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.
I'm Confessin
The Chantels Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tell me, do you love me too?
I'm confessin' that I need you,
Honest I do, need you every moment.
In your eyes I read such strange things,
But your lips deny they're true,
Will your answer really change things
Making me blue?
I'm afraid some day you'll leave me,
Saying "can't we still be friends"
If you go, you know you'll grieve me,
All in life on you depends.
Am I guessin' that you love me,
Dreaming dreams of you in vain,
I'm confessin' that I love you, over again.
The Chantels' "I'm Confessin'" is a heartfelt declaration of love that speaks to the vulnerability of being in love with someone. This song tells the story of someone who is in love with another and desperately wants to know if these feelings are reciprocated. The lyrics are a confession of love and a plea for the other person to confess their feelings.
The first verse begins with the singer confessing their love and asking if it is returned. The second verse is a statement of neediness, expressing that the singer needs the other person every moment. The third verse speaks of the mixed messages the singer is receiving. The person's eyes communicate one thing, but their lips deny it. The singer wonders if hearing the truth will change things and make them feel blue.
The fourth verse is a plea not to be left alone. The singer is afraid of being abandoned and wants to be assured that they won't lose the person they love. The fifth and final verse is a repetition of the first, expressing that even if their love is unrequited and they are dreaming vainly, they will still confess their love.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm confessin' that I love you
I want to tell you that I'm deeply in love with you
Tell me, do you love me too?
I'm curious to know if you feel the same way about me
I'm confessin' that I need you
I want to reveal that I cannot live without you
Honest I do, need you every moment
I genuinely need you around me all the time in my life
In your eyes I read such strange things
I find your eyeballs confusing because of what I'm perceiving from them
But your lips deny they're true
You try to hide your true feelings by not saying them out loud
Will your answer really change things
I'm curious if your response will have a significant impact on our relationship
Making me blue?
Will your answer affect me negatively?
I'm afraid someday you'll leave me
I'm scared you might abandon me someday
Saying 'can't we still be friends'
You would try to be my friend after breaking my heart
If you go, you know you'll grieve me
Your leaving will cause me unbearable pain
All in life on you depends
My life's foundation is built upon our relationship
Am I guessin' that you love me
I'm not sure if you love me as I do you or not
Dreaming dreams of you in vain
I'm dreaming imaginary dreams about us which will never realize
I'm confessin' that I love you over again
I'm repeating that I'm in love with you
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Al J Neiburg, Doc Daugherty, Ellis Reynolds
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lindadee2053
The Chantels' rendition of this old 1929 classic is absolutely beautiful. If only it was longer, but that's exactly what the repeat button is for.
@MrPistolMason
I had no idea The Chantels recorded this old classic!! First time hearing it. THIS IS BEAUTIFUL.
@akibubba1
i miss real music with a real chorus in the songs !! thank God this stuff is preserved for the ages !!
@josielopez5344
She was THE VOICE !!!
@creolelady3519
Josie Lopez
Yes she was, no doubt about it.
@lindadee2053
She was only about 15 years old when she sang this! Maybe even younger.
@chiefslief1886
Beautiful 🎶🎶💓
@Vintageart1994
Such a beauitful and romantic song! I like the pics you put in the video. 2 Thumbs up!
@johnfisher3862
its a hit and all there other songs,love the chantels,just plum beautifull.
@creolelady3519
john fisher
Yeeeeeeeeeees you couldn't have said it any better thank you for speaking the truth.