They started off in 1964, founded by John "Mouse" Michalski and Kenn Ellner, two high school friends who had previously played in several short-lived outfits. After going shortly under the name of The Squires and several line-up changes later, the Count Five were born, with Roy Chaney taking over vocal duties, Irish-born John "Sean" Byrne on rhythm guitar and Craig "Butch" Atkinson on drums.
Almost from the start, they had a trademark song with "Psychotic Reaction" which was to become their one and only top-10 hit ever. The song was initially devised by Byrne, with the group refining it over the next time and turning it into the highlight of their live sets. Regarded from today's point of view, "Psychotic Reaction" is now a bonafide garage-rock classic, unashamedly borrowing on the style of contemporary bands and artists like The Standells and The Yardbirds.
Looking for a contract, the band found themselves rejected by several record companies before they finally got signed to the Los Angeles-based Double Shot Records. "Psychotic Reaction" was released as a single and found immediate popularity with the proto-punk movement that started in these days, peaking at #5 in the U.S. charts late 1966. The Count Five also gained some fair publicity for their habit of wearing Dracula-style capes when playing live. However, subsequent issues sold disappointingly. The band got along for about another year but dropped out of view altogether when their one and only hit had fallen from public memory. Another setback to a potential career in music business was the decision of the five members (the age of whom, at the time of their '15 minutes of fame', still ranged between 17 and 19 years) to pursue a college degree.
By 1969, the Count Five were history. Even after many had dismissed them as a one hit wonder, the band had one major supporter, legendary music critic Lester Bangs, who loved the single "Psychotic Reation" and wrote a famous essay called "Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung" about an alternate universe where the Count Five made four more albums to lukewarm sales but critical acclaim. The essay's name was used for a posthumous collection of Bangs' writings in 1987.
The World
The Count Five Lyrics
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Oh and tonight, you'll be mine
I'll tell the world, you're my girl
You know I'll tell the world, you're my girl
Because you're alright, you're alright
You're so fine, you're so fine
and tonight oh yes, tonight
You're alright, you're so fine
oh tonight, you'll be mine
All the world, I'll tell the world you're my girl
Oh you're my girl
I feel good, like I should
You're alright, you're alright
you're so fine, you're so fine
and tonight, yes tonight
Yeah the night is gonna be mine
You're so fine
Oh you're so fine, you're so fine
You're mine, woo you are mind
and tonight, tonight
You and I are gonna be so fine
You're my girl, you're my girl
Oh I feel good, on top of the world
You're my girl, I feel fine
I feel fine, cause you're mine
The Count Five's song "The World in 2" is a short and catchy garage rock tune that revolves around a catchy guitar riff and simple lyrics about a guy being infatuated with a girl. The song starts with the singer declaring how fine the girl is and how he'll have her tonight. He then goes on to say he'll tell the world that she's his girl. The chorus repeats the same lines about how fine and alright the girl is and how tonight, she'll be with him. The song ends with the singer feeling good and on top of the world because the girl is his.
Despite the simplicity of the lyrics, "The World in 2" is a classic example of a 60s garage rock song. The infectious guitar riff and the simple, repetitive lyrics capture the energetic spirit of the era. The song's main appeal lies in its ability to make you tap your feet and sing along, despite its lack of depth. Overall, the song is a fun, lighthearted tune that captures the essence of 60s music.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh you're so fine, you're alright
The person being addressed is extremely attractive and likeable.
Oh and tonight, you'll be mine
The singer plans to spend the evening with the person being addressed, possibly in a romantic context.
I'll tell the world, you're my girl
The singer is proud to be associated with the person being addressed and wants others to know about their relationship.
You know I'll tell the world, you're my girl
The artist reiterates that they fully intend to proclaim their relationship to others.
Because you're alright, you're alright
The person being addressed has many desirable qualities and is worth being with.
You're so fine, you're so fine
The singer is reinforcing their initial observation of the person's attractiveness.
and tonight oh yes, tonight
The singer is very excited about spending time with the person being addressed.
tonight you're gonna be mine
The artist intends to have a romantic encounter with the person being addressed.
All the world, I'll tell the world you're my girl
The artist emphasizes their intention to publicize their relationship to others.
Oh you're my girl
The artist reaffirms their strong feelings for the person being addressed.
I feel good, like I should
The singer is very happy and content with their situation.
Yeah the night is gonna be mine
The artist is confident and enthusiastic about what the upcoming evening has in store.
You're mine, woo you are mine
The singer is possessive of the person being addressed and wants to make it clear that they belong to one another.
You and I are gonna be so fine
The singer anticipates that they will have a great time together.
Oh I feel good, on top of the world
The singer is very happy and feels as though they can accomplish anything.
You're my girl, I feel fine
Being with the person being addressed brings the artist a great deal of happiness and contentment.
I feel fine, cause you're mine
Having a sense of ownership over the person being addressed contributes to the artist's happiness and sense of well-being.
Contributed by Levi O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.