Born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero in Newark's Italian Down Neck or Ironbound section of Newark, New Jersey neighbourhood, she is considered the most prolific and popular female rock 'n' roll hit-maker of the early rock era -- the late 1950s to the early 1960s. After an appearance on Startime, Francis was advised to change her name from Franconero to something more easily pronounceable, as well as to quit the accordion and focus on singing.
Francis' first single "Freddy" (1955) met with little success. Her next nine singles were also failures, and she began considering a career in medicine; however, "Who's Sorry Now" (a cover version of a 1923 song) launched her into super-stardom worldwide. Francis recorded the song at what was to have been her final recording session for MGM, as the label was about to drop her since her previous singles had generated little activity. She has said (paraphrased from The Billboard Book of Number One Singles by Fred Bronson) that she recorded it at the suggestion of her father, who convinced her it stood a chance of becoming a hit because it was a song adults already knew and that teenagers would dance to if it were released with a more contemporary arrangement.
The gamble paid off. In April 1958, "Who's Sorry Now" reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart (number four in the USA); in 2000, it was named one of the Songs of the Century. On January 1, 1958, she debuted it on Dick Clark's American Bandstand television show; by mid-year over a million copies were sold. This was followed by many other hits over the next decade, as Connie Francis became one of the most popular vocalists in the world.
Francis specialized in downbeat ballads delivered in her trademark "sobbing" style -- such as "My Happiness," "I'm Sorry I Made You Cry," "Among My Souvenirs," "Together," "Breakin' In a Brand New Broken Heart," and the Italian song "Mama," many of which were remakes of old standards. However, she also had success with a handful of more upbeat, rock-and-roll-oriented compositions, such as "Stupid Cupid," "Lipstick On Your Collar," and "Vacation." Among her other notable performances were "In the Summer of His Years" (a tribute to slain U.S. President John F. Kennedy) and Bert Kaempfert's "Strangers In The Night" (although the latter song is more identified with Frank Sinatra). Both "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" and "My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own" went to No.1 on the Billboard music charts in 1960. In 1962 she had another No.1 hit with "Don't Break the Heart That Loves You."
Francis recorded in nine languages during her career, including English, Italian, French, Spanish, German, and even Japanese, and remade many of her hits in foreign languages, including "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" and her signature song, "Where the Boys Are." In fact, her biggest hit album in the U.S. was 1960's Italian Favorites, and she followed it with several more albums of Italian songs over the years, as well as collections of Spanish-language and Jewish songs, among others.
"Where The Boys Are," one of many Neil Sedaka/Howard Greenfield compositions Francis recorded during her career (others included "Stupid Cupid" and "Everybody's Somebody's Fool"), gained wide exposure through its inclusion in the 1960 motion picture with the same title. Francis had a role in the film and sang the title song. During the first half of the 1960s she starred in three additional films -- Follow the Boys (1963) (the title song of which became a No. 17 Billboard single for Francis), Looking for Love (1964) and When the Boys Meet the Girls (1965).
In 1960 Francis became the youngest headliner to sing in Las Vegas, where she played 28 days a year for nine years. In 1961 she was successful in starring in her own television special on ABC television sponsored by Brylcreem titled Kicking Sound Around, singing and acting along-side Tab Hunter, Eddie Foy Jr. and Art Carney. She appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show on July 1, 1962 with French singing star Johnny Hallyday in a show that was taped at the famous Moulin Rouge nightclub in Paris, France. On July 3, 1963 she played a Command performance before Queen Elizabeth II at the Alhambra Theatre in Glasgow, Scotland. By 1967, she had 35 U.S. Top 40 hits, and three number ones.
Connie Francis has always been a great fan of country music and recorded several albums of country standards during her pop career. In 1969 she had a modest country hit with "The Wedding Cake" and made the country charts again in 1982 with "There's Still a Few Good Love Songs Left in Me." Several country singers found chart success remaking Francis' pop hits for the country market, including Marie Osmond ("Who's Sorry Now" in 1975), Susan Raye ("My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own" in 1972), Margo Smith ("Don't Break The Heart That Loves You" in 1978), and Debby Boone.
During the height of the Vietnam War in 1967, Connie Francis performed for U.S. troops.
Francis ended her recording career in 1969. She returned in 1973 with "The Answer," a song written just for her, and soon began performing again. Her son Joey was born in 1974. Tragedies followed soon after. In 1974 she was sexually assaulted in a hotel following a performance in Westbury, New York. Nasal surgery to correct a sensitivity to air conditioning deprived her of her ability to sing professionally for four years. Her brother was murdered in 1981.
