Charles was born in Paterson, New Jersey, in 1942. Before he sang professionally, he built up quite a local reputation wailing at churches and community functions.
When Charles was 16, his uncle accompanied him to New York City to try his luck at the amateur talent shows held at the Apollo Theater. Surprisingly, Charles won the renowned contest for four consecutive weeks.
Charles' uncle then hooked up his warbling kin with Phil Medley, a jack-of-all-trades who was an accomplished singer, songwriter, producer, and arranger. Impressed by the lad's delivery, Medley cut a demo with Charles singing a song Medley had been trying to place entitled "A Million to One". He got the ear of Bill Lashley, an executive at Promo Records, and played it for him. Promo liked the demo and signed the youngster to a recording contract. They redid Medley's song with the Revellettes backing the singer. The Revellettes were a trio from Paterson New Jersey, and were friends of Jimmy's and included sisters Jackie and Evelyn Kline, and Dottie Hailstock. When the song was recorded, they did 16 takes to get the one they wanted. It was a very hot day in Paterson, and the flip they nailed in just one try. The dreamy ballad ascended to number five on Billboard's Top 100 in September of 1960. It was also released on the London label for both the UK and Australia, and it was pressed on Reo for Canada. The record received worldwide acclaim
His career ended as quickly as it started. "The Age of Love", Charles' next release, stalled at the 47th position, 42 slots lower than "A Million to One". Jimmy Charles also released two Christmas records in 1960. Santa Won't Be Blue This Christmas backed with I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus was the first. The second was Christmasville USA and A Little White Mouse Called Steve. The latter was a record that did receive airplay and is remembered by many , but sadly did not become a national chart hit. A subsequent release called Just Whistle For me failed to attract much attention or airplay either, and his career was quickly over. Jimmy did continue to tour on the strength of A Million To One, well into the 60's. Today, he resides in Texas, and has started singing again when time permits.
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A Million to One
Jimmy Charles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's what our folks think
about this love of ours
A million to one
They say that our love will fade like yesterdays clouds
They're betting everything that our love won't survive
They're hoping in time we'll forget each other lives
A million to one
A million to one
That they've forgotten the dreams that were dreaming of
But we'll forgive them because we love them
after all that's said and done.
There's one in a million
A million to one
A million to one
They say were to young to know the meaning of love
A million to one
That they've forgotten the dreams that were dreaming of
But we'll forgive them because we love them
after all that's said and done.
There's one in a million
A million to one
A million to one, a million to one
The song "A Million to One" by Jimmy Charles talks about the challenges and the doubts surrounding a young love that is being questioned by people around them. The lyrics touch upon issues like age, expectations, and the possibility of loss in a relationship. The fear of losing someone you love because of the people's opinions and expectations can be overwhelming at times, and the song tries to convey this feeling to everyone who listens.
The first line "A million to one, that's what our folks think about this love of ours" sets the tone of the song. It highlights the fact that the people who are close to them don't believe in their love, and they think that it won't work out. The second line "They say that our love will fade like yesterday's clouds" emphasizes the skepticism of the people and how they see the relationship as fleeting.
The third line "They're betting everything that our love won't survive" shows that the people are so sure that the love won't last, that they put money on it. The next line "They're hoping in time, we'll forget each other lives" shows the lack of trust, the people have in the relationship, and how they believe that eventually, they will move on from each other. However, the couple still has faith in their love and believes that it's the one in a million chance that it will work out.
Overall, the song is about love and the tests that it faces from people around us. It's about standing up for your love and trusting your feelings despite the doubts and fears. It teaches us to believe in our love and not get swayed by other people's opinions and doubts.
Line by Line Meaning
A million to one
The odds are stacked against our love lasting.
That's what our folks think
Our families believe that our relationship won't work out.
about this love of ours
They doubt the strength and sincerity of our romantic bond.
They say that our love will fade like yesterdays clouds
Our parents predict that our love will be as fleeting and unsubstantial as yesterday's weather patterns.
They're betting everything that our love won't survive
Our loved ones are willing to risk everything on the belief that our love will not endure.
They're hoping in time we'll forget each other lives
Our families are hoping that we will move on from each other and live separate lives.
They say were to young to know the meaning of love
Our families think that we are not mature enough to understand what love truly is.
That they've forgotten the dreams that were dreaming of
Our parents might have forgotten the passion and desires from their younger years.
But we'll forgive them because we love them
We will forgive our families for not fully understanding and supporting our relationship because we still love them.
after all that's said and done.
Despite all the doubts and concerns, we are committed to each other.
There's one in a million
Our love might be rare and statistically improbable, but it still exists.
A million to one
The odds are still not in our favor, but we are determined to make our love work.
A million to one, a million to one
The odds may seem insurmountable, but we believe that our love is worth fighting for.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PHIL MEDLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Elaine Sinclair
This song is the best!!! I am 72 yrs young and I still get teary eyed when I hear it. Million to One has so much feeling in the words it is amazing :)
AL UR PAL
woke up with this song on my mind, remembering the love of my life and how parents tried to keep us apart, got me drying as soon as it started to play.
Sandra Ayers
I'm 77 and I remember how much I loved this song! I'm so glad to hear it again!!!
john desmond
This song is timeless!
Too bad a lot of people don't appreciate older
music. They don't know what they're missing!
Sandra Ayers
You are so right!
Brandon Borrego - Videography and Color Grading
Had a conversation with Jimmy today. He works at a golf course in San Antonio now when he's not touring. He's such a nice and understanding man. It's so great to see that he is still appreciated by everyone to this day. I'm only 25, but I respect the hell out of this music. Jimmy and I were laughing about some of the artists today that get the attention they don't necessarily deserve. One thing is for sure though. Jimmy Charles deserved it and I'm glad he's still getting it👍🏾
Sandra Ayers
Jimmy's music was wonderful! I'm 77 and I remember this song like it was yesterday! They donated music like this anymore!
Barbara Smith
I love this song it meant the world to me since I was a youngster my husband and I made this bow to each other 61 years ago. I’m so glad I heard this and we live fire we showed him didn’t we S
Imi 2:16 2023
Barbara Smith
❤we made it My darling Dave❤ I love you from head to toe Heart and Soul 5/30/2023 2:28
Cindy Weir
Well, if you ever see Jimmy again, you tell him that this song stole a young girl‘s heart from the first time she ever heard it. It’s just the best.💗🌹🔥🔥🔥