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.
Mam'selle
The Four Freshmen Lyrics
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It was midnight Come to think of it
It was spring
There was music I was listening
Then in the room somewhere someone began to sing
This serenade made for remembering
A small cafe, Mam'selle
The violins were warm and sweet
And so were you, Mam'selle
And as the night danced by
A kiss became a sigh
Your lovely eyes seemed to sparkle
Just like wine does
No heart ever yearned the way mine does for you
And yet I know too well
Some day you'll say goodbye
Then violins will cry
And so will I, Mam'selle
A small cafe, Mam'selle
Our rendezvous, Mam'selle
The violins were warm and sweet
And so were you, Mam'selle
And as the night danced by
A kiss became a sigh
Your lovely eyes seemed to sparkle
Just like wine does
No heart ever yearned the way mine does for you
And yet I know too well
Some day you'll say goodbye
Then violins will cry
And so will I, Mam'selle
The Four Freshmen's song "Mam'selle" is a romantic song that tells a story about a couple's rendezvous in a small café in Montmartre, Paris. The lyrics describe the ambiance of the night; it was midnight and it was spring, with the music playing in the background, and someone began to sing a serenade that was made for remembering. The violins were warm and sweet, just like the company of the singer's lover, Mam'selle. As the night went on, the two shared a kiss that became a sigh, and the singer's heart yearns for Mam'selle, as he knows too well that someday she'll say goodbye, and that would make the violins cry, and so will the singer.
The song has a classic, nostalgic feel to it and was released in 1954, adequately capturing the charm of its time. It is a song about romance, the beauty of the moment, but also the looming heartache that comes with loving someone. The lyrics tap into the listener's senses, painting a vivid picture of the scene, from the music and violins, to the wine sparkling in Mam'selle's eyes. The song's wistful tone, combined with the beautiful lyrics, transports the listener to a different world and creates a timelessness that remains relevant today.
Line by Line Meaning
It was Montmartre
The setting was in the bohemian neighborhood in Paris known for its artistic scene.
It was midnight Come to think of it
Reflecting on the moment, the memory is associated with the late hours.
It was spring
The season was bringing new beginnings and hope.
There was music I was listening
The artist was immersed in the sounds of the serenade.
Then in the room somewhere someone began to sing
The sound of a voice joined the instrumental melody.
This serenade made for remembering
The song played for the purpose of memorializing the moment.
A small cafe, Mam'selle
The location of the memory is a quaint establishment called Mam'selle.
Our rendezvous, Mam'selle
The location served as a meeting place for the artist and their love interest.
The violins were warm and sweet
The music was characterized by a rich and pleasant tone.
And so were you, Mam'selle
The love interest was similar in disposition to the music being played.
And as the night danced by
The time spent in the cafe felt fleeting.
A kiss became a sigh
The physical act of intimacy became a moment of longing and contemplation.
Your lovely eyes seemed to sparkle
The love interest's gaze was enchanting.
Just like wine does
The comparison to wine suggests the intoxicating allure of the love interest.
No heart ever yearned the way mine does for you
The singer's love and devotion to their partner is unparalleled.
And yet I know too well
Despite their love, the artist is aware of the possibility of heartbreak.
Some day you'll say goodbye
The fear of losing the love interest looms in the artist's mind.
Then violins will cry
The music will mirror the singer's sadness if their fear becomes reality.
And so will I, Mam'selle
The singer will also mourn the loss of their love interest in this cafe.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Edmund Goulding, Mack Gordon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind