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 Little Girl
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' song "Go Away Little Girl" is a classic tale of a man who is struggling to resist temptation. The song's narrator is admitting to himself that he is attracted to the girl, but he knows that he needs to stay loyal to someone else. The lyrics are full of mixed feelings and inner turmoil as the singer pleads with the girl to go away, while at the same time admitting that she is hard to resist.
Throughout the song, the singer acknowledges that the girl is physically attractive and that her lips are sweet. However, he knows that giving in to his feelings would be a betrayal of his significant other. The chorus of the song repeats the message that the singer wants the girl to go away, but his desire for her is also evident in the way he sings the words.
Line by Line Meaning
Won't you go away (little girl)
Asking the girl to leave and not stay around any longer.
Wish you wouldn't stay (little girl)
Expressing the desire for the girl to not continue hanging around.
Wooo ooo go away.
An emphatic plea for the girl to leave and not come back.
I'm not supposed to be alone with you
Acknowledging that being alone with the girl is not appropriate.
Oh yes I know that your lips are sweet
Acknowledging the girl's physical attractiveness and charm.
But our lips must never meet
Recognizing that any physical intimacy with the girl would be wrong and forbidden.
I belong to somebody else and I must be true.
Reminding the girl that he is committed to another person and cannot be unfaithful.
It's hurting me more each minute that you delay
Expressing the emotional pain and struggle of being around the girl.
When you are near me like this
Admitting that it is difficult to resist the girl's allure when she is near.
So go away little girl before I beg you to stay.
Urging the girl to leave before he is unable to resist her any longer.
Call it a day little girl
Suggesting that the girl should end things and move on.
Please go away little girl before I beg you to stay.
Reiterating the urgency for the girl to leave before he is overcome by temptation.
Won't you go away (little girl)
Continuing to plead with the girl to leave and not stay around.
Wish you wouldn't stay (little girl)
Repeating the desire for the girl to go away.
Please go away.
A final, direct request for the girl to leave and not come back.
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