distress
I've felt this way for far too long
This state of mind has persisted for an extended period
And I just keep waiting till it's gone
I continue to hope for a resolution without taking action
I know you think it's a shame to carry on re-living that mess
You believe it's unfortunate to continue dwelling on past mistakes
But I do my best
Regardless, I exert my utmost effort
So tell me what you want from me
Please communicate your desires and expectations
I know you want the best for me
I am aware of your genuine concern for my well-being
But I could use some help to see
However, I require assistance in gaining clarity
‘Cause I don't know where I'm going
Because I am uncertain of my destination
Or who I'm gonna be
Nor am I sure of the person I will become
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
sapphiretaurus
I've never heard this one before, and it's superb! Thanks for posting it.
Sid Clark
Lots of Buddy Holly influence here, and sounding good. The guitar voicing and rhythm is a solid early Beatles sound, and a treat to hear.
Carol Runham
What a great song the 60s were great