After Be-Bop-A-Lula had become a huge hit in 1956 (peaking at #7 and spending 20 weeks in the Billboard Pop Chart), Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps (often mis-named as 'the' Blue Caps) were unable to follow it up with the same level of commercial success, but released critically acclaimed songs like Race With The Devil (#96 in Billboard) and Bluejean Bop (#49).
Following a visit to Europe in 1959, Vincent managed to attract a new huge and discerning audience there, especially in England and France. By that time his career had mostly ended in the US. In 1960, while on tour in Britain, Vincent and songwriter Sharon Sheeley were seriously injured in a high-speed traffic accident. Vincent broke his ribs, collarbone, and added further damage to his already weak leg which he had injured in a motorcycle accident in 1955 and refused to have amputated, and Sheeley suffered a broken pelvis. Both Vincent and Sheeley survived, but the accident killed Vincent's tourmate and Sheeley's fiancé, Eddie Cochran.
Vincent subsequently moved to England in 1963. His stage shows became "must see" events and his bands through those years were to spawn some of the most respected players in the world today. It was during his early tours of Britain that he adopted the trademark leather outfit, at the suggestion of British Rock 'n' Roll impressario, Jack Good.
Keep It a Secret
Gene Vincent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Keep it a secret whatever you do.
Why should you tell me and break my poor heart?
Then foolish pride would just drive us apart.
If you see my darling in some rendezvous,
Painting the town with a girl he once knew,
Pay no attention and just let it be,
But keep it a secret from me.
The lyrics of Gene Vincent's song Keep It a Secret seems to address the heartbreak of seeing a loved one with someone else. The opening line, "If you see my darling with somebody new," suggests that the singer is aware that his/her lover may be seeing someone else. The plea to "Keep it a secret whatever you do" shows that the singer is not yet ready to face the truth, perhaps out of fear of losing their lover.
However, the lyrics reveal the vulnerability and pain that the singer is going through. They ask, "Why should you tell me and break my poor heart?" acknowledging the possibility that the truth may be too painful to bear. At the same time, the lyrics also suggest that the singer may be holding onto hope of reconciliation, as "foolish pride would just drive us apart."
The second verse expands on the idea, urging the listener not to "pay attention and just let it be." The singer understands that their lover may be with someone they once knew, suggesting a past history between them. The final line, "But keep it a secret from me," shows that despite everything, the singer is not ready to face the truth and would rather remain in the dark for the time being.
Line by Line Meaning
If you see my darling with somebody new,
If you happen to cross paths with my love interest beside another individual,
Keep it a secret whatever you do.
Do not inform me of what you have witnessed, and instead refrain from telling anyone else about this occurrence as well.
Why should you tell me and break my poor heart?
There is no sound reason for you to inform me since it would only cause me severe emotional pain and distress, making me feel miserable.
Then foolish pride would just drive us apart.
Moreover, if you do let me know about it, pride may compel me to push away from both you and my beloved, thereby putting a strain on our relationship as well.
If you see my darling in some rendezvous,
If you spot my significant other enjoying time with someone else in a romantic meeting,
Painting the town with a girl he once knew,
or exploring the city with a former female acquaintance of his,
Pay no attention and just let it be,
You should not pay much attention to it and avoid involving yourself in their affairs,
But keep it a secret from me.
Most importantly, do not disclose any of this information to me, and keep it quiet and confidential.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: JESSIE MAE ROBINSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Juan Setien
Voz de ángel.
Increíble.
babyblueLEGEND
some day, someone will make a movie about this great american talent, i only hope that it is made by someone who loves him and tells a true story. [not like that holywood nonsense CADILLAC RECORDS....when he sings soft and low,man! R.I.P. SWEET GENE...
Gary Elliott
First class ballad by the man with a velvet voice.
Featureman
Gene was great with ballads. I miss his music.
Gérard Briffoteaux-Fleury
Quelle voix !!!
old65rocker
Great choice, good singer of ballads always underrated for his ballad singing. I was fortunate enough to Gene a few times live a great stage act rockin and rolling, then he would suddenly stop gaze into the air, and come out with a ballad such as that, I have to say over the rainbow is my fav, but this would be my second . Well done keep it up.
jjkoekemoer
Beautifull, thanks for sharing
Erkele
Precious!!!
bon1042
I loved Gene Vincent, Be Bop A Lula as a teenager. I don't know where I was or where these ballads were, don't remember radio play in '50's early '60's. I want to download some of them, esp Lonely Street, the best version posted here by John1948 I think.
old65rocker
@rockabillygaz Oh YES