By the late 40s the girls were singing with Perry Como on his radio show, followed him to TV and sang on many of his records from 1949 through 1953, many of which were monster hits. The Fontane's were also signed to an artist's contract with RCA which was Perry's label.
At least 4 of their recordings landed on the Billboard Top 30 charts.
In 1954 the Fontanes left RCA and signed with Randy Wood's Dot Records. Their first single for the label was a remake of an early 20th century hit HAPPY DAYS AND LONELY NIGHTS. The record charted at number 18 in Billboard and their hit string began. One of their follow up releases, HEARTS OF STONE, not only established them as recording stars, but also topped the Billboard charts. By the end of their chart career in 1959, the Fontanes had placed 24 singles on the Billboard Pop charts. A number of others were also listed on the Cashbox charts at a time when they ran to 40 or 50 places while Billboard charts had between 20 and 30 positions.
Honolulu Moon
The Fontane Sisters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
O'er the drowsy blue lagoon
All the balmy air breathes a perfume rare
To be with you there my heart is pining
Side by side with you in our canoe to go a gliding
While I sing a dreamy tune
Tender words of love to you confiding
On your Honolulu moon
Side by side with you in our canoe to go a gliding
While I sing a dreamy tune
Tender words of love to you confiding
On your Honolulu moon
The Fontane Sisters's song "Honolulu Moon" is a romantic and dreamy ode to Hawaii's picturesque landscapes and the allure of being with someone special under the light of the moon. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a blue lagoon and the scent of blooming flowers, setting the scene for a canoe ride with a loved one while singing a "dreamy tune." The singer's heart is pining to be with their beloved, and they express their desire to confide tender words of love to them under the enchanting "Honolulu moon."
The song captures the essence of popular tropical romance songs from the mid-20th century. It is an example of exotica, a music genre that emerged in the 1950s, and became popular through the 60s, that was defined by its use of Latin American, African, and Asian influences coupled with kitschy sound effects. "Honolulu Moon" is a typical example of the exotica genre, with its Hawaiian-inspired melody, evocative lyrics, and lush orchestration.
The song was also notable for being one of the many hits of The Fontane Sisters, an American vocal group that rose to fame in the 1950s with their sweet harmonies and wholesome image. The group was composed of three sisters, Marge, Bea, and Geri, whose popularity peaked in the mid-1950s, as they enjoyed numerous hits and even had their own television variety show. "Honolulu Moon" was recorded in 1955, and it became one of their most successful singles, reaching number fifteen on the US pop charts.
Line by Line Meaning
Honolulu moon, now very soon will come a shinin'
The moon in Honolulu will soon appear and shine brightly
O'er the drowsy blue lagoon
It will shine over the calm blue lagoon
All the balmy air breathes a perfume rare
The air is filled with a unique and pleasant scent
To be with you there my heart is pining
I long to be with you in that place
Side by side with you in our canoe to go a gliding
Together in a canoe, we'll glide over the water
While I sing a dreamy tune
I'll be singing a relaxing song
Tender words of love to you confiding
I will express my affection for you in gentle, loving words
On your Honolulu moon
Underneath the moon in Honolulu
Writer(s): Fred Lawrence
Contributed by Joshua D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.