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)".
Don't Let Go
The Four Seasons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't let go, Don't let go.
Come on, baby, it's time to rock,
Don't let go, Don't let go.
I'm so happy I got you here,
Don't let go, Don't let go.
Keeps me grinnin' from ear to ear.
Don't let go, Don't let go.
Ah shucks, I wouldn't stop for a million bucks.
I love you so, Just hold me tight.
Don't let go!
Thunder, lightening, wind and rain,
Don't let go, Don't let go.
Love is stormin' inside my brain,
Don't let go, Don't let go.
I'm so eager, I'm nearly dyin',
Don't let go, Don't let go.
You've been keepin' your lips from mine.
Oo-wee, This feelin's killin' me;
Ah shucks, I wouldn't stop for a million bucks.
I love you so, Just hold me tight.
Don't let go!
Hound dog barkin' up side the hill,
Don't let go, Don't let go.
Love is draggin' him thru the mill,
Don't let go, Don't let go.
If it wasn't for havin' you,
Don't let go, Don't let go.
I'd be barkin' and howlin' too.
Oo-wee, This feelin's killin' me;
Ah shucks, I wouldn't stop for a million bucks.
I love you so, Just hold me tight.
Don't let go!
One day, baby, you'll quit me yet,
Don't let go, Don't let go.
I'll be cryin' and soakin' wet,
Don't let go, Don't let go.
One thing, baby, I'll never stand,
Don't let go, Don't let go.
Your lips kissin' some other man.
Oo-wee, This feelin's killin' me;
Ah shucks, I wouldn't stop for a million bucks.
I love you so, Just hold me tight.
Don't let go!
Just hold me tight, Don't let go!
The lyrics of The Four Seasons' song "Don't Let Go" express a sense of urgency and desperation in holding onto love. The first verse sets the scene, with the sound of a whistle at ten o'clock, signaling the time to rock. The singer emphasizes the importance of not letting go, as having the person they love by their side brings immense happiness and puts a smile on their face. The lyrics convey a sense of joy and excitement, with the singer not wanting to let go of this intoxicating feeling.
The second verse introduces a stormy metaphor for love. Thunder, lightning, wind, and rain represent the emotional turmoil that love can bring. Despite the chaotic nature of their feelings, the singer pleads with their partner not to let go. They express their eagerness and desire for a connection, emphasizing the intense longing they have to kiss their partner's lips. The lyrics demonstrate the overwhelming power of love and the fear of losing it.
Moving to the third verse, the imagery shifts to a hound dog barking up a hill. This represents the outside pressures and distractions that attempt to pull the individuals apart. Love is depicted as dragging the hound dog through a challenging ordeal, symbolizing the hardships faced in maintaining a relationship. The singer acknowledges that if it weren't for their partner, they too would be caught up in this struggle. It highlights the significance of their partner's presence in their lives and their desire to hold on to them.
The fourth and final verse brings a touch of vulnerability and fear of loss. The singer expresses the worry that one day their partner may leave them, causing them heartache and leaving them in tears. They reiterate that they can't bear the thought of their partner's lips on another person, underscoring the depth of their love and possessiveness. Despite the potential uncertainty and pain, the singer pleads once again for their partner to hold them tight and not let go.
In conclusion, "Don't Let Go" delves into the intense emotions and fears associated with love. The lyrics portray a strong desire to hold on to the happiness and connection found in a relationship. It conveys the importance of not letting go, even in the face of external challenges, emotional storms, and the potential for heartbreak. The lyrics capture the overwhelming and consuming nature of love while articulating the longing to be held tightly by the person they love.
Line by Line Meaning
Hear that whistle, it's ten o'clock.
Pay attention to the sound of the whistle, it indicates that it's time to start.
Don't let go, Don't let go.
Hold on tightly, don't release your grip.
Come on, baby, it's time to rock,
Let's get ready to have a great time and enjoy ourselves.
I'm so happy I got you here,
I feel extremely joyful that you are present with me.
Keeps me grinnin' from ear to ear.
You bring so much happiness that I can't help but smile widely.
Oo-wee, This feelin's killin' me;
The intense emotions I'm experiencing are overwhelming in a positive way.
Ah shucks, I wouldn't stop for a million bucks.
I value this moment so much that no amount of money could make me give it up.
I love you so, Just hold me tight.
My affection for you is deep, please embrace me tightly.
Thunder, lightening, wind and rain,
Metaphorical representation of the passionate and tumultuous feelings of love.
Love is stormin' inside my brain,
The intensity of love is overwhelming and occupying my thoughts.
I'm so eager, I'm nearly dyin',
I'm filled with anticipation, so much that it feels almost unbearable.
You've been keepin' your lips from mine.
You've been withholding kisses from me, creating longing and desire.
Hound dog barkin' up side the hill,
A dog's persistent barking represents the external challenges faced in a relationship.
Love is draggin' him thru the mill,
Love is subjecting the dog to difficulties and hardships.
If it wasn't for havin' you,
Without you, I would also be struggling and experiencing hardships like the dog.
I'd be barkin' and howlin' too.
I would be voicing my frustration and distress just like the dog.
One day, baby, you'll quit me yet,
At some point in the future, you may decide to leave me.
I'll be cryin' and soakin' wet,
I will be overwhelmed with sadness and tears, feeling completely devastated.
One thing, baby, I'll never stand,
There is one thing I can't tolerate or accept, my lips kissing someone else.
Your lips kissin' some other man.
The thought of you being intimate with another man is unbearable to me.
Just hold me tight, Don't let go!
Please provide me with the reassurance and security I need, don't release your embrace.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JESSE ALBERT STONE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheBoxfitter
I just saw him perform on 11/18/23. He sang for nearly 90 minutes and put on a great show. Amazing stamina for a performer who is 89.5 years old and has still got it. God bless him.
@valentinmontana9951
I was a teenager when this song came out in September 1965. What a wonderful time I had listening to it, I just couldn't stop playing it again and again on my record player. It was the beginning of a real pop music revolution that changed my life forever. How lucky I was to have experienced that period in time. I remember I used to have long hair combed in The Beattles style and wore tight jeans, T-shirt and white socks and leather moccasins. The happiest time in my life.
@jackienuttall7549
Weren't we lucky back then.. wouldn't want to be young today
@peterbalac1915
Nor me, very difficult for the young generation right now we were blessed and I never realised it at the time!!!
@zephead843
Sadly, life in America will never be that good again... Ladies and Gentlemen, The Beatles!
@antibiba1
absolutely fantastic. Valli's range is phenomenal. And the music - the arrangement of it - is sheer brilliance. I am 47 and I will listen to Valli and the Four Seasons till the day I die.
@peterandreadakis3851
With Covid-19 that could be sooner than you think. Keep well.
@rennathabaughn7303
In my opinion, you are 100% correct! It is truly amazing how Franki Valli & The Four Seasons have stood the test of time well into the 21st century 😃
I have been an adoring fan since I was 12 years old and now I'm 46.
@formalcomputer
That'll be the day.
@LucilleBallFan
I just performed this song on sat night! I sing alot of his songs 😊 I was blessed with a high vocal range 🙏