Their collaboration with legendary songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller gave them a unique sound that was very humorous most of the time. Their first huge hit came with "Young Blood" and "Searchin'." They also had success with hits such as "Yakety Yak," "Charlie Brown," and "Little Egypt."
Gardner was still touring with The Coasters as late as 2005, although he is the only surviving original member. Gardner is now semi-retired and has handed the reins over to his son Carl Jr.
In 1987, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, thus becoming the first group to be inducted (the other inductees at the time were solo acts). In 2000, they were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame. In 2004, "Young Blood" was #414 on Rolling Stone's Top 500 Songs Of All Time. "Young Blood" and "Yakety Yak" were part of The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll. The band's song "Down In Mexico" appears on the new film, Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof.
Zing Went the Strings of My Heart
The Coasters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never knew where to start
You came along when ev'rything was wrong
And put a song in my heart
[Chorus]
Dear, when you smiled at me
I heard a melody
Something inside of me
Started a symphony
Zing! Went the strings of my heart
'Twas like a breath of spring
I heard a robin sing
About a next set apart
All nature seemed to be
In perfect harmony
Zing! Went the strings of my heart
Your eyes made skies seem blue again
What else could I do again
But keep repeating through again
"I love you, I love you"
I still recall the thrill
I guess I always will
I hope 'twill never depart
Dear, with your lips to mine
A rhapsody divine
Zing! Went the strings of my heart
The Coasters' "Zing Went the Strings of My Heart" is a love song about finding happiness and joy in life with the help of another person. The song's narrator is describing how they were never able to carry a tune or find happiness on their own, but when their lover appeared, everything started to look better. The lover's smile and presence put a song in the singer's heart and caused them to feel a rush of emotion that they had never experienced before. The chorus of the song continues to describe how their lover's smile was like a haunting melody that could not be forgotten. The singer heard a beautiful symphony, and they were amazed that something inside themselves was capable of creating such beautiful music. The song even made nature seem more beautiful, and the entire world seemed to be in perfect harmony.
The verses of the song talk about the power of the lover's eyes and the thrill of being close to their lips. It is clear that the singer is completely in love with this person and that they have transformed the singer's life. The song ends with the singer hoping that the feeling they felt in that moment will never leave and that they will always be able to find happiness and joy as long as they are with their beloved.
Line by Line Meaning
Never could carry a tune
I have never had a good singing voice
Never knew where to start
I have never known how to sing a song
You came along when ev'rything was wrong
You entered my life at a time when everything was going wrong for me
And put a song in my heart
You brought happiness and joy to my life
Dear, when you smiled at me
Sweetheart, whenever you smiled at me
I heard a melody
It was as though I heard a beautiful tune
It haunted me from the start
From the beginning, I was completely captivated by it
Something inside of me
There was a feeling within me
Started a symphony
That started a wonderful musical composition
Zing! Went the strings of my heart
It was so beautiful that I became overwhelmed with emotion
'Twas like a breath of spring
It felt like the freshness of springtime
I heard a robin sing
I listened to a bird sing
About a nest set apart
It sang about a special, beautiful place
All nature seemed to be
It seemed like all of nature was
In perfect harmony
In perfect balance and agreement
Zing! Went the strings of my heart
It was so wonderful and amazing that I was moved to tears
Your eyes made skies seem blue again
Your beautiful eyes made everything in the world seem brighter and more beautiful
What else could I do again?
What other choice did I have?
But keep repeating through again
But to keep repeating it over and over
"I love you, I love you"
"I love you, I love you"
I still recall the thrill
I still remember the exciting feeling
I guess I always will
I suppose I will always remember it
I hope 'twill never depart
I hope that feeling never leaves me
Dear, with your lips to mine
Sweetheart, with your lips touching mine
A rhapsody divine
A beautiful and glorious musical composition
Zing! Went the strings of my heart
It was so beautiful that I was moved to tears
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: James F. Hanley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mike Kelly
I am addicted to this version of Zing. No one does it better..and the arrangement is awesome.
Tony A
I am 84 and saw them at at joint in Jersey (Lucianos) and Billy Guy and Carl had a drink with us on their break. LOVE THE COASTERS
Shrimp Tunes
Mike Kelly it’s so refreshing to hear Mr Bassman get to sing lead on a couple verses!
Mike Prisament
Absolutely agree with you. Always loved this version.
Linda Dee
Their harmonies are simply beautiful when you listen to this on headphones.
TheHetreck
I was 18 when tis came out.62 years later it still knocks me out.Quality- once in a lifetime.That sax.
CAPT. GUYBOB
WHEN I STARTED COLLEGE IN 1961, WE HAD A DANCE THE FIRST WEEKEND AND THE COASTERS WERE THE FIRST BAND TO PLAY ! LOVED THEM EVER SINCE !!
Morgan Hull
COOL, COOL, COOL MAN!!
Diana Vallecillos
Wow! Its so cool to know that some people got to hear them in real life!
Tony Stone
Simply one of the best recordings ever made.