The group never had a t… Read Full Bio ↴The Harptones was an American doo-wop group.
The group never had a top forty pop hit, or even a record on the national R&B charts, yet they are still considered one of the most influential doo-wop groups, both for their lead singer, Willie Winfield and their pianist/arranger, Raoul Cita. The Harptones may have been the first doo-wop group to number a full-time arranger among their members, and Cita knew how to work to Winfield's strengths. Their best-known recordings include Life Is But A Dream, Sunday Kind of Love and The Shrine of St. Cecilia. The song Life Is But A Dream is featured in the movie Goodfellas during Karen and Henry's wedding. The song can be found on the film's soundtrack. Sunday Kind Of Love by the Harptones was one of the must songs in every street corner dop wop group's songlist.
My Memories of You
The Harptones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Will you always treat me tenderly and in every way be fair?
If I give my heart to you, will you give me all your love?
Will you swear that you'll be true to me by the light that shines above?
And will you sigh with me when I'm sad
Smile with me when I'm glad
And always be as you are with me tonight
Please don't answer 'til you do
When you promise all these things to me
Then I'll give my heart to you
If I give my heart to you, will you handle it with care?
Will you always treat me tenderly and in every way be fair?
If I give my heart to you, will you give me all your love?
Will you swear that you'll be true to me by the light that shines above?
And will you sigh with me when I'm sad
Smile with me when I'm glad
And always be as you are with me tonight
Think it over and be sure
Please don't answer 'til you do
When you promise all these things to me
Then I'll give my heart to you
The lyrics to The Harptones' song "If I Give My Heart To You" are a plea for assurance of love and commitment. The singer is asking their loved one if they will treat their heart with care and always be fair, promising to reciprocate those actions. They ask for a vow of fidelity and a promise to share in their joys and sorrows. The repeated question of "If I give my heart to you" reveals the weight and importance of such an act, implying vulnerability and a potential for hurt. The singer is asking for a genuine and considered answer, given only after thorough reflection and surety.
The song expresses a common human desire for love and trust, highlighting the importance of mutual respect and honesty in a relationship. It speaks to the fear of rejection and the uncertainty that can accompany opening oneself up to another person. The melody and harmonies evoke a sense of longing and tenderness, emphasizing the emotional depth and sincerity of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
If I give my heart to you, will you handle it with care?
I want to give you my heart, but I need to know if you'll take care of it with kindness and love.
Will you always treat me tenderly and in every way be fair?
I need to know that you'll respect me and treat me well in every aspect of our relationship.
If I give my heart to you, will you give me all your love?
If I give you my heart, I need to know that you will love me as deeply and entirely as I do you.
Will you swear that you'll be true to me by the light that shines above?
I need a promise from you that we will always be true to each other and the love we share.
And will you sigh with me when I'm sad
I need someone who will be there for me when I'm feeling down, someone who will sigh with me and comfort me in the tough times.
Smile with me when I'm glad
I want someone who will share in my happiness and joy, who will smile with me and celebrate the good times.
And always be as you are with me tonight
I hope that you'll always be as kind, loving, and attentive as you are with me right now.
Think it over and be sure
I don't want you to give me an answer until you've really thought about it and are sure that you can make these promises to me.
Please don't answer 'til you do
I need you to be honest with yourself and with me, and to only answer if you can truly fulfill these promises.
When you promise all these things to me, then I'll give my heart to you
If you can make these promises and keep them, then I will give you my heart and trust that you will take care of it.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: AL JACOBS, JIMMIE CRANE, JIMMY BREWSTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@charlesdavis6432
RIP Willie Winfield, the Angels just acquired an All-Star
@traveler2971
I don't know you people that commented on this, but there aren't many of us left that appreciate this magic!
@jimgag2
Gus Angelas I’m one of those that are left.
@nvain3
Only the good ones..
@ARIOS44
What do you mean? On the West coast many Mexican Americans (chicanos) from city's like los angeles and san Diego are keeping the music alive and well trust me on the West coast we respect and cherish all old school music. It's not unlikely to find doo wop record s in our playlist
@ARIOS44
*Many young Mexican Americans (chicanos) * correction
@danwar3176
Hey Gus there is still a bunch of us out here that like this kind of music. We are retiring on a daily basis giving social security headaches like giving headaches when we were young with Rock & Roll
@lindadee2053
Love this slower first cut. It's just beautiful, still, after more than 60 years. Willie Winfield and the Harptones, at their best.
@stephenmanning9088
DAMN SKIPPY BROt
@user-hy2xf8ke8w
It’s beyond words , almost 70 years old now and still perfect !! 👍