The group was founded in the early 1960s in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA by Michael Arnone, Joe Santollo, John Salvato, Tom Bialoglow, and lead singer Joey Canzano (later known as Joey Vann). George Paxton, a former big band leader was impressed by the group's style and signed them to his Coed Records label. Their first single "You Belong to Me" had previously been a hit for Jo Stafford in 1952. The Duprees' version was given a big band backing by Paxton and reached the US top ten in 1962.
The band had more top 40 hits in the next few years. "My Own True Love" was a vocal adaptation of "Tara's Theme" from the soundtrack of Gone with the Wind and became the group's second hit. "Have You Heard" and "Why Don't You Believe Me" also reached the Top 40 charts and, like "You Belong to Me," were originally early '50s female vocal hits (Joni James, in this case). The band became known for mixing doo-wop vocals with big band arrangements. Tom Bialoglow left in 1963. Mike Kelly, who had recorded on the group's original demos for George Paxton, replaced Joey Vann as lead vocalist in 1964.
Despite becoming unfashionable after the Beatles spearheaded the British Invasion in 1964, the Duprees continued to record, turning in a more "pop" direction, and reaching the Top 100 as late as 1975. The group still performs today on the oldies circuit, but with no original members. Joe Santollo died in 1981, Joey Vann died in 1984 and Mike Arnone died in 2005.
Richie Rosato, who sang lead for the Duprees throughout much of the '80s and '90s, left the group in 2002. Michael Kelly sang with The Chaperones for a brief stint in 2006. Tommy Bialoglow has his own group called Twilight Time. John Salvato is a booking agent and no longer performs. The group currently consists of Tommy Petillo (with the group since 2002), Jimmy Spinelli, Phil Granito, and Tony Testa.
Exodus
The Duprees Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
God gave this land to me
This brave and ancient land to me
And when the morning sun
Reveals her hills and plain
Then I see a land
Where children can run free
And walk this land with me
And walk this golden land with me
Though I am just a man,
When you are by my side
With the help of God,
I know I can be strong
So take my hand
And walk this land with me
And walk this golden land with me
Though I am just a man,
When you are by my side
With the help of God,
I know I can be strong
To make this land our home
If I must fight,
I′ll fight to make this land our own
Until I die, this land is mine
The lyrics to The Duprees' song "Exodus" convey a deep sense of pride, ownership, and determination towards a land that is considered sacred and significant. The opening lines, "This land is mine, God gave this land to me," express a belief that the land in question is a divine gift. The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the profound connection and gratitude felt towards this brave and ancient land.
As the morning sun illuminates the hills and plains, the singer envisions a land where children can experience freedom and joy. The imagery evokes a sense of hope and possibility, highlighting the potential for a harmonious and prosperous future. Joined by a partner, the singer invites them to walk hand in hand, symbolizing unity and shared responsibility in preserving and shaping this precious land.
Acknowledging their own humbleness as "just a man," the singer finds strength and determination in the presence of the partner and the belief that with God's help, they can overcome any challenges that may come their way. The lyrics suggest a willingness to fight, if necessary, to secure and establish this land as their own. The final line, "Until I die, this land is mine," encapsulates an enduring commitment and dedication to their connection with the land.
Overall, "Exodus" expresses a deep sense of ownership, appreciation, and determination towards a land considered to be a gift from a higher power, while also emphasizing the importance of unity, faith, and fighting for the land's continued existence and prosperity.
Line by Line Meaning
This land is mine,
I have a strong ownership and claim to this land.
God gave this land to me
According to my belief, God granted me possession of this land.
This brave and ancient land to me
This land, with its courageous history and age, belongs to me.
And when the morning sun
As the sun rises in the morning
Reveals her hills and plain
When the sunlight uncovers the beauty of the landscape
Then I see a land
At that moment, I envision a land
Where children can run free
A place where children have the freedom to play and explore without constraints.
So take my hand
Join me and rely on me for support
And walk this land with me
Together, let's traverse and experience this land.
And walk this golden land with me
Accompany me as we explore this splendid land.
Though I am just a man,
Despite being an ordinary individual
When you are by my side
When you're with me
With the help of God,
With divine assistance
I know I can be strong
I have the confidence to be resilient and powerful.
To make this land our home
To establish and settle in this land as our permanent residence.
If I must fight,
If it becomes necessary for me to engage in battle
I'll fight to make this land our own
I will struggle relentlessly to secure this land for ourselves.
Until I die, this land is mine
I will claim ownership of this land until the end of my life.
Writer(s): Ernest Gold, Pat Boone
Contributed by Thomas K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.