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.
Sweet Takin' Guy
The Chiffons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't you believe in him, if you do he'll make you cry
He'll send you flowers and paint the town with another girl
He's a sweet talkin' guy
(Sweet talkin' guy)
But he's my kind of guy
(Sweet talkin' guy)
(Oh he's so fine)
Don't let him under your skin, cause you'll never win
(No you'll never win)
Don't give him love today, tomorrow he's on his way
He's a sweet talkin' guy
(Sweet talkin' guy)
But he's my kind of guy
(Sweet talkin' guy)
Why do I love him like I do
He's a sweet talkin'
(Sweet talkin')
Sweet talkin'
(Sweet talkin') guy
Stay away from him, stay away from him, don't believe his lyin'
(Stay away from him)
No, no, no you'll never win, no you'll never win, loser's in for cryin'
(No you'll never win)
Don't give him love today, tomorrow he's on his way
He's a sweet talkin'
(Sweet talkin')
Sweet talkin'
(Sweet talkin')
Sweet talkin'
(Sweet talkin')
Sweet talkin'
(Sweet talkin') guy
Stay away from him
(Sweet sweet, sweet talkin' guy)
No no no you'll never win
(Sweet sweet, sweet talkin' guy)
The Chiffons’ song “Sweet Talkin' Guy” is about a man who says all the right things to his woman, but doesn’t truly mean them. The lyrics warn the listener not to believe in his lies, as he will only make them cry. The chorus repeats several times, that he is a “sweet talkin' guy,” but also the singer's kind of man.
The verses describe how he showers his woman with gifts and attention, but he will also do the same with other women. The singer advises to not let him under your skin because he will never truly be won over. Despite this warning, the song ends on a contradicting note as the singer confesses to loving him anyway.
The song is catchy, upbeat, and has become a classic of the 1960s girl group sound. It’s an exploration of the blurry line between genuine romantic sentiment and smooth-talking seduction. It also serves as a warning to not be seduced by empty promises.
Line by Line Meaning
Sweet talking guy, talking sweet kinda lies
A man who speaks charmingly but tells false stories
Don't you believe in him, if you do he'll make you cry
If you believe in his sweet talk, he will hurt you and make you shed tears
He'll send you flowers and paint the town with another girl
He will give gifts to you while seeing other women in the city
Sweeter than sugar, kisses like wine
He is very sweet and passionate
(Oh he's so fine)
He is such an attractive man
Don't let him under your skin, cause you'll never win
Never be too trusting of him, you will never win him over
(No you'll never win)
You will always lose in the end
Don't give him love today, tomorrow he's on his way
Don't give him too much love now, he will leave you the next day
He's a sweet talkin' guy
He is a man who uses smooth words to win people over
(Sweet talkin' guy)
But he's my kind of guy
Despite his bad behavior, I still like him
Why do I love him like I do
I'm not sure why I am attracted to him the way I am
Stay away from him, stay away from him, don't believe his lyin'
Stay away from this man and don't believe anything he tells you
(Stay away from him)
No, no, no you'll never win, no you'll never win, loser's in for cryin'
You will never win his heart, and you will regret trying
(No you'll never win)
(Sweet, sweet, sweet talkin' guy)
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BARBARA J BAER, DOUG MORRIS, ELIOT GREENBERG, ROBERT MICHAEL SCHWARTZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ron Koestlinger
The interweaving of the vocals on this song are phenomenal. Listen to the lead vocalist then listen to how the rest of the group blend in you'll be amazed
Ariel Sea
I remember hearing this song on the radio. It’s very nostalgic for me. The harmonies are great.
R W
Absolutely brilliant 👏
Marla White💖
The the sounds and lyrics at the end of the song are beautifully well done !
So sad that you don't hear music like this no more.
Sweet sweet !
Sweet Talking Guy!
Sweet sweet!
Talking Talking Guy!
Francesco C
My favourite aspect of the song this, the whole layering of vocals and harmonies. Especially towards the end, love how it's all arranged. Cracking stuff. It's too short though! All the good 50s tracks are barely 3 minutes! Blink and you'll miss 'em!
Mike Molle
I just love the oldies. I just can't get enough of them.
mike smith
I just LOVE the harmonies in this song , wow just stunning 4 part harmonies , love the sweet talking x 5 then "GUY " bit ,makes my hairs on the back of my neck stand up , fabulous !
Diane Ashworth
Sadly, our generation is slowly fading away, but our volume of music will live on long after we're all gone!
R W
This is flawless. Love it.
Patricia O'reilly
Speak for yourself I am alive & kicking & enjoying & living life its down to you to grab life by the balls & have fun