They were hired on the spot, audiences at Disneyland quickly accepting them and loving their good-time image, and the Playboys were soon playing to a full house every night. Band leader Les Brown had known Jerry Lewis for years, and he told record producer Snuff Garrett that the younger Lewis was playing at Disneyland. After listening to the band, Garrett liked their sound and thought using Gary's famous name might sell tons of records. Garrett took them into a recording studio with the song "This Diamond Ring" in a session financed by Jerry Lewis' wife Patti. However, according to Lewis, the Playboys weren’t allowed to play their instruments except on the backing tracks.
Garrett wanted to maximize the chances for a hit, so he insisted on using experienced studio musicians for the overdubs, which included guitar and keyboard solos, additional bass and drum overdubs, and timpani. These musicians included Tommy Allsup on guitar, Leon Russell on keyboards, Joe Osborn on bass, and Hal Blaine on drums. Session singer Ron Hicklin did the basic vocal track. Garrett then added Gary’s voice twice, added some of the Playboys and more of Hicklin. "When I got through, he sounded like Mario Lanza," Garrett commented.
Regarding the musicians who performed on "This Diamond Ring" and other tracks by the band, Gary Lewis told Songfacts, "The Playboys played on every track we ever did, the Wrecking Crew did solos and overdubs. I sang every song myself and had a backup singer that sang only harmonies with me. My producer Snuff Garrett can back up everything I've told you, and so can Leon Russell, who was the arranger of everything I did."
Garrett got airplay in New York City for "This Diamond Ring" by making a deal with WINS disc jockey Murray the K Kaufman, who ran a series of all-star concerts at theaters around the New York area, promising that if he played Lewis’ record, the Playboys would do his shows. Garrett then had Jerry Lewis use his contacts to get his son onto 'The Ed Sullivan Show', which often 'made' an artist. However, Sullivan had a general policy that all acts appearing on his show were to perform live (although one of his frequent guests, The Dave Clark Five, had lip-synched from their second appearance on, in early 1964). Since so many studio tricks had been used on the record, the Playboys could not re-create its sound. In compromise, Lewis sang along with pre-recorded tracks as the Playboys pretended to play their instruments. The January 1965 broadcast made Gary Lewis and the Playboys instant stars.
"This Diamond Ring" went all the way to #1, and pressing plants reportedly could not keep up with initial demand for the record. Successful touring and persistent airplay has made the tune a part of 60s music history, appearing in many multi-artist collections. However, only West and Lewis remained in the band by the end of 1965. Other members later included Tommy Tripplehorn (father of actress Jeanne Tripplehorn), Carl Radle, Jimmy Karstein, Dave Gonzalez, and "Myke".
In 1965, Gary Lewis was deemed 'Cash Box' magazine's "Male Vocalist of the Year," winning against nominees Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. As a testament to his group's success, his was also the only 60s artist to have its seven single releases reach Billboard magazine's Top 10 on the Hot 100 chart (with "Count Me In" (#2), "Save Your Heart for Me" (#2), "Everybody Loves a Clown" (#4), "She's Just My Style" (#3), "Sure Gonna Miss Her" (#9), and "Green Grass" (#8) all hitting the upper reaches of the chart). Lewis was drafted into the U.S. Army in January 1967 and discharged in 1968. He immediately returned to recording but was unable to regain his group's earlier momentum. Lewis continued touring, eventually marketing the band as a nostalgia act.
In total, Gary Lewis and his band has had eight gold singles, 17 top 40 hits, and four gold albums. In addition to playing on 'The Ed Sullivan Show', he appeared on 'American Bandstand', 'Shindig!', 'Hullabaloo', 'The Sally Jessy Raphaël Show', 'The Tonight Show', 'The Mike Douglas Show', 'Nashville Now', and Wolfman Jack's famous program. Gary Lewis has also appeared and performed on many of his father's Labor Day telethons for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Save Your Heart for Me
Gary Lewis & The Playboys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Have yourself a summer fling or two
But remember I'm in love with you and
Save your heart for me
When the summer moon is on the rise
And you're dancin' under starlit skies
Please don't let stars get in your eyes, just
When you're all alone, far away from home
Someone's gonna flirt with you
I won't think it's wrong if you play along
Just don't fall for someone new
When the autumn winds begin to blow
And the summertime is long ago
You'll be in my arms again I know, so
Save your heart for me
Darlin', save your heart for me
Please remember I'm in love with you, so
Save your heart for me
Darlin', save your heart for me
The lyrics of Gary Lewis & The Playboys's song Save Your Heart for Me portray the singer's request to someone he loves deeply to save her heart for him despite enjoying her summer with someone else. The opening line of the song, which prompts the subject to have a summer fling or two, may seem contradictory to the central theme of the song because the singer later expresses his love and desire for his subject's devotion. However, it could symbolize the distance between the couple or the singer's encouragement to his subject to live her life without the fear of restrictions.
