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.
Something's Gotta Give
The Four Freshmen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Something's got to give
Something's got to give
When an irresistible force such as you
Meets an old immovable object like me
You can bet just as sure as you live
Something's got to give
Something's got to give
When an irrepressible smile such as yours
Warms an old implacable heart such as mine
Don't say no, because I insist
Somewhere, somehow, someone's got to be kissed
So, en garde, who knows what the fates might have in store?
From their vast mysterious sky?
I'll try hard ignoring those lips that I adore
But how long can anyone try?
Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight it with all of our might
Chances are some heavenly star-spangled night
We'll find out just as sure as we live
Something's got to give
Something's got to give
Something's got to give
Fight fight fight it with all of your might
Chances are that some heavenly star-spangled night
We'll find out just as sure as we live
Something's got to give
Something's got to give
Something's got to give
Something's got to give
Something's got to give
Aww, let's tear it up!
The lyrics of The Four Freshmen's "Something's Gotta Give" is about the undeniable attraction between two individuals who seem to be complete opposites. The song talks about an irresistible force (the person singing) meeting an immovable object (the other person), which creates tension and the inevitability of something giving in. The lyrics suggest that the two individuals are fighting a battle between their hearts and minds. The singer knows that the attraction is intense, but recognizes that the other person may not feel the same way. The use of the phrase "en garde" alludes to a fight, highlighting the internal struggle the singer is facing.
The song's chorus repeats the phrase "Something's gotta give" multiple times throughout the song, building up to the idea that the tension between the two individuals cannot be ignored forever. As the song continues, the lyrics become more urgent with the use of phrases such as "fight it with all of your might." The singer knows that in the end, something has to give, and whether it's the other person reciprocating the attraction, or the singer moving on, will soon be revealed.
Line by Line Meaning
Something's got to give
There is a need for a change.
Something's got to give
The need for a change continues.
Something's got to give
The need for a change persists.
When an irresistible force such as you
When a force that cannot be resisted, like you,
Meets an old immovable object like me
Encounters someone who is unable to move or change, like me
You can bet just as sure as you live
It is certain that something will happen as a result
Something's got to give
The need for a change remains.
When an irrepressible smile such as yours
When a smile that cannot be controlled or contained, like yours,
Warms an old implacable heart such as mine
Touches the heart of someone who cannot be appeased, like me
Don't say no, because I insist
Please don't refuse, I am determined to make this happen
Somewhere, somehow, someone's got to be kissed
At some point, two people must express their love for each other
So, en garde, who knows what the fates might have in store?
Let's prepare ourselves for what the future has in store, we never know what may happen.
From their vast mysterious sky?
From the vast and mysterious unknown future?
I'll try hard ignoring those lips that I adore
Although I desire your love, I will try to fight these feelings
But how long can anyone try?
How long can anyone resist love?
Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight it with all of our might
Even though it may be difficult, we must resist our feelings
Chances are some heavenly star-spangled night
There is the possibility that one beautiful and magical night,
We'll find out just as sure as we live
We will learn for sure, as long as we are alive
Something's got to give
Change is necessary and unavoidable
Something's got to give
No matter what happens, something will change
Something's got to give
The need for a change persists
Fight fight fight it with all of your might
Although difficult, it is important to resist temptation
Chances are that some heavenly star-spangled night
It is possible that one magical night,
We'll find out just as sure as we live
We will definitely know, as long as we are alive
Something's got to give
Change is necessary and unavoidable
Something's got to give
No matter what happens, something will change
Something's got to give
The need for a change persists.
Something's got to give
Change is necessary and unavoidable
Something's got to give
No matter what happens, something will change
Aww, let's tear it up!
Let's go for it, let's take a chance
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHNNY MERCER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
swcomer
Thx for uploading. This is one of the best incarnations of the Freshmen!