The Four Freshmen began as a American vocal group popular from the 1950s th… Read Full Bio ↴The Four Freshmen began as a American vocal group popular from the 1950s through to the early 1960s. Founded by brothers Ross and Don Barbour in 1948 as freshmen at Butler University, the other two original members included their cousin Bob Flanigan and Hal Kratzsch. Well-known for their multi-part harmonies, they are notable as early purveyors of vocalese and as the forerunners of vocal-harmony based rock music, particularly that of The Beach Boys. In their current configuration, The Four Freshmen continue to perform.

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 ↴

Try to think that love's not around
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

Mis-spent with Angel Eyes tonight

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.

Overall Meaning

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

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Comments from YouTube:

Chaz Cone

16y↑7

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

8y↑17

This particular combination of musicians is by far the best "Four Freshmen" since the original group.

Paul Daniggelis

8y↑2

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

9y↑17

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

7y↑11

I've been a Freshman fan for over ,,50 years ! Their legacy continues !

Thanks for the Memories.

tiffsaver

9y↑9

I didn't know these guys could play backup for themselves, too!! Fantastic talents.

ian ufton

9y↑11

Best vocal group of musicians ever !

Paul Daniggelis

No question about it !!!!

Mike Gannon

5y↑3

Top level musicianship with top level vocal harmonies! WOW! As great as the original 4. Love it!

gecko/36a

8y↑10

WHAT A GREAT AND TALENTED GROUP ☆☆☆☆☆

John Russell

geckoshangrala

Chaz Cone

16y↑3

The Four Freshmen are the current iteration of the group that has been performing without interruption since 1948. The personnel change over the years but the ownership of the name and the sound remain with original Freshmen member and lead singer, Bob Flanigan. He mentors the performing Freshmen still.

CAAJDJ

17y↑2

OMG!!! I've had these three videos on repeat for the last three days, I'm in love!!! - You're so far above me - Angel Eyes - Day In, Day Out

Desoto875

14y↑1

This song is so good that I cannot get it out of my mind, that is a great thing. For my co-workers I am sure know that it is not Top 40. This arrangement can go on the shelf as an exempilary addition of this music style. I hope these harmonies live forever.

Drikus Roor

14y↑2

Does anyone know the chords to this? I simply must play along!!

Wolfsky9

8y↑3

I'm introducing a friend to this group very soon. I can't wait. She's in for such a treat ! Wolfsky9

hhn1000

15y

Great. I've always loved this harmony...have several of the tunes on my iPod taken from the CD "the Four Freshmen Collectors Series." This group is one of the best of the cover groups I've heard on the Internet over the years.

Roland Wolff and RIVIERA

9y↑5

musical craftship at its peak. These guys know how to do it.

jannnyyy1

15y

Excellent, clean, clear, quality music that will keep pleasing many listeners! Thanks for the musicality! Soothing! Relaxing! Enjoyable!xxxx

Ben Underhill

17y

Excellent! The Four Freshmen sound as fresh as when I first heard them well over 50 years ago. This is a very talented jazz/vocal group.

bertsong

17y

Thank goodness we can still listen to these guys, and this is one of their best numbers; unforgettable!!!

Wolfsky9

15y

I've said it once, but I have to say it again: this is just masterful vocalizing, as good as it can get. These 4 men have something very special, and I only hope they fully appreciate it, and understand how important it is for us to keep hearing them. This is singing we just do not hear anymore. To all4 of you, May God Bless, and keep up the great tradition of The 4 Freshmen. Wolfsky9

mrhyde6

14y

It's amazing how they're such talented musicians AND vocalists.

Wolfsky9

14y

Simply gorgeous vocal. I just hope these 4 young men stay together, & keep good music alive; we need them so badly. Ladies & Gents, THIS IS singing! Wolfsky9

roberto pithon

15y

The Four Freshmen is one of the most perfect vocal group of all time

Tom Martin

14y

God, this is great music! The guys play and sing terrifically, and Angel Eyes always gets me misty. A Class Act that deserves to be heard of ! Thank you for this posting!!

