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, "Thereβs 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...
Little Bitty Falling Star
The Cascades Lyrics
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Just one leaf, that's all there is now
And my last hope live with that lonely leaf, lonely leaf
With the last leaf that clings to the bough
Last summer beneath this tree
Myh love said she'd come back to me
Before the leaves of autumn touched the ground, touched the ground
Then one by one the leaves began to fall
And now that winter's come to call
The last leaf that clings to the bough
Just one leaf, that's all there is now
Will my last hope fall with that lonely leaf, lonely leaf
With the last leaf, the last leaf
With the last leaf that clings to the bough
Bough, bough, bough...
The Cascades' "Little Bitty Falling Star" is a melancholic song about lost love and hope. The singer speaks of a promise made by his love to return to him before the leaves of autumn touched the ground, but now winter has come, and the last remaining leaf clings to the bough of a tree. The last leaf serves as a metaphor for the singer's last hope that his love will return, and he fears that if the leaf falls, so too will his hope.
The song is filled with imagery of nature - the tree, the leaves falling, and the lone leaf hanging on. But it is the emotion and longing in the singer's voice that truly brings the song to life. The repetition of "lonely leaf" emphasizes the isolation and desperation that the singer feels. The bough represents the tree of life, symbolizing how life goes on despite love and hope being lost.
Overall, "Little Bitty Falling Star" is a poignant reminder of the fragility of love and hope, and how easily they can be lost. The last leaf is a symbol of the tenuous hold that the singer has on his love and hope, and as winter approaches, there is a sense of finality in his words.
Line by Line Meaning
The last leaf clings to the bough
The final leaf remains attached to the tree branch
Just one leaf, that's all there is now
There's only a single leaf remaining on the bough
And my last hope live with that lonely leaf, lonely leaf
The singer hopes for a positive outcome from the one remaining leaf
With the last leaf that clings to the bough
The singer focuses on the final leafβs attachment to the tree
Last summer beneath this tree
Some event occurred under this tree last summer
My love said she'd come back to me
The singer's loved one promised to return to them
Before the leaves of autumn touched the ground, touched the ground
The promise was to return before Autumn arrived
My love promised she's be homeward bound
The loved one assured that they would come back home
Then one by one the leaves began to fall
The tree started to shed its leaves individually
And now that winter's come to call
The winter season has arrived
Will my last hope fall with that lonely leaf, lonely leaf
The singer's hope is tied to the survival of the final leaf
With the last leaf, the last leaf
The focus remains on the final leaf
With the last leaf that clings to the bough
The singer emphasises the leaf's attachment to the branch
Bough, bough, bough...
Repetition of the word 'bough', serves rythmic purposes
Contributed by Adam N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.