Dante was the sole multi-voiced singer on the original recording, but once the song charted, a group was created, comprised of Pat Rizzo (saxaphone), Rick Dimino (keyboards), Bob Gill (trumpet/flugelhorn/flute), Dave Lavender (guitar), Andrew "Junior" Denno (bass), Joe Cord (vocals) and Danny Valentine (drums). The group recorded a handful of further singles and two albums before disbanding in the early 1970s.
In 1999, because of the great interest in 1960s & 1970s music, lead singer Michael "Valentine" Ubriaco obtained the touring rights and revitalized the group. In February 2006, original Cuff Links guitarist Dave Lavender joined the current line-up.
When Julie Comes Around
The Cuff Links Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A clock without time
A ship without sails
Just drifting on the water
That's just how I feel
Whenever she's gone
That's just how I feel
My life's unreal, but I go on (and on, and on)
I wait till Julie comes around
And sings a happy song of summer
And lifts my spirit up
And fills my foolish mind with wonder
She smiles a gentle smile
And suddenly I get that feeling, and then
I'm inside out with love
'Cause Julie's come around again
She's just like a bird
She follows the sun
She spread out her wings
And once again she leaves me
It's always the same
I'm broken in two
But after a while
I always know what I must do
I wait till Julie comes around
And sings a happy song of summer
And lifts my spirit up
And fills my foolish mind with wonder
She smiles a gentle smile
And suddenly I get that feeling, and then
I'm inside out with love
'Cause Julie's come around again
When Julie comes around
And sings a happy song of summer
And lifts my spirit up
And fills my foolish mind with wonder
When Julie comes around
The lyrics of The Cuff Links' hit song "When Julie Comes Around" tell the story of a man who feels lost and aimless without his love, Julie. The first verse sets the tone for his melancholic state, describing his life as "unreal" and him just "drifting on the water", comparing his life to a poem with no rhyme, a clock without time, and a ship without sails. He then goes on to say that he waits for Julie to come around and sings a happy song of summer, describing how her presence lifts his spirits and fills his mind with wonder. Her smile gives him that "feeling" that turns him inside out with love.
In the second verse, the analogy changes to Julie being compared to a bird that follows the sun, spreading its wings and leaves the man behind. He is once again broken in two, but he knows that he will wait for her to come around again. The chorus repeats the sentiment that Julie brings happiness and wonder into his life whenever she comes around.
Overall, "When Julie Comes Around" is a typical love song that captures the whirlwind of emotions that one can feel when they are deeply in love and provides insight into how they can feel lost without their loved one's presence.
Line by Line Meaning
A poem with no rhyme
My life is without direction or purpose, like a poem that lacks structure or coherence.
A clock without time
I feel stuck and unable to move forward, as if time has stopped and I am unable to progress.
A ship without sails
I am adrift and aimless, without a sense of purpose or direction, like a ship that is incapable of moving forward.
Just drifting on the water
I feel lost and directionless, with no clear path or goal to pursue.
That's just how I feel
These feelings of aimlessness and purposelessness are consistent and persistent in my life.
Whenever she's gone
My sense of emptiness and lack of direction is most acute when Julie is not with me.
My life's unreal, but I go on (and on, and on)
Despite feeling adrift and without purpose, I continue to soldier on, day after day, even if it feels like my life is without meaning or substance.
I wait till Julie comes around
My hope and optimism is tied to the presence of Julie in my life, as she brings me happiness and joy.
And sings a happy song of summer
Julie's presence is associated with warmth, light, and happiness, as she brings sunshine into my life.
And lifts my spirit up
Julie's energy and enthusiasm helps to rejuvenate me, and raises my spirits when I am feeling down.
And fills my foolish mind with wonder
Julie's presence inspires me to think beyond my current circumstances, and encourages me to dream and wonder.
She smiles a gentle smile
Julie's demeanor is soft and gentle, putting me at ease and making me feel cared for and loved.
And suddenly I get that feeling, and then
Julie's presence produces a visceral reaction in me, evoking strong emotions and feelings of love.
I'm inside out with love
Julie's love and affection overwhelms me, causing me to feel exposed and vulnerable in the best possible way.
'Cause Julie's come around again
The return of Julie to my life is a cause for celebration, and a signal that happiness and joy have returned to me once more.
She's just like a bird
Julie's free-spiritedness and sense of adventure reminds me of a bird, who is free to soar and fly wherever it wishes.
She follows the sun
Julie is drawn to light and warmth, seeking out experiences and opportunities that allow her to feel uplifted and energized.
She spread out her wings
Julie is capable of great transformation and growth, as she spreads her wings and pushes herself out of her comfort zone.
And once again she leaves me
Despite her temporary absences from my life, I know that Julie will always return, bringing joy and happiness with her.
It's always the same
Despite the ups and downs of life, I can always count on Julie to bring light and joy into my life, no matter the circumstances.
I'm broken in two
When Julie is away, I feel incomplete and lost, as if a part of me is missing.
But after a while
Despite the temporary pain and emptiness I feel in Julie's absence, I know that with time, my spirit will be rejuvenated once again.
I always know what I must do
Even during the dark and lonely times, I am able to find solace in the knowledge that Julie will return, and I will be filled with joy and love once again.
Contributed by Scarlett H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.