Formed by Bob Miranda, David Libert, Tom Giuliano, and Ralph DiVito, after they all graduated high school in Paterson, New Jersey, their major hits were "See You in September" (1966) (originally recorded by the Tempos in 1959) and a cover version of the George Gershwin/Ira Gershwin song, "I Got Rhythm" (1967), updated for the group's sunshine pop musical style. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, "See You In September" the song was listed in a memo containing 150 songs that radio conglomerate Clear Channel Communications recommended to be pulled from the airwaves - despite the fact that the song is about two lovers saying goodbye for the summer and had nothing whatsoever to do with terrorism.
The group had nine US Billboard Hot 100 Singles hits from 1966 to 1968. The band continues to perform with lead singer Bob Miranda as the only remaining original member.
Go Away
The Happenings Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wish you wouldn't stay (little girl)
Won't you go away (little girl)
Wooo ooo go away.
Go away little girl
Go away little girl
I'm not supposed to be alone with you
But our lips must never meet
I belong to somebody else and I must be true.
Please go away little girl
Go away little girl
It's hurting me more each minute that you delay
When you are near me like this
You're much too hard to resist
So go away little girl before I beg you to stay.
Won't you go away (little girl)
Wish you wouldn't stay (little girl)
Won't you go away (little girl)
Wooo ooo go away.
Go away little girl
Go away little girl
It's hurting me more each minute that you delay
When you are near me like this
You're much too hard to resist
So go away little girl
Call it a day little girl
Please go away little girl before I beg you to stay.
Won't you go away (little girl)
Wish you wouldn't stay (little girl)
Won't you go away (little girl)
Please go away.
The Happenings's song, Go Away, is a plea to a young woman to leave because the singer is committed to someone else. The melody is catchy, and the lyrics are simple and direct, conveying the story of a man who is trapped in the company of a girl who makes him feel uncomfortable due to his moral values. He is inviting her to go back to her own social circle because he doesn't want to complicate things with his girlfriend. The lyrics describe how the singer is struggling to maintain his fidelity, despite the little girl's lips appearing tempting.
The song's mood is one of yearning, pleading, and pain, as the singer tries to persuade the young girl to leave him alone. The song's dynamics range from quiet to loud, particularly in the chorus, as the instrumentation grows and becomes more complex. The vocals and instrumentation have a pleasant upbeat rhythm, which complements the song's happy melody, making it a distinctive example of pop music.
Line by Line Meaning
Won't you go away (little girl)
Asking the girl to leave and not stay.
Wish you wouldn't stay (little girl)
Expressing the desire for the girl to leave and not linger.
Wooo ooo go away.
Repeating the request for the girl to leave.
Go away little girl
Directly telling the girl to leave.
I'm not supposed to be alone with you
Acknowledging that it is inappropriate to be alone with the girl.
Oh yes I know that your lips are sweet
Admitting that the girl is attractive.
But our lips must never meet
Declaring the need to resist temptation and not kiss the girl.
I belong to somebody else and I must be true.
Explaining that the singer is committed to someone else and cannot betray their trust.
It's hurting me more each minute that you delay
Expressing that the longer the girl stays, the harder it is for the singer to resist temptation.
When you are near me like this
Acknowledging that the girl's proximity is difficult to handle.
You're much too hard to resist
Admitting that the singer is struggling to resist the girl's advances.
Call it a day little girl
Suggesting that the girl end the interaction and leave.
Please go away little girl before I beg you to stay.
Imploring the girl to leave before the singer succumbs to temptation and begs her to stay.
Won't you go away (little girl)
Repeating the request for the girl to leave.
Please go away.
Asking the girl to leave once again.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Gerry Goffin, Carole King
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MrGardman
I have been going through your songs and am really impressed with the quality of the uploads. Great job.
Carol's Oldies/Soul
Thank you, MrGardman.. Appreciate the compliment. Have a great upcoming weekend!
Deni
@Carol's Clasics
Thank you so much! I love this version! The Happenings do a superb job! 🤗
Greg
Carole King hit a homerun with this song. Love the upbeat arrangement used by The Happenings, and as usual, their harmony can't be beat.
P. J.
This is the very best rendition🏆 of this song!!!!🏆
Linda St John
Love this beautiful song!
luis gaytan
I like Donny Osmond's version of this song also, but this version is by far the best.
The Happenings harmonies are awesome. Wow!
Carol's Oldies/Soul
I totally agree with you on this one. Of all the artists they're is best. Thanks for your comment. Take care...
Carol
luis gaytan
@Carol's Oldies/Soul Thank you.
Carol's Oldies/Soul
@luis gaytan My pleasure, Luis