It was formed with the original name of Sentimental Four in Newport News, Virginia, U.S., in the late 1940s, and initially consisted of two sets of brothers - Rudy West (born 25 July 1932, Newport News, Virginia) and Bernie West (born 4 February 1930, Newport News), and Ripley Ingram (born 1930 - died 23 March 1995, Newport News) and Raphael Ingram. Ingram left in 1949 and Maryland Pierce (born 1933) and Dickie Smith became members in his place. At this juncture the name of the group was changed to The Five Keys.
They were signed to Aladdin Records in 1951, and in 1952 Rudy West left to join the United States Army, and he was replaced by Ulysses K. Hicks. In 1954 Dickie Smith left and was replaced with Ramon Loper.
At this point the Five Keys was signed to Capitol Records, and their popularity increased, although more instrumentation was used.
The group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002.
My Saddest Hour
The Five Keys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pretty little angel, pretty little angel
Pretty little, pretty little, pretty little angel
(Pretty, pretty, pretty little angel eyes)
Angel eyes, I really love you so
Angel eyes, I'll never let you go
(Pretty, pretty, pretty little angel eyes)
Angel eyes, you are so good to me
And when I'm in your arms you be so heavenly
You know I love you, my darlin' angel eyes
I know you were sent from Heaven above
You rule my life with your wonderful love
I know we'll be happy for eternity
'Cause I know that our love is really real
(Angel eyes, angel eyes)
Angel eyes, I really love you so
Angel eyes, I'll never let you go
Because I love you, my darlin' angel eyes
Pretty little angel eyes
Pretty little angel eyes
Pretty little angel, pretty little angel
Pretty little, pretty little, pretty little angel
(Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty
Pretty, pretty, pretty little angel eyes)
Angel eyes, I really love you so
Angel eyes, I'll never let you go
Because I love you, my darlin' angel eyes
(Pretty, pretty, pretty little angel eyes)
"My Saddest Hour" by The Five Keys is a classic love song that expresses the depth of the singer's emotion for their lover. The song talks about the beauty of the lover's eyes, which the singer characterizes as "angel eyes." The lyrics repeatedly describe the lover's eyes as "pretty little angel eyes," emphasizing the singer's adoration and obsession with their lover, especially the eyes. The singer pledges their undying love for their beloved and promises never to let them go.
The singer declares that their lover is so good to them, and being in their arms is heavenly. The lyrics further express that the singer's lover is a blessing that was sent from Heaven above. The singer characterizes their love as real and everlasting, assuring their lover that their union will lead to eternal happiness. The song's intense emotional energy underscores the depth of the singer's love.
In conclusion, The Five Keys' "My Saddest Hour" is a classic love song that exemplifies the power of love. The singer's emotional intensity, coupled with the poignant beauty of the lyrics, make this song a testament to the enduring strength of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Pretty little angel eyes, pretty little angel eyes
The singer is admiring the beauty of their lover's eyes and repeating it for emphasis.
Angel eyes, I really love you so
The singer is expressing their deep affection for their lover.
Angel eyes, I'll never let you go
The singer promises to always stay by their lover's side and never leave them.
Because I love you, my darlin' angel eyes
The singer reaffirms their love for their significant other and emphasizes how important they are to them.
Angel eyes, you are so good to me
The singer acknowledges how much their lover means to them and how well they treat them.
And when I'm in your arms you be so heavenly
The singer feels a deep sense of love and comfort when they are with their lover.
I know you were sent from Heaven above
The singer believes that their lover was a blessing from God and holds them in high regard.
You rule my life with your wonderful love
The singer's lover has a significant impact on their life and brings them great happiness.
I know we'll be happy for eternity
The singer believes that their love is eternal and they will always be happy together.
'Cause I know that our love is really real
The singer is confident in the legitimacy and depth of their relationship.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAY ROBINSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@deanslist101
My all-time favorite of theirs and, believe me, that was a tough choice. They had so many great ones. The Five Keys stood at the top of pack. None like them then and never will be again.
@robbk1
I loved it in 1953, and I love it even more today! In my Top 10 songs of all time.
@ildibildi53
This is truly a wonderful song.
@vennhologram
One of the most potent anthems of the doo-wop era, arguably their "finest hour"--wrenching pathos in unearthly harmony. Otis would not have been sitting on the dock of the bay without this inspiration.
@bronxbum
One of if not the best R&B group.
@DNRY122
A masterpiece of 1950s R&B vocal group singing!
@richardmolina4175
This is not “doo-wop”. That stupid term was never used in 1953. This recording by the Five Keys is a great example of superb vocal group harmony. Thanks.
@philcorey3200
Thank you hate the term doo wap should only apply to corny white groups who sound white
@jimgag2
Richard Molina I couldn’t agree more. I hate the idiotic term doo wop.
@jimgag2
phil corey Why bring race into it? Doo wop shouldn’t be applied to any group.