The singer acknowledges the possibility of distance between him and his subject, creating a sense of insecurity for him. He also demonstrates his trust and respect towards his subject, allowing her to enjoy her time while away from him, but also reminding her of his love for her. Later in the song, the singer's request shifts from a plea to a demand as he urges his subject to remember that he is still in love with her and to save her heart for him.
Overall, the song portrays the emotions of vulnerability, trust, respect, and love that are often intertwined in romantic relationships. The lyrics highlight the willingness to put the other person's needs first and the importance of staying loyal throughout the highs and lows of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Walk along the lake with someone new
It's okay to spend time with someone else, but don't forget about me
Have yourself a summer fling or two
Enjoy your summer, have fun and make memories
But remember I'm in love with you and
Keep in mind my feelings for you
Save your heart for me
Don't give your heart to someone else, keep it for our relationship
When the summer moon is on the rise
During those summer nights where the moon is shining bright
And you're dancin' under starlit skies
While you're dancing with someone else under the stars
Please don't let stars get in your eyes, just
Don't let those moments make you lose sight of our love
Save your heart for me
Keep your heart set on us
When you're all alone, far away from home
If you're ever far and lonely
Someone's gonna flirt with you
Someone will try to catch your attention
I won't think it's wrong if you play along
It's okay to have fun, as long as you don't cross the line
Just don't fall for someone new
Avoid getting emotionally attached to someone else
When the autumn winds begin to blow
As the summer comes to an end and the leaves start to fall
And the summertime is long ago
After the summer memories have faded
You'll be in my arms again I know, so
We'll be reunited and together again
Save your heart for me
Keep your heart reserved for our relationship
Darlin', save your heart for me
Sweetheart, hold onto your heart just for me
Please remember I'm in love with you, so
Always keep in mind how much I love you
Save your heart for me
Keep your heart devoted to us
Darlin', save your heart for me
My love, hold onto your heart just for me
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gary Geld, Peter Udell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Donde pone el ojo, pone la bala.
Walk along the lake with someone new
Have yourself a summer fling or two
But remember I'm in love with you and
Save your heart for me
When the summer moon is on the rise
And you're dancin' under starlit skies
Please don't let stars get in your eyes, just
Save your heart for me
When you're all alone, far away from home
Someone's gonna flirt with you
I won't think it's wrong if you play along
Just don't fall for someone new
When the autumn winds begin to blow
And the summertime is long ago
You'll be in my arms again I know, so
Save your heart for me
Darlin', save your heart for me
Please remember I'm in love with you so
Save your heart for me
Darlin', save your heart for me
Alexis Kaye
One of the best songs in the world. Growing up, my dad sang this song to me every night before I went to bed... he suffered a stroke last week and I was able to sing this song in his ear while he was rushed into the hospital. "Save Your Heart For Me" has brought so much comfort in my life and for this I will always thank Gary Lewis & The Playboys. :)
Harry Follick
Very nice to hear how this song has been a source of enjoyment and comfort. I also derive much pleasant sentiment from this song.
tyler denaro
Yes
I love this song so much
Garrett Davis
Tears baby, tears.
miguel angel rodriguez
¡ALEXIS, YOU CAN BE SURE THAT GOD BLESS YOU ALL YOUR LIFE....!!! M.A.R. - ARGENTINA -
K P
Blessings to you. I've always loved this song, too. All their songs are wonderful memories ❤
John Stone
This song is so sweet and innocent sounding, I can't imagine anyone doing something like this these days. A bygone era.
Harry Follick
I like that comment by John. Well stated. Eight years ago? This is the first time I see it.
Peter Smithyy
@Sincopare which sucks
Sincopare
John Stone I do believe you can find it, but not on commercial radio stations.