Wolfsky9

15y

Every one of my friends who sees this vid is just blown away, as was I, the 1st time I watched; truly, these 4 young men are a vocal/ musical treasure, and a feast for the ears. This IS singing. Wolfsky9

Michael Oaks

14y

They are simply fantastic, such schmaltzyness, The use all of the great chord progressions in their presentations. Not many groups have such intricate vocal harmony, Manhattan Transfer excepted. I've loved the freshmen since 1949 or so. Thanks for this great presentation of Angel Eyes. This 2007 group is about as tight a sound as I have ever heard them.

Wolfsky9

11y↑1

A masterpiece of pure vocal harmonies ; I never, ever tire of this vid! Wolfsky9

boomerang905

11y↑2

I so respect harmony and these guys had it. Awesome. I got a chill when they said "so drink up all you people...." doesn't happen often.

StripeRich

12y

I privileged to see the original Four Freshmen in concert and fall in love listening to their inimitable ballads. Greatest harmony ever.

Wolfsky9

16y

As a music lover who grew up in the 50's, loving both The 4 Freshmen and The HiLos, let me say this: these 4 young men are just phenomenal. As Bob Flanigan said: " the best Freshmen, ever!", and I agree. It's young people like this who give me hope for " The Music Of My Life". Wolfsky9

rship19

15y

Younger generations of singers (and fans) have attempted to relive the standards of the original group, and many have tried to do so along the years. What is admirable is the degree of accomplishment of this foursome.

Pontus Götell

15y

Original arrangement. Amazing with this New Four Freshmen. This style is inmortal.

amazingrace

12y

Thanks Casey for the link - These guys are amazing! Love it!

Nick Falletta

15y

Well said. I am 21 and love 60s music. I heard the original group was a major influence of the Beach Boys. With the incredible vocal range and harmonies I can see why. This is simply incredible. Music is just not made like this any more and that is a shame.

Dave Lewis

17y

I used to think a FF group without Flannigan fell into the "nice try" category. With Brian on lead, this group is every bit as good as those with Bob!!

A. Sebastian

9y↑4

i like so much the whole repertory of FF from I hear it as a younger fan

Wolfsky9

11y

" The best 4 Freshmen of all time " --hands-down, so true, & RIP Mr. Flanagan, as long as these 4 men keep singing, your legacy is in good hands--voices! Wolfsky9

ichigoemi

17y

So beautifully done Their music is so addictive

riper snifle

12y

These guys sound just like the original group who sang in the 50"s. I loved them then and now the new group!

laaxe

14y

Talk about being true to your roots! Their tone, dynamics, let alone harmonies, show how talented these young guys are! Very, very impressed.

Michael Lazzeri

THE best 4 Freshmen, of all-time. Absolutely.

1crankyvet

13y

Bloody sensational....Thanks for posting.

Wolfsky9

14y

Ladies & Gents, this is singing, like we may never --ever--hear again. Please keep up the great work guys--we need you so badly! Just a gorgeous vocal. Wolfsky9

Wolfsky9

13y

A Vocal masterpiece. This is an incredibly difficult song, & this arrangement makes it even more so. What a treasure these 4 young men are! Wolfsky9

Mike E

15y

Ab - So- LUTELY INCREDIBLE! Intonation, Blend, Musicianship. Perfect!

Lalen Nishigori

15y

The Best - Dreamy, Jazzy, Smooooth. There is no other sound as Fabulous as 4 Freshmen....never will be...

Nick Falletta

16y

This is a fantastic performance.

Gianna Hughes

17y

Wow ! They are smooth. Like the original 50's group.

