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)".
What Child Is This
The Four Seasons Lyrics
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On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary.
Why lies he in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The Cross be borne for me, for you;
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king, to own him.
the King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone him.
Raise, raise the song on high,
The Virgin sing her lullaby:
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
The song “What Child Is This” was initially a poem written by an Englishman named William Chatterton Dix in 1865. The Four Seasons released their rendition of this classic Christmas hymn in 1962. The first verse asks a significant question about the origins of the child to whom the song is about. The child is lying on Mary's lap, sleeping, and is greeted by angels with sweet anthems. The second verse responds to this question by acknowledging the humble circumstances that the child was born into, in a stable where ox and ass are feeding, and without any pomp and circumstance, the silent Word of God was speaking. The song reinforces the idea that the savior of the world was born in a manger, surrounded by animals, and not in a palace.
The chorus reframes the simple setting, "This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing," and it encourages listeners to bring him laud and praise. The final verse gives heart to the Christian audience, reminding them that the child, who was a king among men, brought salvation to the world. So, even peasants and kings should bring him gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh, and enthrone him in loving hearts. The song crescendos with the praising of Christ's birth and the exhortation to rejoice because the savior has come.
Line by Line Meaning
What child is this, who, laid to rest,
Who is this child who is peacefully resting on Mary's lap?
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Is sleeping on the lap of Mary?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
The angels greet him with sweet songs,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
While the shepherds are watching over him?
This, this is Christ the King,
This is none other than Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing about:
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
Quickly bring him praise,
The babe, the son of Mary.
For he is a baby, the son of Mary.
Why lies he in such mean estate
Why is he lying in such a simple place?
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Where oxen and donkeys eat their food?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
Christian, do not be afraid, for this savior is here for sinners
The silent Word is pleading.
He is silently pleading on behalf of people
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
He will eventually be pierced by nails and a spear,
The Cross be borne for me, for you;
He will carry the cross for us all,
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh,
Hail to the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Who is the baby, the son of Mary.
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Offer him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king, to own him.
To worship him both peasants and kings will come.
The King of kings salvation brings,
The King of kings brings salvation,
Let loving hearts enthrone him.
Let us all enthrone him with loving hearts.
Raise, raise the song on high,
Raise the song up high,
The Virgin sing her lullaby:
Let the Virgin sing her lullaby:
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
Feel joyous, for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
This baby is the son of Mary.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Integrity Music, Songtrust Ave, LEE MENDELSON FILM PROD., INC., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: VINCE GUARALDI, TRADITIONAL, PD TRADITIONAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind