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.
Love So Fine
The Chiffons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I'm so glad that he'll be mine
Yesterday he said he wants me
To share a love so fine
(A love so fine)
When he smiled
It is for me only
From now on I won't be lonely,
'Cause we're sharing
A love so fine
(A love so fine)
All the girls are jealous of him,
That's not really hard to see,
They would never try to love him,
His love belongs to me
All the girls are jealous of him,
That's not really hard to see,
They would never try to love him,
His love belongs to me
Our love will last forever,
And forever's a long, long time
And I know no one will ever,
Ever break up a love so fine
(A love so fine)
Oh yeah, a love so fine
(A love so fine, a love so fine)
Yeah, yeah, a love so fine
(A love so fine, a love so fine)
The Chiffons' song "A Love So Fine" is a romantic upbeat pop song that focuses on the singer's happiness in discovering true love. The song begins with the singer expressing her joy that the man she loves will be hers. She continues in the chorus, describing how wonderful their love is and how it has dissolved her past loneliness. The singer also asserts her possession of him, saying that no other girl can love him like her.
The second verse reinforces the strength of their relationship by saying that their love will last forever. The singer reassures herself that no one can come between them and harm their connection. The song concludes with the repetition of the chorus and verses, expressing the beauty and strength of their love.
The lyrics in "A Love So Fine" are straightforward and relatable to those who have been in love or desire to be in love. The song's upbeat nature reflects the happiness and lightness of being in love, and the longing for the other person. Overall, it's a feel-good song that highlights the beauty of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh yes, he's the darling,
I am lucky to have him as my partner.
And I'm so glad that he'll be mine
I'm very happy that he chose me as his partner.
Yesterday he said he wants me
He recently expressed his desire for me to be his partner.
To share a love so fine
To have a special connection that is amazing and extraordinary.
(A love so fine)
This special connection is something worth cherishing.
When he smiled
His smile is very rare and special.
It is for me only
His smile is only directed towards me.
And his kisses are so divine
His kisses are lovely and amazing.
From now on I won't be lonely,
I won't be alone anymore.
'Cause we're sharing
Because we're in this together.
All the girls are jealous of him,
Other girls are envious of him.
That's not really hard to see,
It's evident that they are envious.
They would never try to love him,
They wouldn't attempt to pursue a relationship with him.
His love belongs to me
He has chosen me to be his partner.
Our love will last forever,
Our relationship will endure for a very long time.
And forever's a long, long time
Our relationship will last a very long time.
And I know no one will ever,
I'm confident that no one will ever come between us.
Ever break up a love so fine
Our special connection is strong enough to withstand any obstacle.
(A love so fine)
Our connection is amazing and extraordinary.
Oh yeah, a love so fine
Our connection is truly wonderful.
(A love so fine, a love so fine)
Our relationship is truly special and worth cherishing.
Yeah, yeah, a love so fine
Our relationship is truly amazing.
(A love so fine, a love so fine)
Our relationship is truly worth cherishing.
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GEORGE KERR, HENRY MEDRESS, JAY SIEGEL, MITCH MARGO, PHIL MARGO, SIDNEY A. BARNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
krs965
Great tune! Not a big hit, it's rare to hear. Takes me back to 1963. Thanks!
Terrence Pickett
It made the Top 40 nationally.
Carole Athena Costa - Songwriter
Flip side of "He's So Fine."
13loomisst
@Carole Athena Costa - Songwriter Actually, that song's original flip was "Oh My Love," later known as "Oh My Lover." Cheers.
Risteard West
The best of the 1960s
Just Love them
paul hatton
Great record. Should of been in the top 10
TenderPaws M
paul hatton "Should OF?"
Jim Jackson
@TenderPaws M β¦.Yes!.....It Was!
TenderPaws M
@Jim Jackson I'm a teacher and sometimes, I can't help but reply. "Should of" doesn't exist. It's should have or should've.
jennifur sun
never heard this tell i was an adult and it is my fav of theirs and an all time fav of the 60s wish i could find out who played the awesome drums on this song