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.
Graduation Day
The Four Freshmen Lyrics
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A time for tears
A time we'll treasure through the years
We'll remember always
Graduation day
At the senior prom
We danced 'til three
We'll remember always
Graduation day
Though we leave in sorrow
All the joys we've known
We can face tomorrow
Knowing we'll never walk alone
When the ivy walls
Are far behind
No matter where our paths may wind
We'll remember always
Graduation day
We'll remember always
Graduation day
The Four Freshmen's "Graduation Day" is a nostalgic love song that commemorates the special day in which students say goodbye to their school and the memories they have made within it. The lyrics capture the mix of emotions that come with graduation day, from joy and love to sadness and uncertainty. The first verse speaks of how the day holds moments that will remain in their hearts for many years to come, both in terms of triumph and sorrow. The next verse details a memory of prom night, where the singer and their love interest fell in love, and how that night will forever be tied to their graduation.
The nostalgic and bittersweet feel of the song is especially fitting for a group that was often referred to as bringers of "vocal harmony," with each member shifting between parts to create a sound that is both soaring and rooted in the past. The lyrics reflect the group's unique blend of doo-wop and jazz, with the harmonies creating the ideal framework for reminiscing on the past, cherishing memories, and facing the future head-on.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a time a for joy
There are moments of happiness
A time for tears
A time for sadness
A time we'll treasure through the years
Moments which will be cherished for a lifetime
We'll remember always
We will hold onto the memories
Graduation day
The day of passing out of school
At the senior prom
The final prom at school
We danced 'til three
We enjoyed the night dancing until 3 in the morning
And there you gave your heart to me
You fell in love with me at that moment
Though we leave in sorrow
Even though we depart with sadness
All the joys we've known
All happy moments we had
We can face tomorrow
We can move on and face future with hope
Knowing we'll never walk alone
Being aware that we have our loved ones by our side
When the ivy walls
When we leave the school premises
Are far behind
When the school is out of sight
No matter where our paths may wind
Regardless of what direction our lives take
We'll remember always
We will always reminisce those memories
Graduation day
The day of passing out of school
We'll remember always
We will always recall
Graduation day
The day of passing out of school
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MIRI BEN-ARI, KANYE OMARI WEST, JOHN R. STEPHENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind