The Four Seasons is an American (Belleville, New Jersey, USA) rock and pop … Read Full Bio ↴The Four Seasons is an American (Belleville, New Jersey, USA) rock and pop band who became internationally successful in the mid-1960s. The Vocal Group Hall of Fame has stated that the group was the most popular rock band before The Beatles. Since 1970, they have been known off and on as Frankie Valli & The 4 Seasons, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, or simply The Four Seasons.

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)".

Idaho
The Four Seasons Lyrics

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Idaho
Where I long to go
Thrilling checker games
Spelling bees, cherry trees

Idaho, lovely Idaho
Daisies on the grass
Grandma's stew

The cows and you

Idaho, lovely Idaho
Playing pick-up sticks
Santa Claus, apple sauce

Idaho
Rain or sleet or snow
You'll be in my heart
I love you so, just
Thought you'd like to know

My Ida
Sweet as apple cider

How I love you so
My Idaho

Overall Meaning

The Four Season's "Idaho" is a heartfelt tribute to the state of Idaho, with the lyrics referencing various nostalgic memories of the region. The song's lyrics begin with a reference to "thrilling checker games" and "spelling bees," which captures the sweet simplicity of youth and the small-town charm of Idaho. The mention of "cherry trees" also adds to this idyllic image, and creates a sense of natural beauty and purity.

The chorus of the song acts as an ode to the state, describing Idaho as "lovely" while listing various images that evoke a sense of home and belonging. The mention of "daisies on the grass" and "Grandma's stew" are particularly poignant, as they convey a sense of comfort and tradition that is often linked to childhood memories. The reference to "the cows and you" also adds a layer of intimacy to the song, suggesting that the singer has a deep connection to both the state and its people.

Throughout the song, The Four Seasons express their love for Idaho in vivid detail, with the lyrics painting a vivid picture of rural life and the beauty of nature. "Idaho" is both an ode to a specific place and a nostalgic reminder of the importance of home and community.

Line by Line Meaning

Idaho
The state of Idaho is being referred to.

Where I long to go
The singer desires to visit Idaho.

Thrilling checker games
Playing exciting games of checkers is a common activity in Idaho.

Spelling bees, cherry trees
Cherry trees and spelling bees are some other unique features of Idaho.

Idaho, lovely Idaho
This is a repeated phrase expressing admiration for Idaho.

Daisies on the grass
The sight of daisies on the grass in Idaho is beautiful.

Grandma's stew
Grandma made a stew that is especially delicious in Idaho.

The cows and you
The cows and the state of Idaho are both loved by the singer.

Playing pick-up sticks
It's common to play pick-up sticks in Idaho.

Santa Claus, apple sauce
Apple sauce and Santa Claus are also associated with Idaho.

Rain or sleet or snow
Regardless of the weather, the singer still loves Idaho.