In 1960, the group known as The Four Lovers evolved into The Four Seasons. Its initial line-up featured Frankie Valli as the lead singer, Bob Gaudio (formerly of The Royal Teens) on keyboards and tenor vocals, Tommy DeVito on lead guitar and baritone vocals, and Nick Massi on bass guitar and bass vocals. Massi was replaced in 1965 by Charles Calello, who was in turn replaced later in 1965 by Joe Long on bass guitar and bass vocals.
Frankie Valli and Tommy DeVito had previously performed with Nick DeVito (Tommy's twin brother) alongside Hank Majewski as the aforementioned Four Lovers. As stated before, the Four Seasons released their first hit, titled "Sherry", in 1962. Under the guidance of producer and songwriter Bob Crewe, The Four Seasons followed up "Sherry" with several well-remembered hits, including "Big Girls Don't Cry", "Dawn", "Walk Like a Man", "Candy Girl" and "Save It for Me". Nick Massi left the Four Seasons in 1965 and was replaced by Joe Long, who became the mainstay on bass and backup vocals until 1976. Several more Top 10 singles followed, including "Let's Hang On", "Working My Way Back To You", "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" and "C'mon Marianne"; but by late 1967, the group's popularity was deteriorating, as public interest moved towards rock with a harder edge and more socially conscious lyrics. The group would, however, enjoy a brief revival in their popularity in the mid-1970s, with the hits "Who Loves You", "Swearin' to God" and their last number one hit "December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)". Don Ciccone was a member of the Four Seasons in 1976 and was lead vocal on several songs, such as "Slip Away", "Let's Get It Right" and "Rhapsody". He played lead guitar.
The Four Seasons (group members 1961-1965) were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. Jersey Boys, a musical play based on the lives of The Four Seasons, directed by Des McAnuff (The Who's Tommy, 700 Sundays) premiered at his La Jolla (California) Playhouse and opened on Broadway on November 6, 2005 to generally positive reviews. It won 2006 Tony Awards for Best Leading and Featured Actor in a Musical won by John Lloyd Young & Christian Hoff, Best Light Design in a Musical and Best Musical.
The group's music was one of many influences to the Jersey Shore sound of the 1970's and 1980's. However, by the 1980s, Frankie Valli was the only original group member left. Frankie Valli still tours today, performing many of The Four Seasons classic songs. Nick Massi died in 2000 of cancer. Despite Joe Long's extensive contributions to The Four Seasons, Joe Long remains the only member of the group's “definitive line-up” not inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, most likely because he was not in the original group. Much controversy still exists over this decision, especially in light of the many top-10 hits the group had during his tenure.
Sincerely
Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons Lyrics
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'Cause I love you so dearly, please say you'll be mine
Sincerely, oh you know how I love you
I'll do anything for you, please say you'll be mine
Oh Lord, won't you tell me why
I love that fella so
He doesn't want me
Sincerely, oh you know how I love you
I'll do anything for you, please say you'll be mine
Oh Lord, won't you tell me why
I love that fella so
He doesn't want me
But I'll never never never never let him go!
Sincerely, oh you know how I love you
I'll do anything for you, please say you'll be mine
Please say you'll be mine
The lyrics to "Sincerely" by Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons are a plea for love and affection towards a particular person. The song begins with the singer expressing their love towards their significant other, telling them that they love them so dearly and asking them to be theirs. The repetition of the word "sincerely" emphasizes the seriousness of the singer's feelings, and how they hope that their partner will reciprocate those emotions.
The second half of the song changes tone a bit, as the singer questions why they love someone who doesn't want them back. Despite this, they make it clear that they will never let go of their feelings and desire for this person. The song ends just as it began, with the same plea for their love to be returned.
Overall, the lyrics to "Sincerely" represent the universal theme of unrequited love and the desire for acceptance and reciprocation. The singer's feelings are genuine and heartfelt, and they are willing to do anything for their loved one, even if it means facing rejection.
Line by Line Meaning
Sincerely, oh yes, sincerely
I am truly sincere and genuine when I express my love.
'Cause I love you so dearly, please say you'll be mine
I care about you deeply and truly, and I hope you reciprocate those feelings.
Sincerely, oh you know how I love you
I am honest and truthful in expressing my love for you.
I'll do anything for you, please say you'll be mine
I am willing to go to great lengths and make sacrifices to have you in my life.
Oh Lord, won't you tell me why
I am questioning the reason for my strong and persistent feelings for this person.
I love that fella so
I have strong feelings of love for this person.
He doesn't want me
This person does not feel the same way for me.
But I'll never never never never let him go!
Despite their lack of reciprocation, I cannot and will not let go of my feelings for them.
Please say you'll be mine
I am pleading for this person to give our relationship a chance.
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: SOPHIA BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind