They were discovered by Richard Barrett, lead singer of the Valentines and eventually signed to End Records. Their first single was "He's Gone" (Pop #71) in August 1957. In January 1958 they released their second single, "Maybe" (#15 Pop; #2 R&B). Several other singles were released on End, though none as successful as "Maybe."
The group was dropped by End in 1959, and Arlene Smith decided to go solo. Lois left to pursue a college education. In 1960, Annette Smith (no relation) replaced Arlene and the group went to Carlton Records, where they had their second huge hit with "Look in My Eyes" (#14 pop, #6 R&B). Several other singles followed and the group switched labels several times. Personnel changed throughout the 60's, with their final single released in 1970.
Arlene fronted a new group of Chantels in the 1970s for oldies shows and continues to perform. The remaining original Chantels reformed as well and hired Noemi (Ami) Ortiz as their new lead singer. Jackie Landry died in 1997.
The Chantels were inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002.
Come Softly to Me
The Chantels Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dahm dahm, dahm do dahm, ooby do
Dahm dahm, dahm do dahm, ooby do
Dahm dahm, dahm ooh dahm
Mm dooby do
(Come softly, darling)
(Come softly, darling)
(Come softly, darling)
(Come softly, darling)
(Come to me, stay)
(You're my ob-session)
(For ever and a day)
I want, want you to know
I love, I love you so
Please hold, hold me so tight
All through, all through the night
(Speak softly, darling)
(Hear what I say)
(I love you always)
(Always, always)
I've waited, waited so long
For your kisses and your love
Please come, come to me
From up, from up above
(Come softly, darling)
(Come softly, darling)
I need, need you so much
Wanna feel your warm touch
Mm dooby do, dahm dahm, dahm do dahm ooby do
Dahm dahm, dahm do dahm, ooby do
Dahm dahm, dahm do dahm, ooby do
Dahm dahm, dahm ooh dahm
Mm dooby do, dahm dahm, dahm do dahm ooby do
Dahm dahm, dahm do dahm, ooby do
Dahm dahm, dahm do dahm, ooby do
Dahm dahm, dahm ooh dahm
The Chantels' "Come Softly to Me" is a love ballad that expresses the idea of longing and waiting for someone, and the desire for connection and intimacy. The repetition of "come softly, darling" throughout the song emphasizes the gentle and tender nature of the relationship being portrayed. The singer expresses a deep love and devotion towards their significant other, wanting them to know how much they mean to them and asking for their affection in return. The lyrics urge the lover to come quickly and stay forever, emphasizing the urgency and sincerity of the singer's feelings. The song is lifted from its simplicity by the rich and soulful harmonies of The Chantels, heightening the emotion of the lyrics.
The song was a hit in 1962, reaching #38 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was written by Gary Troxel, Barbara Ellis, and Gretchen Christopher, who were members of a band called The Fleetwoods. They originally recorded the song in 1959, but it was not released until after The Chantels' version became popular. In addition to The Chantels' and The Fleetwoods' versions, "Come Softly to Me" has been covered by many other artists over the years, including Frankie Vaughan, The Flamingos, and The Four Freshmen.
Line by Line Meaning
Mm dooby do, dahm dahm, dahm do dahm ooby do
Instrumental intro
Dahm dahm, dahm do dahm, ooby do
Repetition of the intro
Dahm dahm, dahm do dahm, ooby do
Repetition of the intro
Dahm dahm, dahm ooh dahm
Repetition of the intro
Mm dooby do
Instrumental break
(Come softly, darling)
Request for the significant other to approach with gentleness and care
(Come softly, darling)
Reiteration of the request for the significant other to approach with gentleness and care
(Come softly, darling)
Reiteration of the request for the significant other to approach with gentleness and care
(Come softly, darling)
Reiteration of the request for the significant other to approach with gentleness and care
(Come to me, stay)
Request for the significant other to come and remain with the singer
(You're my ob-session)
Expressing love and admiration for the significant other
(For ever and a day)
Desire for the love to last forever
I want, want you to know
Desire for the significant other to be aware of the singer's feelings
I love, I love you so
Expression of love for the significant other
Please hold, hold me so tight
Request for physical affection and closeness
All through, all through the night
Desire for physical affection and closeness to last through the night
(Speak softly, darling)
Request for the significant other to speak softly and lovingly
(Hear what I say)
Desire for the significant other to listen to the singer's words and feelings
(I love you always)
Reiteration of the singer's love for the significant other
(Always, always)
Reiteration of the singer's love for the significant other
I've waited, waited so long
Expressing the length of time the singer has been waiting for the significant other
For your kisses and your love
Desire for physical affection and love from the significant other
Please come, come to me
Request for the significant other to come to the singer
From up, from up above
Imagery of the significant other coming down to the singer
(Come softly, darling)
Reiteration of the request for the significant other to approach with gentleness and care
(Come softly, darling)
Reiteration of the request for the significant other to approach with gentleness and care
I need, need you so much
Expressing the singer's strong desire for the significant other
Wanna feel your warm touch
Desire for physical affection and warmth from the significant other
Mm dooby do, dahm dahm, dahm do dahm ooby do
Repetition of the instrumental break
Dahm dahm, dahm do dahm, ooby do
Repetition of the intro
Dahm dahm, dahm do dahm, ooby do
Repetition of the intro
Dahm dahm, dahm ooh dahm
Repetition of the intro
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GARY TROXEL, BARBARA ELLIS, GRETCHEN CHRISTOPHER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@GNRSlashLover
I love Barretts voice!!!
@natturnertv
I was lucky enough to interview RB back in 88. He told me that this cover was put together quickly, they listened to the song and came up with his version, cut it and got the record out. Of course this isn't as fast as when they wrote Woo Woo Train.
@thandie09
I will hear music like this when im on my way to heaven lol!! just beautiful!!
@cynthia6637
Great version.
@countrypaul
Someone needs to post the "psychedelic" sunshine pop version by Sandy Salisbury (on Together, c. 1968-69). Sorry I don't know how. Imagine the best of this and The Fleetwoods meeting Phil Spector by way of Fellini! Really.
@anitashelby
Very Lovely Version Of This Song!!! Thankyou Dennis....Anita..
@harptone55
NICE!!!
@GNRSlashLover
I love this version better.
@peterleinhos9660
I agree with you. I don't feel Richard's voice really does anything for the song. Whereas Gary Troxin's smooth as silk blends so well with his backing singers. Spike
@Joehilllouistwo
Nice little ditty, now floating out there in eternal in World wide web space. thanks Joe Hill Louis