In 1961 he wrote "Travelin' Man" which, although originally intended for Sam Cooke, was recorded by Ricky Nelson and went on to sell some 6 million copies worldwide. Fuller went on to write 23 of Nelson's recordings, including "A Wonder Like You", "Young World", and "It's Up To You", all of which made the US Top 10.
He then spent some time touring as a featured singer with The Champs, whose other members included Glen Campbell, Jimmy Seals, and Dash Crofts, before a period in the US Army. On his return in 1963, Challenge/Four Star moved him to New York to run their east coast operation. There, he discovered garage band The Knickerbockers, and wrote their 1965 hit "Lies".[1]
In 1967, he moved to Columbia Records as a producer. His first discovery was Gary Puckett and The Union Gap, who he found in a San Diego bowling alley lounge. The group had a succession of hits, including "Young Girl" (a UK #1), "Lady Willpower", and "Over You", all three both written and produced by Fuller. He also produced The Peanut Butter Conspiracy, and jazz singer O. C. Smith for whom he produced the hits "Son Of Hickory Holler's Tramp" and "Little Green Apples".[1]
In 1970 he started his own Moonchild production company, producing the hit "Show and Tell" for Al Wilson.
Tennessee Waltz
Jerry Fuller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With my baby
To the Tenne Tennessee Waltz
When an old friend
I happened I happened to see
I introduced him
To my baby
My friend stole my baby from me
Well I remember remember that night
And that Tennessee Waltz
Well only you know just how much how much I've lost
Well, I lost her, I lost my baby
The night the night that they were playin'
That beautiful Tennessee Waltz
[BRIDGE]
Well I remember remember that night
And that Tennessee Waltz
Well only you know, just how much how much I've lost
Well I lost I lost my baby
The night, the night that they were playin'
That beautiful Tennessee Waltz
Hmmm, hmmm, hmmmm, Tennessee Waltz
Hmmm, hmmm, hmmmm, Tennessee Waltz
The lyrics of Jerry Fuller's song Tennessee Waltz tell the story of a heartbroken man who lost his lover to an old friend while they were dancing to the song. The first verse sets the scene of the dance floor where the man and his lover are enjoying themselves. However, the situation changes when he runs into an old friend and introduces him to his lover. While the man and his friend were dancing, the friend steals the man's lover from him, leaving him alone and heartbroken.
The chorus repeats the sentiment of how much the man has lost, with the Tennessee Waltz providing a bitter reminder of the moment he lost his lover. The second verse reiterates this heartbreak and the significance of the song in his loss. The bridge between the choruses further emphasizes the impact of the situation and how only the man who lost his lover knows how much it truly affected him.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I was dancin', With my baby, To the Tenn Tennessee Waltz
I was dancing with my significant other to the Tennessee Waltz.
When an old friend, I happened I happened to see
I saw an old friend while I was dancing.
I introduced him, To my baby, And while and while they were a-dancin'
I introduced my friend to my significant other, and they started dancing together.
My friend stole my baby from me
My friend took my significant other away from me.
Well I remember remember that night, And that Tennessee Waltz
I still remember that night and the song we were dancing to.
Well only you know just how much how much I've lost
You're the only one who knows how much I've lost.
Well, I lost her, I lost my baby, The night the night that they were playin'
I lost my significant other the night we were dancing to that song.
That beautiful Tennessee Waltz
The song we were dancing to was the beautiful Tennessee Waltz.
Well I remember remember that night, And that Tennessee Waltz
I still remember that night and the song we were dancing to.
Well only you know, just how much how much I've lost
You're the only one who knows how much I've lost.
Well I lost I lost my baby, The night, the night that they were playin'
I lost my significant other the night we were dancing to that song.
That beautiful Tennessee Waltz
The song we were dancing to was the beautiful Tennessee Waltz.
Hmmm, hmmm, hmmmm, Tennessee Waltz
The song continues to play in my head - Tennessee Waltz.
Hmmm, hmmm, hmmmm, Tennessee Waltz
The song continues to play in my head - Tennessee Waltz.
Contributed by Alaina C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Cal
Love Jerry's version and the Bobby Comstock recording, too. Both are great rockers.
joseph roache
Bobby Comstock wins my vote for this song.
Chris Yau
The fast version rock n roll style.
elvis presley
so many versions, just pick the one you like and go with it...
Irene Mccann
Patti Paige is the best at this lovely song.
bob reilly
Connie Francis has a really great cover
nape jack
Uh, what a version!
elvis presley
Direct cover of the Comstock version
Zev Feldman
ROCKER
Daniel Hudelson
Shouldn't I be able to waltz to this song?? Maybe have to pause on every 4th beat on this here...