In 1960, the group known as The Four Lovers evolved into The Four Seasons, with Frankie Valli as the lead singer, Bob Gaudio (formerly of The Royal Teens) on keyboards and tenor vocals, Tommy DeVito on lead guitar and baritone vocals, and Nick Massi on bass guitar and bass vocals.
The Four Seasons and the Beach Boys were virtually the only American groups whose successful careers were not derailed when the Beatles and the British Invasion bands hit the States in 1964. In fact, 1964 ranks as the Four Seasons' biggest year of all, despite the insurgency from abroad, which attests to their durability and appeal among America's teenagers. That appeal stemmed from the Four Seasons' ability to complement spotless Italian-American doo-wop harmonies with the forceful falsetto and three-octave range of lead vocalist Frankie Valli - the other members were Bob Gaudio on keyboards and tenor vocals, Tommy DeVito on lead guitar and baritone vocals, Gerry Polci on drums, and Nick Massi on bass guitar and bass vocals. Frankie Valli and Tommy DeVito previously performed with Nick DeVito (Tommy's twin brother) and Hank Majewski as the Four Lovers. later on the Four Season where heavley shaped by the songwriting of band member Bob Gaudio, with arrangements and production that drew upon everything from Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound" to the danceable beat of Motown's pop/R&B singles. During a hitmaking streak that spanned the years 1962-68, the Four Seasons netted two dozen Top Forty singles, including the Number One hits "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like a Man" and "Rag Doll." They've sold over 100 million records worldwide, making them the most successful white doo-wop group in rock and roll history.
At their peak, the Four Seasons made recordings that expressed the tough-but-tender sensibility of their home turf in the Northeast much in the way the Beach Boys encapsulated the world of Southern California in harmony and song. In the words of Billy Joel, a longtime fan who grew up listening to them on Long Island, "The Four Seasons had wonderful chord progressions, beautiful writing, terrific production fantastic harmony, records that really spoke to us."
The band released their first hit "Sherry" in 1962. Under the guidance of producer/songwriter Bob Crewe, The Four Seasons followed up "Sherry" with several well-remembered hits, including "Big Girls Don't Cry", "Walk Like a Man" and "Candy Girl". In the mid 1960s, the British Invasion slowed down their career somewhat, but the Four Seasons released several more big hits in 1964, such as "Dawn", "Rag Doll", which was the first single on WABC Radio, New York to be "pick hit of the week" one week and the number 1 single the following week, "Big Man in Town", "Ronnie" and "Save It for Me". Nick Massi left the Four Seasons in 1965 and was replaced by Joe Long who became the mainstay on bass and backup vocals until 1976. Several more Top 10 singles followed, including "Let's Hang On", "Working My Way Back To You", "Can't Take My Eyes Off You", and "C'mon Marianne"; but by late 1967, the group's popularity was deteriorating, as public interest moved towards rock with a harder edge and more socially conscious lyrics. The band would, however, enjoy a brief revival in their popularity in the mid 1970s, with the hits "Who Loves You", "Swearin' to God", and their last number one hit "December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)".
December 1963
The Four Seasons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Late December back in sixty three
What a very special time for me
As I remember, what a night
Oh, what a night, you know I didn't even know her name
But I was never gonna be the same
What a lady, what a night
Oh, I, I got a funny feelin' when she walked in the room
And my, as I recall it ended much too soon
Oh what a night, hypnotizin' mesmerizing me
She was ev'rything I dreamed she'd be
Sweet surrender, what a night
I felt a rush like a rollin' ball of thunder
Spinnin' my head around and takin' my body under
Oh, what a night
Oh, I, I got a funny feelin' when she walked in the room
And my, as I recall it ended much too soon
Oh, what a night
Why'd it take so long to see the light?
Seemed so wrong, but now it seems so right
What a lady, what a night
Oh I felt a rush like a rollin' ball of thunder
Spinnin' my head around and takin' my body under
Oh what a night
Do-do-do, do-do-do
Do-do-do-do, oh what a night
Do-do-do, do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do, oh what a night
Do-do-do, do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do, oh what a night
Do-do-do, do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do, oh what a night
The song "December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)" by The Four Seasons is an upbeat and nostalgic tribute to a memorable night in late 1963. The lyrics describe the singer's encounter with a woman who captured his attention and left him feeling electrified. Though he didn't know her name or anything about her, he was completely entranced by her presence. He remembers the night fondly, as it was a very special time for him.
The lyrics also describe the rush of excitement the singer felt when he first saw the woman walk into the room, like a "rolling ball of thunder." He was completely mesmerized by her and found himself completely surrendered to her charm. However, he also laments that the night ended too soon, leaving him yearning for more.
Overall, "December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)" is a catchy and upbeat tribute to the excitement and nostalgia of youthful memories. It combines the catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms that The Four Seasons were known for with lyrics that perfectly capture the feeling of falling head over heels in love.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, what a night
The night of December 1963 was unforgettable and unique.
Late December back in sixty three
The night happened in the late December of the year 1963.
What a very special time for me
The night was a special time for the singer.
As I remember, what a night
The singer still remembers that night clearly and fondly.
Oh, what a night, you know I didn't even know her name
Despite not knowing her name, the singer's experience that night was so profound that it changed him forever.
But I was never gonna be the same
The singer's encounter with the lady was transformative and life-changing.
What a lady, what a night
The lady was the highlight of the night for the singer.
Oh, I, I got a funny feelin' when she walked in the room
The singer had a strong intuitive feeling when he first saw the lady.
And my, as I recall it ended much too soon
The singer felt that their encounter was too brief and ended too quickly.
Oh what a night, hypnotizin' mesmerizing me
The lady had a hypnotic effect on the singer, captivating him.
She was ev'rything I dreamed she'd be
The lady was everything and more than what the singer had dreamt of.
Sweet surrender, what a night
The singer was compelled to give in to the lady's charm and their encounter was a sweet surrender.
I felt a rush like a rollin' ball of thunder
The singer experienced a powerful and overwhelming sensation, like that of a thunderclap.
Spinnin' my head around and takin' my body under
The singer's experience was so intense and immersive that it left him reeling.
Why'd it take so long to see the light?
The singer wonders why it took him so long to experience such a profound connection with someone.
Seemed so wrong, but now it seems so right
The singer initially felt their connection was unconventional, but now sees it in a positive light.
Oh I felt a rush like a rollin' ball of thunder
The singer reiterates the intense sensation he felt again.
Do-do-do, do-do-do
The chorus repeats.
Do-do-do-do, oh what a night
The chorus repeats, conveying the excitement and enthusiasm of the singer.
Do-do-do, do-do-do
The chorus repeats.
Do-do-do-do-do-do, oh what a night
The chorus repeats, ending the song on a high note and emphasizing the singer's joyful and memorable experience.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Gaudio, Judy Parker
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MonkeyBoo
It’s got Frankie Valli. Forget about it....
@Joeasker
Sup
@hectorcillo5079
primera vez que veo que el que hace el coro lo ponen como que fue el que cantó la melodia
@jeanettemontoya4958
great singers September 21 - 2020
@CindyM372
Monkey boo I’m in my 70s not quite sure what your comment means🤭
@MonkeyBoo
@@CindyM372 Frankie was popular with mon guys back in the day. hence. "Forget about it". Al Paccino explains it great in "Donnie Brasco" movie
@bills.1951
The drummer drums and sings effortlessly! WOW!!!
@aprilcrisp1202
Gerry Polci. The dude is super talented.
@elisabethhofstra7844
Yes, true art!❤
@trainnerd3029
Like Phil Collins or is Phil Collins like him? 🤔