The original group consisted of Harry Douglass (baritone), Vernon Gardner (first tenor), George Lawson (second tenor) and Edward Ware (bass). George Lawson was replaced by William James (Jimmy) Lundy in 1950.
The group began at Hampton Institute (now known as Hampton University) in Hampton, Virginia. Their 1948 song Recess in Heaven became their first hit.
They appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, held command performances before the Queen of the United Kingdom (in the 1960s), and US President Dwight D Eisenhower. They also performed with Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Count Basie, Fats Waller, Charlie Christian and Thelma Carpenter.
In Europe they were especially popular in countries like Sweden and Norway from the 1950s and upwards, appearing on numerous TV shows, even releasing several hit-singles performing songs in Swedish and Norwegian. As late as the 1970s they recorded a Norwegian language version of the Norwegian hit song Ratiti. The group continued to tour into the early eighties.
The last surviving early member of the group, Jimmy Lundy, lived in Portsmouth, Virginia, and died in October 2007 in Maryview Hospital in Portsmouth Virginia.
Two later members of the group are still alive: Ronnie Bright was the bass of the Deep River Boys 1964-1968. After leaving the group he went to the Coasters, from which he has now retired. Eddie Whaley Jr was tenor of the Deeps 1969-1971. He was born in Brighton, England and lives in Florida.
Bewitched
The Deep River Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But a fool can have her charms
I'm in love and don't I show it
Like a babe in arms
Love's the same old situation
Lately I've not slept a wink
Since this crazy situation
I'm wild again, beguiled again
A whimpering, simpering child again
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
Couldn't sleep, wouldn't sleep
Love came and told me, shouldn't sleep
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
I lost my heart, but what of it
She is cold I agree
She might laugh, but I love it
Although the laugh's on me
I'll sing to her, bring spring to her
And long, for the day when I'll cling to her
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
The Deep River Boys' song "Bewitched" is a playful tune that explores the emotional depths of a man in love. The lyrics express the singer’s unresolved emotions and infatuation with a woman who has cast a spell on him. He knows she is a fool, but her charms have captivated him, leaving him powerless to resist her. He is lovesick, unable to sleep or focus on anything beyond his infatuation. He feels like a helpless child, at the mercy of his emotions.
Despite being aware of her coldness towards him, he cannot help but love it. He is bewitched, bothered, and bewildered by her. He imagines himself treating her like a queen, serenading her with songs in the hope that one day she will reciprocate his love. The song is a unique and lighthearted take on the universal theme of love and its irrational power over our emotions.
Overall, the song explores the idea that love can be a confusing and frustrating experience that can leave us feeling vulnerable and powerless. Despite the singer's recognition of the situation's absurdity, he is helpless against his intense feelings. This song is a reminder that love can bring both immense joy and heartbreak.
Line by Line Meaning
She's a fool and don't I know it
I am aware that she is not sensible
But a fool can have her charms
However, even an unwise person can be alluring
I'm in love and don't I show it
I am experiencing strong romantic feelings towards her and express it openly
Like a babe in arms
I feel vulnerable and dependent, just like a helpless infant
Love's the same old situation
This is not a unique or unfamiliar experience, but a common occurrence
Lately I've not slept a wink
I have been sleepless and restless recently
Since this crazy situation
Because of this illogical and confusing scenario
Has me on the blink
I am emotionally unstable and disoriented
I'm wild again, beguiled again
I have been driven to madness and captivated by her once again
A whimpering, simpering child again
I am reduced to acting like a whimpering, foolish young child
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
I am completely enchanted, disturbed and disoriented because of her
Couldn't sleep, wouldn't sleep
I could not bring myself to sleep despite my struggles
Love came and told me, shouldn't sleep
My passion for her urged me to stay awake and not succumb to slumber
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
I am still completely under her spell and feeling troubled and confused
I lost my heart, but what of it
I gave away my heart to her, but it does not matter to me
She is cold I agree
I acknowledge that she has a cold and distant demeanor
She might laugh, but I love it
Even if she laughs at me or things that are important to me, I still adore her
Although the laugh's on me
Despite my love for her, I am the one being ridiculed or made fun of
I'll sing to her, bring spring to her
I will serenade her and make her feel happy and renewed
And long, for the day when I'll cling to her
I anxiously await the day when I can hold onto her and never let go
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
Even though our relationship may cause me chaos and confusion, I cannot seem to stop falling for her.
Lyrics © IMAGEM U.S. LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LEIF EDLING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind