1. The Cascades were an American vocal group best known for their hit single "Rhythm Of The Rain" in 1963. The name The Cascades is supposedly inspired by a nearby box of detergent. The group's membership consolidated as John Gummoe (born in Cleveland, Ohio, 2 August 1938) (lead vocals), Eddy Snyder (guitar), David Szabo (keyboardist), Dave Stevens (bassist), and Dave Wilson (drummer).
Their first release, "There’s A Reason", became a small regional hit, and, in summer 1962, they went to Gold Star Studios in Los Angeles and recorded a song which Gummoe had written in his Navy days while on watch during a thunderstorm. The musicians on the recording included the "Wrecking Crew" - Hal Blaine on drums, Carol Kaye on bass and Glen Campbell on guitar - and it was arranged by Perry Botkin. "Rhythm of the Rain" was issued in November 1962. It rose to # 2 on the U.S. pop charts in early 1963, and became a major hit in over 80 countries.
The Cascades continued to record, producing an album and several further singles, including the follow-up "The Last Leaf", but none matched the charm or success of their big hit.
2. The teutonic Gothic machine known as "The Cascades" emerged in the early 90's from Europe's rock capital Berlin. Their unique sound, forged by heavy guitar riffing, rich melancholic keyboard layers and deep sensational vocals, placed them among the top gothic rock acts of our days. Their lyrical concept varying from dark eroticism to mystical endeavors is a perfect match to their powerful, emotional music. All this is portrayed in their four albums, which are an absolute must - have for all lovers of dark romantic rock music. Welcome to their musical spells and ceremonies...
Let Me Be
The Cascades Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But all you every wanted was to have some fun
You cheated and you lied
I hope you're satisfied
Why won't you let me be
Well I try to walk away but everytime I do
You tell me that you're sorry and that you'll be true
Why won't you let me be
Why don't you set me free
Oh, baby, baby, why
Why won't you let me be
Baby, baby why
Let me know all I want to know
Why won't you let me go
I guess that I will always be in love with you
And yet I know that you're the kind that can't be true
So let me go away
Don't try and make me stay
Please won't you let me be
The Cascades's song Let Me Be is a ballad about the pain of being in love with someone who is not sincere. The song is about a relationship in which one partner is dishonest and unfaithful, while the other partner is left feeling hurt and betrayed. The lyrics express the frustration and confusion of trying to navigate a relationship that is full of deception and lies. The singer tries to walk away from the relationship, but is repeatedly drawn back in by the other person's apologies and promises to change. However, the cycle of deception continues, leaving the singer feeling trapped and wishing that they could be set free.
The song is characterized by its plaintive melody and the expressive vocals of lead singer John Gummoe. Gummoe's emotive delivery captures the heartache and desperation of the lyrics, and the lush harmonies of the backing vocals add a sense of poignancy and depth to the song. Let Me Be was a popular hit in the 1960s, and remains a beloved classic of the era.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, you told me that you wanted me to be the one
You said you loved me and wanted me to be your partner
But all you every wanted was to have some fun
However, all you wanted was to have a good time and nothing serious
You cheated and you lied
You were unfaithful and dishonest to me
I hope you're satisfied
I hope you're happy with what you've done
Why won't you let me be
Why won't you leave me alone and give me my freedom?
Well I try to walk away but everytime I do
I attempt to leave, but every time I try
You tell me that you're sorry and that you'll be true
You apologize and promise to change your ways
I take you back again and then you lie to me again
I forgive you and give you another chance, but you betray me again
Why won't you let me be
Why won't you let me go and live my life without you?
Why don't you set me free
Why don't you release me from this relationship?
Oh, baby, baby, why
Oh, my love, why are you doing this to me?
Baby, baby why
Sweetheart, why are you hurting me?
Let me know all I want to know
Tell me everything I need to hear
Why won't you let me go
Why won't you allow me to leave and move on from this relationship?
I guess that I will always be in love with you
I accept that I will always have feelings for you
And yet I know that you're the kind that can't be true
But I am aware that you are incapable of being faithful
So let me go away
Therefore, please let me leave you behind
Don't try and make me stay
Don't try to convince me to stay in this relationship
Please won't you let me be
Please, I beg of you, let me be free
Contributed by Nathaniel W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@billmcpheeters1888
I had this 45 when I was a kid (69 now). This was the B side of "Rhythm of the Rain". I think I wore that record out. Still good music today. These guys are so underrated!
@MUSIC4U..
Your not wrong there at all, what a double sided vinyl to have this song and rhythm of the rain, lucky guy
@415puri
All their songs are still my favorite and still listening to it. Love this group.
@user-ow1ni4lp6p
孫にもてつだってもらって、探した私のききたかった曲で悲しき雨音のＢ面でした、ああ、懐かしい😂
@user-ow1ni4lp6p
悲しき雨音のかっぶりんぐ、めちゃうれしい🎉😂ありがとね～
@michaelfernando523
Superb Sax Playing- plus the hand claps.
@user-ty9yf7uf9f
Wow, it"s perfect liberty sound, i love The last leaf by them, too. Of course Rhythm of the rain.
@TonyErizia
Side to Rhythm of the Rain, but a great track in its own right. And currently, the story of my life.
@user-bt6tl7xr5c
Thank you so much for sharing the photos and this wonderful album- I wonder if in the 60s if they ever played albums in full on the air
@jeanniecostello3893
2018...and I'm still listening to The Cascades' nostalgic songs. I'd always enjoyed listening to "Rhythm of the rain" whenever my neighbor played it loud. That time i was younger than 5 years old...