The band personnel were drummer Jerry Allison, bassist Joe B. Mauldin, and rhythm guitarist Niki Sullivan. Sullivan dropped out within less than two years of touring and recording. He wasn't comfortable with the amount of traveling and to a lesser extent, he didn't fit in with Jerry and Joe. For the same reason, Jerry and Joe were not backing Holly after he moved to NYC. The big move was the real reason why the Crickets broke up, but Holly was not daunted by the breakup; he gained a new back-up band with Tommy Allsup and Waylon Jennings on the tour shortly after the Crickets folded. But after about 4 months, due to fans' mail and the band feeling nostalgic, a reunion was planned to start with all the original Crickets after Holly's winter tour through the northern mid-west was completed. It was on that tour that Holly was killed in a plane crash.
Rave On
Buddy Holly & The Crickets Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The little things you say and do
Make me want to be with you
Rave on, it's a crazy feelin' and
I know it's got me reelin'
When you say, I love you
Rave on
The way you kiss and say goodnight
Rave on, it's a crazy feelin'
And I know it's got me reelin'
When you say, I love you
Rave on
Well rave on, it's a crazy feelin'
And I know, it's got me reelin'
I'm so glad, that you're revealin'
Your love for me
Rave on, rave on and tell me
Tell me, not to be lonely
Tell me, you love me only
Rave on to me
Well rave on, it's a crazy feelin'
And I know, it's got me reelin'
I'm so glad, that you're revealin'
Your love for me
Rave on, rave on and tell me
Tell me, not to be lonely
Tell me, you love me only
Rave on to me
In Buddy Holly’s song “Rave On”, he expresses his love and admiration for someone through the little things that they say and do. The lyrics indicate that just the mere presence of this person creates a “crazy feeling” that leaves him “reeling”. He proceeds to describe how their dancing, holding, kissing and saying goodnight has him in a spell and craving more. Holly affirms his appreciation for this person and their love for him through the repetition of “rave on” and “tell me” which serves as a call and response that encapsulates his emotions towards her.
The overall theme of the song is that the singer has found someone that he truly loves and that they return that love. He is overwhelmed by his emotions and is so grateful that this person is in his life. The upbeat and catchy melody of the song highlights the jubilant and euphoric feelings that come with having someone to love.
Line by Line Meaning
Well
Starting the song with an affirmation
The little things you say and do
Your small acts and words appeal to me
Make me want to be with you
Entices me to crave your company
Rave on, it's a crazy feelin' and
An ecstatic sensation that takes over
I know it's got me reelin'
I truly cannot contain my excitement
When you say, I love you
Hearing your expression of love makes me crazy
Rave on
Celebrate wildly
The way you dance and hold me tight
Your dance moves and embrace keeps me warm
The way you kiss and say goodnight
Your goodnight kiss leaves me longing for more
Rave on, it's a crazy feelin'
An electrifying feeling that thrills me
And I know it's got me reelin'
It fills me up with intense energy
When you say, I love you
Your words of love leaves me breathless
Rave on
Keep on the celebrations
Well rave on, it's a crazy feelin'
Celebrating harder with passion
And I know, it's got me reelin'
The excitement is out of control
I'm so glad, that you're revealing'
Thankful for your demonstration of feelings
Your love for me
Your affection for me
Rave on, rave on and tell me
Party harder and express your thoughts
Tell me, not to be lonely
Conveying to me not to be alone
Tell me, you love me only
Expressing the love exclusively for me
Rave on to me
Party and celebrate with me
Well rave on, it's a crazy feelin'
Starting the final verse with even more enthusiasm
And I know, it's got me reelin'
The feeling of the moment is overwhelming
I'm so glad, that you're revealing'
Happy that you are open about your feelings
Your love for me
Your affection for me
Rave on, rave on and tell me
Repeating the command to celebrate and express
Tell me, not to be lonely
Comfort me and assure me of your presence
Tell me, you love me only
Promise that your love is mine alone
Rave on to me
Keep celebrating with me
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Bill Tilghman, Norman Petty, Sunny West
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@michaelmendel4004
I’m Nearing 75 years old and it brings me to tears when I listen to Buddy Holly… a pop icon…fantastic music….WE MISS YOU BUDDY !
@ivanladic9796
me to000
@dianemontefusco6314
Also almost 75...Warched The Buddy Holly Story tonight....cried for the last 5 minutes
@BrunoSilva-rn2oq
Greatings from Portugal
@andypaulus9420
He passed away exactly 7 days before I was born in 1959. I went to the surf ballroom and to the crash site this past summer and you felt a real connection there. A sad one too. Without Buddy Holly we would not have the Beatles
@nathankluttz2015
Yeah me too. Such a tragic story! R.I.P. Buddy
@ericcrawford7207
Buddy Holly, the original punk rocker
@florptytoo
I'm 41. Grew up with my grandfather blasting him. I'm still in love with Buddy Holly.
@ankakya
I have no wedding plans for now; but one day, my wedding day- I will dance to Buddy Holly and The Beatles. Everyone will dance.
@shaggynwhitt6672
My Mom (God rest her soul) who was born in 37 and was a Hugh Elvis fan always said Buddy Holly if he lived would of been bigger then Elvis,I believe she was right.