Donbojazz

17y

Finally, The Four Freshmen of 2007, as Bob Flanigan said, "the best Four Freshmen group ever." Who could ever disagree with Bob Flanigan. Do your friends a favor and share this video with them and ask them to forward the link to everyone in their address book. These four young men deserve to be recognized world wide. Compare this talent with what is available on TV. This is talent personified.

Brian Allan

13y

Love the Brian Wilson voice on top.

penguinmama88

15y

This has been on PBS as part of Pledge week. Fantastic!

Steve

14y

Great sound. Very classy.

enrique delgado

fabulosos....!

sirfancypants Mcgee

8y↑4

Thank you so much! I have been searching for this for days.

Dan and Diane's Concerts

14y

Brian Wilson must have gotten that famous high swoop from these guys. We know he studied their arrangements. Good on him for recognizing his influences. Now i listen to FF more than to Brian and the BB (for one thing, almost everything they did FF was really good - Brian and BB were inconsistent but their high points were sooooooooooo high). Hi Los are good too. But FF has THE sound, man!

Will Hackett

13y↑1

Boy, these guys are just as good as the origals.

Wolfsky9

Still, a vocal masterpiece! Beautiful. ------------------Wolfsky9

juslookin3

15y

Wow, are we sure that performance wasn't synched to a studio recording?! Studio recording quality performance.

Sarah Rodgers

12y

So excited to see them on Saturday!!!!! <3

Wolfdude

8y↑2

For the record these members started about 40 years after the originals. The original who performed the longest was Bob Flanigan, 40 years quitting about when this version started. Sounds great though.

metallicbass23

13y

Damn, these guys are coming to my campus this week and I might be able to see them. Why am I just now hearing about these guys?

Nuance5

16y

This chart is by the FF's original mentor and bandleader, Pete Rugolo (vintage early 50s). The song was written by Matt Dennis and Earl Brent (1946). A Classic jazz standard, recorded by dozens of artists over 60 years, but never better than this performance!

Mike Carter

11y↑1

just superb, i remember them from kentons days. (those were the days of real music)swingng music.

Wolfsky9

13y

As Mr Sinatra once said, " you can wait around & hope, but you'll not ever see --or hear-- the likes of this again." With The 4 Freshmen--well, maybe it's not true: OMG, these 4 young men are simply awesome. This is music--for real. Wolfsky9

Wolfsky9

13y

Compare these guys with the '64 lineup from the Japan Appearance--tell me who's better--they are both simply magnificent, singing an incredibly difficult song, making it sound easy. 4 Freshmen, 4-Ever. Wolfsky9

sam bean

16y

Going to see them in two weeks! Hope I can keep it togther:--they bring back so many memories!

roberto pithon

14y

If perfection does not exist, The four freshmen are very close to it

Sam Edelcup

5y↑1

The current group retains only Bob Ferreira. The above group performed together for 13 years. The current group cannot compare.

Ken Mollenhour

8y↑2

This group probably has the most authentic "Freshman Sound" I've heard in a long time...and I go back to Flanigan, Barbour, Barbor and Kratsch.

Pam Tebelman

@Paul Daniggelis You should hear them do "Laura"

Nancy Lindley

7y↑1

I go back that far and loved them all. There Will Never Be Another Four Freshmen.

Paul Daniggelis

I don't go back quite that far. Saw then Ken Errair group in 1955. Vince Johnson had some innovative sounds ( I called it Vjing) at his disposal but I did not think he was up to the FFFF standard. This particular version of Angel is top drawer.

Google User

This song and the imagery it conjures up...smoky hotel lounge, from the mid 60's....in Chicago let's say. He's stood up, but doesn't want the party to end. Perfectly and beAutifully conveyed.

Jim Yeomans

7y↑1

Has to be one of the finest arrangements of this song, impeccably performed by the Four Freshman. Happy days.

Pam Tebelman

@William C.Knight that must have been a fabulous show!

William C.Knight

What a great group musicians.Being a professional musician for many years myself.Been four freshman fan for 66 years.saw them when I was in high school in 1952 with the Stan Kenton orchestra in Easton,Pa .sorry to see Brian,Curtis Vincent not there anymore.Bill Knight.

