In 1958 he first appeared on record as the lead vocalist with The Boss-Tones, singing "Mope-Itty Mope". Barry also was a member of the singing group The Dovells from 1957 to 1963, before quitting to go solo.
As a predominately blue-eyed soul singer, he recorded two hits in 1965 and 1966 for Decca Records: "1-2-3", and "Like A Baby", both of which made the Top Ten of the UK Singles Chart. Both songs were part composed by Barry White and Dave White, one of the original Juniors from Danny & the Juniors.
When the hits dried up, Barry continued performing his entertaining stage act, and later moved into songwriting and production work with WMOT Productions.
123
Len Barry Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, that's how elementary it's gonna be
C'mon, let's fall in love, it's easy (it's so easy)
Like takin' candy (like takin' candy) from a baby
A-B-C (A-B-C)
Fallin' in love with you was easy for me (easy for me)
And you can do it, too, it's easy (it's so easy)
Baby, there's nothin' hard about love
Basically, it's as easy as pie
The hard part is livin' without love
Without your love, baby, I would die
One, two, three
One, two, three
It's easy (it's so easy)
Like takin' candy (like takin' candy) from a baby, yay
One and one are two (one and one are two)
I know you love me and oh, oh, how I love you (how I love you)
Don't try to fight it 'cause it's easy (it's so easy)
Like takin' candy (like takin' candy) from a baby, yay
One, two, three (one, two, three)
Oh, that's how elementary it's gonna be (it's gonna be)
C'mon, let's fall in love, it's easy (1-2-3)
Oh, that's how elementary
The lyrics of Len Barry's "123" describe the ease of falling in love. Barry compares it to counting or reciting the alphabet, stating that it is as easy as one, two, three or A-B-C. He urges the listener to "fall in love" because it is easy, just like taking candy from a baby. The chorus repeats that love is easy and compares it to simple tasks like counting or taking candy.
In the verses, Barry explores the idea that there is nothing hard about love. He implies that it is more difficult to live without love than to fall in love. Barry proclaims his love for a person who he knows loves him back. He encourages potential lovers to not fight their feelings because it is easy to fall in love. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the simplicity of love.
One interesting fact about "123" is that it was co-written by John Madara and David White, who also wrote the hit song "At the Hop" for Danny & the Juniors. Another fact is that Barry had previously been a member of The Dovells, who had a hit with the song "Bristol Stomp." "123" was a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States in 1965. It has been covered by several other artists, including The Outsiders and Gloria Estefan. In 2012, it was re-released on a compilation album titled Jukebox Hits of 1965, Vol. 1.
Line by Line Meaning
One, two, three
Counting up from one to three.
Oh, that's how elementary it's gonna be
This process will be very simple and easy to follow.
C'mon, let's fall in love, it's easy (it's so easy)
Let's begin a romantic relationship because it is simple and effortless.
Like takin' candy (like takin' candy) from a baby
It will be as effortless as taking candy from a baby.
A-B-C (A-B-C)
This is equivalent to the very basics, such as the ABCs.
Fallin' in love with you was easy for me (easy for me)
I had no trouble at all falling in love with you.
And you can do it, too, it's easy (it's so easy)
You can fall in love with me as well because it's easy and simple.
Baby, there's nothin' hard about love
Love in itself is not difficult or complicated.
Basically, it's as easy as pie
Essentially, love is a simple and effortless process.
The hard part is livin' without love
It is much harder to go through life without the experience of love.
Without your love, baby, I would die
I need your love to live, and without it, I would perish.
One and one are two (one and one are two)
Adding one to one equals two.
I know you love me and oh, oh, how I love you (how I love you)
I am aware that you love me, and I love you very much too.
Don't try to fight it 'cause it's easy (it's so easy)
Don't try to resist falling in love because it is simple and uncomplicated.
Oh, that's how elementary it's gonna be (it's gonna be)
This is how easy the process of falling in love will be.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Leonard Borisoff, David White, John Madara
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-ww7ec2ot4n
Lyrics:
1-2-3
Oh, that’s how element’ry
It’s gonna be
Come on, let’s fall in love
It’s easy. (it’s so easy)
Like takin’ candy (like takin’ candy) from a baby
A-B-C. (A-B-C)
Fallin’ in love with you
Was easy for me (easy for me)
And you can do it too
It’s easy (it’s so easy)
Like takin’ candy (like takin’ candy) from a baby
Baby, there’s nothin’ hard about love
Basically, it’s as easy as pie
The hard part is livin’ without love
Without your love, baby, I would die
(1-2-3)
(1-2-3)
It’s easy (it’s so easy)
Like takin’ candy (like takin’ candy) from a baby
One and one are two (one and one are two)
I know you love me and oh, oh
How I love you (how I love you)
Don’t try to fight it
‘Cause it’s easy (it’s so easy)
Like takin’ candy (like takin’ candy) from a baby
1-2-3 (1-2-3)
Oh, that’s how element’ry
It’s gonna be
Come on, let’s fall in love
It’s easy (1-2-3)
@theunivited6308
I remember my dad Blasting this song every other weekend...and brought me into oldies and working on old cars and bikes ...Damm ....miss those good times..
@WhitemenaresoSexy
I can see why you miss it.
@ratboy4169
I remember these songs from my childhood & I was born in the 70’s. Truly is some comfort music for me.
@pauljones5091
123 was the 1st record in my collection, bought for me by my dad. I played it non stop at every opportunity.
I bought Like a Baby myself out of my pocket money. Two great 60's tunes which I still process to this day. RIP Len Barry.
@joncooper4013
Why can't they make records like this anymore? Because the culture(& times) have changed. A " gift" of my childhood-- had to play it 6:30am this morning as I found myself humming it!
@malcolmstallons3328
RIP Mr. Barry. You made many of us very happy
@nmgt1048
I have this song on tape, like it, I have heard it quite often on the radio. It's among the bunch of oldies in my collection
@brianpress1392
I remember this song from the 1960,s
Great Songs back Then. 👍🏻
@johngaughran8201
This great tune had everything.great beat ,lyrics which were simple and a dynamic performer.RIP LENNY
@jamesduclos2545
Len Barry, RIP (June 12, 1942 – November 5, 2020)