This all got started when the girls met at James Monroe High School in the Bronx, New York. Lead singer Judy Craig was a mere 14-year-old while Patricia Bennett and Barbara Lee were both only 13, all of them facing a lot of challenges if they wanted to be stars. Yet they felt enough determination to hook up with writer/manager Ronnie Mack and sign with Big Deal Records. Though still an embryonic group, their version of "Tonight's the Night" went up to #76 in September 1960, showing the group's potential. Soon their trademark tight harmonies, coupled with their high-stepping confidence and the production duo Gerry Goffin and Carole King writing for them, earned the Chiffons had popular success in song after song.
Made up of the aforementioned Judy Craig, Patricia Bennett, and Barbara Lee at first, Sylvia Peterson of Little Jimmie And The Tops came into the group in 1963. That year, their song "He's So Fine" was the #1 record on both the Billboard Pop and R&B charts. The Chiffons' seemed to have completely 'made it', appearing on programs such as 'American Bandstand'.
British singer-songwriter George Harrison's 1971 song "My Sweet Lord" was musically almost identical, prompting a copyright infringement claim. A judge later found that the ex-Beatle had unintentionally plagiarized the earlier song. The Chiffons went on to record a competing version of "My Sweet Lord" in 1975. The case is often cited as one of the most famous and influential legal cases in the music industry.
The Chiffons' initial run at success was followed by other notable tunes such as the aforementioned "One Fine Day" as well as the songs "Sweet Talkin' Guy", "A Love So Fine", and "I Have a Boyfriend". Although many of their recordings were derivative of the period, fans appreciated their take on the contemporary pop sound. Their Top 40 single "I Have A Boyfriend" was notably playing on Dallas station KLIF on November 22, 1963 and was interrupted by the first radio bulletins of the JFK assassination.
The group also released material under the title 'The Four Pennies' that explored different musical styles. Though finding some fans, the phantom artist failed to break through commercially. The Chiffons themselves faced changing musical tides with the British invasion and the rise of many different trends, and their run of popular success appeared to have pretty much come to an end when the 70s began.
Though Craig left the Chiffons, they continued on as a trio. As the years passed, the group toured in the 'oldies circuit'. In 1992, Lee died from a heart attack the day before her 45th birthday. While that seemed to have put an end to the group, Craig decided to return. Peterson retired shortly thereafter and was replaced by Connie Harvey. Harvey has since left to pursue a solo career with Bennett also retiring. Craig continued on with replacement backup singers. After the turn of the millennium, Craig has still been touring as the Chiffons with her daughter and her niece by her side, performing at select shows throughout the U.S. and internationally.
I Wonder Why
The Chiffons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't know why I do
Don't know why I love you, don't know why I care
I just want your love to share
I wonder why, I love you like I do
Is it because I think you love me too
I told my friends that we would never part
They often said that you would break my heart
I wonder why they think that we will part, we will part
When you're with me, I'm sure you're always true
When I'm away, I wonder what you do
I wonder why I'm sure you're always true, always true
Don't know why I do
The Chiffons' "I Wonder Why" is a classic love song that explores the complexities and mysteries of romantic relationships. The singer expresses uncertainty about why she loves her partner, but knows that she wants to share her love with them. She also addresses the doubts of her friends about the longevity of their relationship, but insists that she believes in the authenticity of their love.
The repetition of the phrase "Don't know why" emphasizes the confusion and bewilderment that the singer feels about her emotions. The phrase "I just want your love to share" emphasizes the importance of mutual love and the desire to create a meaningful connection with her partner. The repetition of the phrase "I wonder why" in the chorus again emphasizes the singer's uncertainty about the reasons for her love, but also hints at a sense of wonder and awe at the power of love itself.
The lines "When you're with me, I'm sure you're always true / When I'm away, I wonder what you do" speak to the insecurities and fears that often accompany romantic relationships. The singer trusts her partner when they are together, but feels uncertain and anxious when they are apart. This verse adds depth and complexity to the romantic narrative, highlighting the challenges and struggles that can arise in even the most loving relationships.
Overall, The Chiffons' "I Wonder Why" is a poignant and emotional love song that captures the uncertainty and wonder of romantic relationships. It celebrates the power of love to connect and transform, while acknowledging the complexities and difficulties that often accompany romantic connections.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't know why I love you like I do,
I can't explain why I have such strong feelings of love for you,
Don't know why I do
I don't understand the reasons behind my feelings, but they are real and true
Don't know why I love you, don't know why I care
I can't grasp why I am so emotionally invested in you, but I am
I just want your love to share
All I know is that I desire to share my love with you
I wonder why, I love you like I do
I constantly question myself about the reasons behind my deep love for you
Is it because I think you love me too
I wonder if the reason for my strong affection for you is because I believe you also have feelings for me
I wonder why, I love you like I do, like I do
This question persists in my mind, causing me to reflect on the intense emotions I have towards you
I told my friends that we would never part
I have expressed to others that I believe we will always be together
They often said that you would break my heart
My friends have warned me that you might hurt me emotionally
I wonder why they think that we will part, we will part
I wonder why my friends doubt our relationship and foresee us breaking up
When you're with me, I'm sure you're always true
I feel confident that when you are with me, you are completely honest and faithful
When I'm away, I wonder what you do
However, when I am not with you, I can't help but wonder if you are faithful and true to me
I wonder why I'm sure you're always true, always true
I ponder why I have this trust that you are always loyal and genuine in your feelings towards me
Don't know why I do
Overall, I still can't explain why I love you so much, but it doesn't change my feelings for you
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARGARET M NATHANS, NATHANIEL PHILLIPS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
thebigfist
My all-time favorite girl-group makes me proud singing this anthem ,done originally by my favorite male group Dion and the Belmonts.Nice upload,Limepop!
LORNA MAGBOO
you know it was a race against the time
TGTSTS
One of my favorite versions. The Chiffons' version could easily have been a hit.
thebigfist
You`re so right! The song version is great but that guitar intro could have been done much better if it had been sung by Judy and the girls.The producer blew it ,big time!
James Diamond
I love the guitar intro!
eoj2495
Wow!! this takes me back to then.... 5th grade!!! Chiffons and a lot of other girl groups on the radio...
Dessie Elizz
They do good with it
Michael Quebec
Weren't the Chiffons on the same label as DIon and The Belmonts? Laurie? (I think.)
TGTSTS
Yup!
Finsandchrome100
@TGTSTS No. Dion & Belmonts were on Cameo Parkway, Chiffons on Laurie