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.
My Boy Friend's Back
The Chiffons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back)
When you see him comin', better cut on the double
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back)
You've been spreading lies that I was untrue
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back)
So look out now 'cause he's comin' after you
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back)
And he knows that you've been lyin'
He's been gone for such a long time
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back)
Now he's back and things will be fine
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back)
You're gonna be sorry you were ever born
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back)
'Cause he's kinda big and he's awful strong
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back)
And he knows about your cheatin'
And you're gonna get a beatin'
What made you think he'd believe all your lies
(Ah-oo, ah-oo)
You're a big man now, but he'll cut you down to size
(Ah-oo)
Wait and see
My boyfriend's back, he's gonna save my reputation
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back)
If I were you, I'd take a permanent vacation
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back)
La-di-la, my boyfriend's back
There he comes
(La-di-la, my boyfriend's back)
Yeah, my boyfriend is back
(La-di-la, my boyfriend's back)
Look out now
(La-di-la, my boyfriend's back)
The Chiffons’ hit song “My Boyfriend’s Back” is a classic anthem of loyalty and female empowerment. The song begins with the singer declaring that her boyfriend has come back, and anyone who has wronged her or spread rumors about her will now face his wrath. She asserts confidently with “you’re gonna be in trouble,” and encourages them to “cut on the double” when they see him coming.
The song’s narrator clearly trusts and admires her boyfriend, emphasizing his strength and size, and even warns her enemies that they’re “gonna get a beatin’.” She boldly proclaims that her boyfriend will repair her reputation, and encourages her enemies to “take a permanent vacation” now that he’s back.
While “My Boyfriend’s Back” is a catchy and upbeat tune, it also carries a message about loyalty and the power of female friendships. The singer’s friends have her back, and her boyfriend has hers. She confidently encourages her enemies to run while they have the chance, demonstrating the importance of sticking together in times of need.
Line by Line Meaning
My boyfriend's back and you're gonna be in trouble
I am warning you that my boyfriend has returned and you are going to face the consequences of your actions.
When you see him comin', better cut on the double
You should run away when you see my boyfriend coming because he will be angry with you.
You've been spreading lies that I was untrue
You have been telling people that I have been unfaithful, which is not true.
So look out now 'cause he's comin' after you
You should be careful because my boyfriend is coming to confront you about the lies you have been spreading.
And he knows that you've been tryin'
My boyfriend is aware that you have been trying to sabotage our relationship.
And he knows that you've been lyin'
My boyfriend is also aware that you have been lying about me.
He's been gone for such a long time
My boyfriend has been away for a long period of time.
Now he's back and things will be fine
Now that my boyfriend has returned, our relationship will be fine again.
You're gonna be sorry you were ever born
You will regret your previous actions and behavior for the rest of your life.
'Cause he's kinda big and he's awful strong
My boyfriend is muscular and physically strong, which makes him a force to be reckoned with.
And he knows about your cheatin'
My boyfriend is aware that you have been cheating and he is going to confront you about it.
And you're gonna get a beatin'
You are going to face physical consequences for your actions when my boyfriend confronts you.
What made you think he'd believe all your lies
Why did you think that my boyfriend would believe the lies you have been spreading about me?
You're a big man now, but he'll cut you down to size
Although you may think you are a big, tough person, my boyfriend is capable of taking you down.
Wait and see
You will soon witness my boyfriend's wrath when he confronts you about your lies and cheating.
My boyfriend's back, he's gonna save my reputation
My boyfriend is going to defend my reputation and confront you about the lies you have been spreading.
If I were you, I'd take a permanent vacation
If I were you, I would permanently leave this town to avoid the consequences of your actions when my boyfriend confronts you.
La-di-la, my boyfriend's back
My boyfriend has returned and our relationship will go back to normal.
There he comes
My boyfriend is on his way and he is coming to confront you about your lies and cheating.
Yeah, my boyfriend is back
I am excited that my boyfriend has returned after being away for so long.
Look out now
You should be careful and prepare yourself for the confrontation with my boyfriend.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BOB FELDMAN, GERALD GOLDSTEIN, RICHARD D GOTTEHRER, MIRIAM NERVO, OLIVIA MARGARET NERVO, PAUL LANCASTER WILTSHIRE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jonathan 🍎 Jars
I never heard this version. I like it! Definitely has more soul to it, but both versions are lovely.
Rhonda Boncutter
I love this song! Used to skate to it at Roller Rink!
menchitty11
The Chiffons' version never made the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966. It peaked near the bottom of the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart at #117. This was their final single to make it on ANY Billboard chart.
Stephanie Jamison
I could only imagine myself singing this back in those days and my mom saying "what damn boyfriend"? Lol
Angela Thomas
Lol
ShySimmer☆
🤣🤣🤣 right?
James Vignali
This a classic.
James Vignali
Number one song of all time. #1.
James Vignali
#1 song of all time.
doc2skate
Believe this version is the Angels. On The Chiffons version, the "my boyfriend's back" chorus is notably different. Also the fade out is definitely different.