The group took off after being signed to Capitol Records in 1952 at the insistence of high profile fan, Stan Kenton. They remained popular throughout the 50s and early 60s, releasing a wide array of successful albums, movie and television appearances and performing countless sold-out concerts. The band eventually lost mainstream attention with the emergence of the British pop bands of the 1960s, even though they managed to stay together even after the retirement of final original member Bob Flanigan in 1992.
As of 2001, the Freshmen have been composed of Bob Ferreira, Brian Eichenberger, Curtis Calderon, and Vince Johnson. Although the new lineup of the Four Freshmen have continued the legendary vocal tradition of the original band and perform many of the same standards, the current sound has more of a lounge sound rather than focusing primarily upon harmonies. This modernized sound has proven quite successful, as the group won Down Beat magazine's reader's poll award for Vocal Group of the Year in 2000, proving the quartet's prominence in the jazz world today.
Angel Eyes
The Four Freshmen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Still it's uncomfortably near
My own heart ain't gainin' no ground
Because my Angel Eyes ain't here
Angel Eyes that old devil sent
They glow unbearably bright
Need I say that my love's mis-spent
So drink up, drink up all you people
And order anything you see
Have fun you happy people
The drink, and the laugh's, on me
Pardon me, but I gotta run
The fact's uncommonly clear
I gotta find who's now number one
And why my Angel Eyes ain't here.
(Short Musical Break)
I gotta find who's now the number one
And why my Angel Eyes ain't here.
'Scuse me while I disappear.
The Four Freshmen's Angel Eyes is a song about unrequited love and obsession. The lyrics speak to the singer's inability to move on from a lost love, symbolized by the "Angel Eyes" of the title. The singer tries to convince themselves that love is not around, but they cannot shake the feeling of their lost love being uncomfortably near. Their own heart is not making progress because their focus remains on the absent object of their affection. The reference to the "devil" sending the Angel Eyes suggests the singer's apparent awareness of the futility of their obsession. They describe their love as "mis-spent" and acknowledge that they should move on, but they cannot help themselves.
The singer attempts to drown their sorrows by encouraging others to drink and have fun, but it becomes clear that they are simply running away from their feelings. The repeated refrain of "I gotta find who's now number one" reveals the singer's competitive nature and their desire to be the most important person in their lost love's life. The final line of "scuse me while I disappear" signifies the singer's retreat from reality and the continued cycle of their obsession.
Overall, Angel Eyes is a melancholic and introspective song that explores the cyclical nature of unrequited love and the inability to move on. The use of the "Angel Eyes" metaphor creates a vivid image of the lost love that continues to haunt the singer, even in their absence.
Line by Line Meaning
Try to think that love's not around
Despite trying to convince myself that love doesn't exist, it still feels close and relevant to my life.
Still it's uncomfortably near
Love may be physically absent, but its intangible presence creates uneasy feelings within me.
My own heart ain't gainin' no ground
I'm not making any emotional progress, my heart remains stagnant.
Because my Angel Eyes ain't here
The absence of my loved one, who I refer to as Angel Eyes, is the reason why I'm not moving on emotionally.
Angel Eyes that old devil sent
Angel Eyes, despite her beauty or charm, can also be seen as a temptation or a curse sent from the devil.
They glow unbearably bright
Her bright and intense presence can be both alluring and overwhelming to me.
Need I say that my love's mis-spent
It's clear to me that my love for Angel Eyes may not be reciprocated or is ultimately unattainable.
Mis-spend with Angel Eyes tonight
I am wasting my love and time on Angel Eyes tonight, even if it's futile.
So drink up, drink up all you people
To cope with my broken heart, I offer to buy drinks for everyone around me.
And order anything you see
I'll cover the tab for anything people order, regardless of the cost.
Have fun you happy people
I want others to enjoy themselves, even if I cannot.
The drink, and the laugh's, on me
I'll pay for the drinks and encourage others to enjoy themselves at my expense.
Pardon me, but I gotta run
I must excuse myself as I have an urgent matter to attend to.
The fact's uncommonly clear
It's overwhelmingly evident to me that Angel Eyes is no longer with me.
I gotta find who's now number one
I need to find out who has replaced me as Angel Eye's priority.
And why my Angel Eyes ain't here
I'm desperately seeking answers as to why Angel Eyes is no longer with me.
'Scuse me while I disappear.
I need to leave abruptly and deal with my heartache privately.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Earl Brent, Matt Dennis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Chaz Cone
Well, actually, the Beach Boys harmonize "like the Four Freshmen". Brian Wilson has always said that he was profoundly influenced by the Four Freshmen. The Beach Boys even recorded "Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring" note-for-note from the Freshmen charts in tribute. Love the Four Freshmen? Join us: fourfreshmensociety com (add your dots!) ReFRESHingly, Chaz Four Freshmen Society Membership Director and Webmaster
James Shubert
This particular combination of musicians is by far the best "Four Freshmen" since the original group.
Paul Daniggelis
Except for Vince Johnson I might agree. But the loss of Brian Eichenherger is incalculable. It remains to be seen if the current group can measure up but I'll always be a FFFF fanatic.
Alicia Winn
This kind of harmony and music will last forever in my heart. Bet I've danced a hundred miles to the Four Freshmen music!
Alicia Winn
David Runnells
I've been a Freshman fan for over ,,50 years ! Their legacy continues !
Thanks for the Memories.
tiffsaver
I didn't know these guys could play backup for themselves, too!! Fantastic talents.
ian ufton
Best vocal group of musicians ever !
Paul Daniggelis
No question about it !!!!
Mike Gannon
Top level musicianship with top level vocal harmonies! WOW! As great as the original 4. Love it!
gecko/36a
WHAT A GREAT AND TALENTED GROUP ☆☆☆☆☆