In 1957 while still in high school, Tillotson was making records and performing on stage; as a student at the University of Florida, he had his own musical variety show on regional television. Following graduation in 1959 with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Communications, he signed with Cadence Records and moved to New York City to pursue his music career. In 1960, he recorded his first hit, a composition entitled "Poetry in Motion" (written by Anthony/Kaufman), that went to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and #1 on the UK Singles Chart.
A "crossover" artist, several of Tillotson's songs were successful on both the country music charts and pop charts. He earned a Grammy Award nomination for another of his own compositions, "It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin," and also for the song "Heartaches by the Number," nominated for Best Vocal Performance of 1965. He also appeared in the 1963 film "Just for Fun" and sang the theme song for the 1965 Sally Field television comedy "Gidget".
In a career spanning more than 40 years, Tillotson has recorded 26 singles that made it onto Billboard's charts, and performed at venues across the United States and other places around the globe.
He was featured in the 1966 camp comedy The Fat Spy starring Jayne Mansfield, Jack E. Leonard, Phyllis Diller, Brian Donlevy and Jordan Christopher & the Wild Ones. This film was featured in the 2004 documentary The 50 Worst Movies Ever Made (#46).
Then I'll Count Again
Johnny Tillotson Lyrics
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But now you've upped and left me and I think it's time you learn
If you're not back here in my arms by the time I'll count to ten
Well I'll wait just a little while then I'll count again
When you were mine I had you like a puppet on a string
So now you'd better listen cause I'll tell you one more thing
If you're lips aren't next to mine by the time I'll count to ten
I'll count the lonely hours and days that I was blind
I'll count the things I'll do to make you change your mind
I'll give you love and kindness and I'll buy you presents too
I'll try so hard to always make you happy when you're blue
So if you're not back here in my arms by the time I'll count to ten
Well I'll wait just a little while then I'll count again
Yes I'll wait just a little while then I'll count again
The lyrics of Johnny Tillotson's song "Then I'll Count Again" tell the story of a person who has always had the upper hand in their relationship. However, their partner has left them and they realize that they may have taken their love for granted. The singer vows to make things right and promises to do everything in their power to win their partner back. They state that if their partner is not back in their arms by the time they count to ten, they will wait a little while, and then count again.
The song seems to be about the power dynamics in relationships and the realization that it is easy to take someone for granted when they are always there. The singer acknowledges their past mistakes and hopes to make things right with their partner by offering love, kindness, and even presents. The counting in the song adds a sense of urgency and emphasizes the singer's determination to win their partner back.
Interestingly, despite the song's melancholy lyrics, it features an upbeat melody and a catchy, almost optimistic rhythm. Tillotson's voice is clear and powerful, and the instrumentation is lively and fun. The song was released in 1965, during the height of the British Invasion, and it stands out as a classic example of American pop music from the era.
Overall, "Then I'll Count Again" is a heartfelt song about love, regret, and the power of determination. It conveys a sense of nostalgia and wistfulness, but it also emphasizes the possibility of redemption and the hope that things can be made right.
Line by Line Meaning
I've always had the upper hand where our love was concerned
I controlled the relationship; you followed my lead
But now you've upped and left me and I think it's time you learn
You left me suddenly so now you need a lesson
If you're not back here in my arms by the time I'll count to ten
I want you back and I'll give you a deadline
Well I'll wait just a little while then I'll count again
I'm flexible with the deadline, but I won't forget
When you were mine I had you like a puppet on a string
I controlled you easily, like a puppet
So now you'd better listen cause I'll tell you one more thing
You better pay attention to me
If you're lips aren't next to mine by the time I'll count to ten
I want to kiss you and I have another deadline
I'll count the lonely hours and days that I was blind
I'll dwell on how lonely I felt without you and regret my past behavior
I'll count the things I'll do to make you change your mind
I'll plan ways to persuade you to come back
I'll give you love and kindness and I'll buy you presents too
I'll shower you with affection and gifts to show my love
I'll try so hard to always make you happy when you're blue
I'll do my best to cheer you up when you're sad
So if you're not back here in my arms by the time I'll count to ten
I really want you back and I won't stop trying
Well I'll wait just a little while then I'll count again
I'm patient and persistent in my pursuit of you
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: CHIP TAYLOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind