The Ames Brothers were a singing quartet from Malden, Massachusetts, who we… Read Full Bio ↴The Ames Brothers were a singing quartet from Malden, Massachusetts, who were particularly famous in the 1950s for their traditional pop music hits.

The Ames Brothers got their beginning in Malden, where all four were born. The act consisted of Joe (born 3 May 1921), Gene (born 13 February 1923), Vic (born 20 May 1925 - died 23 January 1978) and Ed (born 9 July 1927).

Born into a non-professional but musical family, the boys were brought up on classical and operatic music. Their parents, David and Sarah Urick, were Russian Jewish immigrants from the Ukraine who read Shakespeare and semi-classics to their nine children from the time they were old enough to listen.

The brothers formed a quartet with a cousin Lennie, and had been touring United States Army and Navy bases entertaining the troops and were offered a job at the Foxs and Hounds nightclub, one of the fanciest clubs in Boston. This one week engagement turned into several months when the word got around of their appearance. At the time, they were going by the name of the Amory Brothers, a name taken from Vic's middle name and they were becoming quite popular in the area. It was at this time that Joe decided to rejoin the group. He said they were just having too much fun together for him to miss out. Taking their act to New York they got a job with bandleader Art Mooney. One day while at Leeds Publishing Company in search of a song called "Should I" that their mother had asked them to sing, Milt Gabler of Decca Records heard them singing it and had them cut a few sides for Decca Records just before the ban which started in January, 1948.

A year later when the ban was lifted, the Ames Brothers were the first artists to record for Coral Records. The name Amory was shortened to Ames. They were swept into national top billing with their first hit record, "Rag Mop," in January, 1950. Doing radio shows for free at times just for the experience, they later became regulars on such shows as The Arthur Godfrey Hour. One of the first acts to appear on the original Ed Sullivan Show when it was known as Toast of the Town, they made their debut with him when the show was telecast live from Wanamaker's Department Store.

Soon, they were the top paid group in nightclubs and supperclubs everywhere and their popularity on television was nationwide. In 1956 they starred in their own show, The Ames Brothers Show, which was seen on Friday nights. It was the first syndicated television show to be shown in foreign countries.

Over their fifteen year career the prolific Brothers notched up 50 U.S. chart entries, 21 of them on the Coral label before signing with RCA Victor. The group disbanded in the 1960s but Ed Ames went on with a successful singing and acting career, including playing Daniel Boone's sidekick, Mingo, on the successful Daniel Boone television series (1964-1970).

They were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998.

Love Me Tender
The Ames Brothers Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Love me tender,
Love me sweet,
Never let me go.
You have made my life complete,
And I love you so.

Love me tender,
Love me true,

All my dreams fulfilled.
For my darlin' I love you,
And I always will.

Love me tender,
Love me long,
Take me to your heart.
For it's there that I belong,
And well never part.

Love me tender,
Love me dear,
Tell me you are mine.
Ill be yours through all the years,
Till the end of time.

(When at last my dreams come true
Darling this I know

Happiness will follow you
Everywhere you go).

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Ames Brothers' song "Love Me Tender" express a deep and undying love for someone. The singer is requesting their beloved to love them gently and sweetly, promising that they will never let go. This demonstrates the singer's vulnerability and their need for the other person's love to feel complete. The phrase "Love me tender, Love me sweet" exemplifies the desire for a compassionate and tender love that is both comforting and fulfilling.

The lyrics also convey a sense of authenticity and sincerity in the love being proclaimed. The words "Love me true" emphasize a genuine and honest love from the singer's perspective. They believe that all their dreams will be fulfilled through this love, implying that it has the power to bring happiness and contentment. The use of the endearing term "darlin'" adds an intimate touch, highlighting the personal connection between the singer and their beloved.

Furthermore, the lyrics express a strong desire for permanence and commitment in the relationship. The line "Take me to your heart, for it's there that I belong, and we'll never part" signifies a longing for a deep emotional connection and a belief that they are meant to be together. This demonstrates the singer's willingness to surrender themselves fully to their loved one, with the hope that they will reciprocate.

The final verse captures the singer's yearning for assurance and reaffirmation of their love. By asking their beloved to tell them that they are theirs, they seek confirmation and security in the relationship. The lyrics vow to remain faithful and committed throughout the years, symbolizing a love that is unwavering and timeless. The mention of "the end of time" portrays a love that transcends all obstacles and continues indefinitely.

In the closing lines, the lyrics hold a sense of optimism and hope for a future where the singer's dreams come true. It alludes to the idea that happiness will follow their beloved anywhere they go, underscoring the profound impact their love has on the singer's life. This final verse showcases the depth of the singer's devotion and serves as a heartfelt declaration of love that promises unwavering support and companionship.

Line by Line Meaning

Love me tender
Show me gentle and affectionate love

Love me sweet
Love me in a kind and pleasant manner

Never let me go
Always hold onto me, never let me be apart

You have made my life complete
You have brought fulfillment and wholeness to my life

And I love you so
And I have a deep and profound love for you

Love me tender
Show me gentle and affectionate love

Love me true
Love me sincerely and genuinely

All my dreams fulfilled
All my aspirations and desires have been achieved

For my darlin' I love you
Because, my dear, I have love for you

And I always will
And I will continue to love you forever

Love me tender
Show me gentle and affectionate love