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.
The Plea
The Chantels Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Baby, baby, baby, baby, stick with me
Life would be fine
Baby, baby, baby, if you were mine
Please hear my plea,
Come back to me,
I love you so.
And do something, something for me
I love him so, want him to know
That I don't ever want him to go.
Oh don't ever leave
Baby, baby, baby, baby, stick with me
It would be fine
Baby, baby, baby, if you were mine.
Dear lord, please hear my plea
Help do something, something for me
I love him so, want him to know
That I won't, ever, want him to go
Oh don't ever leave
Baby, baby, baby, baby, stick with me
It would be fine
Baby, baby, baby, if you-ou-ou-ou were mine
Ooo-ooo-oo
The Chantels' song "The Plea" is a love song with a plea from the singer to her lover not to leave her. The lyrics are simple but convey deep emotions. The singer expresses her love and how much she wants her lover to stay with her. The use of repetition in the lyrics, especially of the phrase "Baby, baby, baby," adds to the emotional intensity of the plea.
The lyrics also show a spiritual aspect, as the singer asks the Lord to help her in her efforts to keep her lover. She believes in the power of divine intervention to bring her lover back to her. The song invokes feelings of love, faith, and hope.
Overall, "The Plea" is a timeless love song that captures the essence of human emotions in relationships. Its message is universal, and its melody has stood the test of time, making it a classic.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't ever leave
I don't want you to go, please stay with me always.
Baby, baby, baby, baby, stick with me
My affection for you is so immense, I keep repeating how much it is through these words.
Life would be fine
Having you by my side would make everything perfect and blissful.
Baby, baby, baby, if you were mine
My heart belongs to you, and I yearn for the day you'll be with me.
Please hear my plea
I implore you to listen and understand the depth of my love for you.
Come back to me
I miss you terribly, and I want you to return to me.
I love you so.
My emotions for you are overwhelming, and I wish to express them to you.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ARLENE SMITH, RICHARD BARRETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ralph2winall
The Greatest Girl Group Ever!!!!!!!! They should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!!!!!!!
@luckyskittles5007
Absolutely !!!
@henrycampbell9733
Without a doubt, they should be there.
@buster141000
chantels with arlene smith are the best female group ever hands down
@davedawson141
This is a fine example of what good music is about
@RodCornholio
One of the greatest female vocalists in pop history and THE finest in Doo Wop.
@hehenry2408
This girl group is out of sight I've always loved the Chantels!!!! We can never forget this music because it's a blast from the past but it is still the best ever!!
@chrismac5333
Beautiful music !! My dad showed me this since I was a young boy he's introduced me to all kinds of music . Enjoy everyone !
@mamabear9905
My Pops showed me this great music too. When I was a baby and would be sick, I remember being in my onsie pajamas and my dad would dance me to sleep to this great music. 👶 😴 💞🎶
@barrydevonshire9749
It is amazing how we missed out on this wonderful doowop in England at the time . Now we make up for It. I love the chantels music