Brendan Gleason

16y

they harmonize like the beach boys... awesome

talbotvanman

9y↑1

This reminds me I have an old recording of the Freshman (ex Stan Kenton Sidemen
I believe) doing an instrumental but I cant remember the tune, Must dig it out !!

Debb Starr

12y

Very good version and vocal arrangement. I'm partial to my version, I recorded it and posted it on YouTube with a sax solo. Pardon me for tooting my own horn, but it had 10,000 viewers in 5 months. :)

Emily Searles

15y

I did this for my NYSSMA solo except I had to sing with a cd that just played over and over through a loop. I didn't have as much freedom to do what they did, although I wish I could have.

Chaz Cone

17y↑2

"Girl Talk" was recorded on seven different FF albums over the years. Your best bet would be the "Live at Butler" CD released in 1986.

Tom Kilbride

17y

It's a great arrangement even without the five trombones. These guys are the greatest jazz-vocal group of all time. I rate them *****+

colbert999

12y

It exists, and is quite tasteful, as dubstep remixes go. I have it on a mix, does anybody have an idea of who wrote it?

Pierre Veniot

7y↑3

Simply and truly amazing musicians and first class singers...

BH21206

12y

pretty good !

StripeRich

7y↑2

FFFF Forever! Have to hand it to these newer fellas, and I was there for the originals.

MannenMedSmak

15y

Only 2-3 times daily? I listen to this while I'm drawin and this is looping around for an hour or two!

Willco5114

17y

As someone said earlier, this song is not done well by most singers or groups. This performance shows what the song can be. Simply the best Angel Eyes ever done. Kudos to arranger Rugalo and the Freshmen.

GRHCU

4y↑1

This song reminds me of " Leaving Las Vegas".
Great song, great movie too..

Larry Sintay

Most excellent!

Darryl Childers

Love the smooth favors....cool stuff...

alnot01

16y

chazcone is completely correct. Brian Wilson learned much of his craft by listening very closely to Four Freshmen records from the 1950s.

Michael Lazzeri

it just does not get better than these 4 singing together. Gorgeous.

Wolfsky9

13y

Vocal mastery, the kind we just don't hear anymore. No fancy electronics, no " studio sweetening", just 4 amazing voices, singing an Unbelievably difficult song & making it sound like anyone could do it. Gorgeous. Wolfsky9

Larry Morgan

8y↑3

fantastic

ted lemen

I have always loved this group. Rare Silk was similar but they have disbanded also.

Wolfsky9

4y↑1

THE very best 4 Freshmen, of all time. ----------------------------WolfSky9, 74 y/o

adadand

14y

I hate to say they sound as good as the originals but... they sound as good as the originals. A nice pass of the baton. Let's hope future generations love it too!

Nick Falletta

13y

who the hell could dislike this? incredible song.

musiclovepassion

11y

i'm in love with all of them! come to Malaysia!

Willco5114

15y

I don't think it is correct to call this a "cover group". The group has been contiuously performing for over half a century. I would think of them as being like the Chicago Symphony - Keeping up the high standard as people come and go.

Karl Schwab

16y

It doesn't get any better than this...unless you keep posting more videos chaz...(hint, hint).

Chaz Cone

13y

Of course there are CDs and DVDs. They guys perform more than 100 gigs a year and have several great CDs and DVDs as well (the clip above is from their Live in Las Vegas DVD). The Four Freshmen Society is more than 3000 fans who couldn't agree with you more that they should be on TV every week. Check out fourfreshmensociety and join us; and buy CDs and DVDs there as well. Chaz Webmaster and Membership Director FFS

Brian Allan

13y

This is so much better than the usual jazz arrangement, where nobody but the rhythm section plays unless they're playing the head or the solo. Terrific. What all jazz combos should aspire to.