Francis' autobiography, Who's Sorry Now? was published in 1984. Francis was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a mental disease which includes severe depressions and manic highs. She uses the drug Lithium to balance out the emotional highs and lows caused by the disease. Connie Francis resumed her career in 1989 after discovering the drug and has continued singing and recording since then. Francis still holds a world-wide appeal shown through continued music sales and sold-out appearances.
Her latest CD The American Tour contains performances from recent shows. In late December 2004, Francis headlined in Las Vegas for the first time since 1989.
In March of 2007, Francis performed to a sold-out crowd -- composed of gay urbanites and conservative suburbanites -- in San Francisco. The "little diva" belted out versions of her "woebegone ballads . . . in full force," according to the San Franciso Chronicle's music critic.
Connie's fan club: www.conniefrancis.com
Second Hand Love
Connie Francis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And even when we kiss that she's the one you're thinking of
I guess it's true 'cause once or twice you called me by her name
I need you so but now I know that you don't feel the same
It's all over town, you've put me down
A second hand love, a second hand love
Though late at night I sit alone and count the tears that fall
My friends all say I'm better off if we should drift apart
But every day I hope and pray I'll be first in your heart
It's all over town, you've put me down
I'm a second hand love, a second hand love
Just a second hand love, a second hand love
The lyrics of Connie Francis's "Second Hand Love" describe the feelings of a woman who is in love with a man who loves someone else. Despite the fact that he often calls her by the other woman's name and it's known around town, she prefers to have this small piece of him rather than not have him at all. She sits alone at night, counting the tears that fall and hoping every day that she'll be first in his heart. The lyrics are bittersweet, showcasing the pain of unrequited love and the desperation to hold on to what little love she can get.
The repetition of "second hand love" throughout the chorus highlights the woman's sense of being disposable and replaceable, as if she is only a temporary fix until the man's true love comes back around. This presents a sad reality for many people who give their hearts to someone who can't or won't reciprocate fully. Despite this, the woman's love endures, showing the power of their connection even if it's not ideal.
Line by Line Meaning
They tell me that there's someone else you really truly love
People have informed me that you are in love with someone else.
And even when we kiss that she's the one you're thinking of
During our kisses, you are thinking about the person you truly love.
I guess it's true 'cause once or twice you called me by her name
I suppose it's true because you have accidentally referred to me by her name a few times.
I need you so but now I know that you don't feel the same
Although I crave your love, I have come to accept that you don't feel the same way about me.
It's all over town, you've put me down
Everyone knows about our situation and you have caused me emotional distress.
A second hand love, a second hand love
I am experiencing a love that is not reciprocated, it feels like I'm just a backup plan.
Though late at night I sit alone and count the tears that fall
During late hours, I'm alone and crying over our troubled relationship.
I'd rather have this kind of love than not see you at all
I would choose to endure this type of relationship rather than cutting ties with you completely.
My friends all say I'm better off if we should drift apart
People who care about me believe that it would be healthier for me to end things with you.
But every day I hope and pray I'll be first in your heart
Despite our situation and what others say, I still hope and pray to be the one who holds the biggest place in your heart.
Just a second hand love, a second hand love
I am still feeling like a second choice in your eyes, and our love feels one-sided.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: HANK HUNTER, PHIL SPECTOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rick Eden
This has always been my favorite Connie Francis song. And there are SO MANY to choose from. It's the perfect Connie Francis song. She brings a huge smile to my face whenever I hear her. The one and only!
jakre10
One of my favorite country type songs that Connie did. She was the most versatile singer ever
Jorge Mario Rodas
I always liked Connie Francis as she could really sing with feeling. I was one of her fans in those days. And what is more, her songs are still good to hear so many years later.
Walt Eb
Hi Jorge Mario Rodas, yes, I agree. Connie is simly the best, thanks for the comment. Walt
George May
Connie backed by Floyd Cramer on piano , the Jordanaires' vocals , and the rest of Nashville's "A Team". What a sound !
Walt Eb
+George May
Hey George,
is one of the best songs ever, thanks for checking it out. THX
luis grant
Produce by Phil Spector
George May
In spite of the horrible way Phil Spector's career came to an end , we should all remember what a huge contribution he made to our music history .
Rene LeClerc
Yes, George, the so-called "Nashville Sound" was the big thing in the early 60s, and Connie wanted to tap into it. She did so quite successfully.
Rebel Racer
Well I now have a new favorite Connie Francis song. Four Stars! One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. Thanks so much for posting it.