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.
It Isn't Fair
The Duprees Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How can you make me care this way
It isn't fair for you to want me
If it's just for a day
It isn't fair for you to thrill me
Why do you do the things you do
It isn't fair for you to fill me
With those dreams that can't come true dear
And made it complete
You gave me just a taste of my life
If this is love than I repeat
It isn't fair for you to taunt me
How can you make me care this way
It isn't fair for you to want me
If it's just for today
It isn't fair for you to taunt me
How can you make me care this way
It isn't fair for you to want me
If it's just for today
The Duprees's song, "It Isn't Fair," explores the emotions of being taunted and played with by a lover. The singer in the song is frustrated and hurt by the mixed signals they're receiving from their partner. The first verse describes how unfair it is for the lover to taunt and make the singer care deeply while not showing any commitment towards them. The second verse talks about how the lover has thrilled the singer with their actions but in the end, it's just a fleeting moment as unfulfilled promises remain.
The chorus reaffirms the unfairness of the lover's actions towards the singer. The lyrics that state "why is it you came into my life and made it complete" show the vulnerability of the singer and their desire for love, but the lover's behavior leaves the singer unfulfilled.
The song speaks to the feeling of being used and unloved, and the pain of not being able to have what you truly want. The song is a poignant reminder that love can be complicated and not always fair.
Line by Line Meaning
It isn't fair for you to taunt me
You're being cruel to me by teasing me like this
How can you make me care this way
I'm confused and hurt because I've unexpectedly developed feelings for you
It isn't fair for you to want me
You shouldn't express interest in me if you don't really mean it
If it's just for a day
I don't want you to lead me on if you're not serious about a long-term relationship
It isn't fair for you to thrill me
You're getting me excited and hopeful for something that may not be real
Why do you do the things you do
I don't understand your intentions or actions towards me
It isn't fair for you to fill me with those dreams that can't come true dear
You're giving me false hope and expectations for a future that isn't possible
Why is it you came into my life and made it complete
You've had a significant impact on my life, but I don't know if it's for better or worse
You gave me just a taste of my life
You've shown me what love could be like, but only briefly
If this is love than I repeat
If what we have is actually love, I'm willing to continue this journey with you
It isn't fair for you to taunt me
You're hurting me by playing with my emotions
If it's just for today
If you're only interested in a short-term fling, I don't want to be a part of it
Contributed by Nathan J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.