Despite the fact that their only hit, "Tonite Tonite", never climbed higher than number 77 in the US charts, the single is still considered one of the most popular group harmony recordings of the era, more than three decades after its initial release.
The group consisted of brothers Jerry and Bob Scholl, Eddie Quinn, Neil Arena and Larry Esposito. The quintet was formed in 1956 at a high school in Mount Vernon, New York, USA, under the guidance of manager Dick Levister. Originally named the Mellotones, the group was signed to the Herald label. "Tonite Tonite" was written by Billy Myles, a staff composer for the label. The group was forced to change its name after the single's release, as another group had already claimed Mellotones. The record lasted only 10 weeks in the US pop, and the group was never able to repeat this success.
The group appeared in revival shows in the late 60's and early 70's. In 1975, lead singer Bob Scholl was tragically killed in a boating accident. The group disappeared from the scene for a couple of years until around 1977 when Jerry Scholl started it back up again.
love at first sight
The Mello-Kings Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't wanna be your friend
I wanna be your baby, baby
I don't wanna pretend
Don't wanna be your friend
So, come on, gimme smoochy smoochies
I can't deny that you've caught my eye
I wanna be your man
Just take me by the hand
I don't even care where we're going
As long as I'm with you the skies are always blue
The ticky tock of time stops flowing
I can't deny that you've caught my eye
You don't have to try cause you're so fine
I don't wanna pretend
Don't wanna be your friend
I wanna be your baby, baby
I don't wanna pretend
Don't wanna be your friend
So, come on, gimme smoochy smoochies
I can't deny that you've caught my eye
You don't have to try cause you're so fine
I can't deny that you've caught my eye
You don't have to try cause you're so fine
The Mello-Kings' song "Love at First Sight" is a love song about a man who is smitten by a woman he has just met. He doesn't want to pretend or be her friend; instead, he wants to be her lover, calling her "baby." He is mesmerized by her beauty and is willing to go anywhere with her, as being with her is all that he needs. The song expresses how time doesn't matter when two people are in love, and all that is important is being with each other.
The lyrics are simple, but they express how love can make a person feel - the excitement, the need for intimacy, and the willingness to do anything for love. The song uses the phrase "smoochy smoochies" to express the need for physical affection, reinforcing the idea that love is not just emotional but also physical.
Overall, the song is a classic example of doo-wop music, characterized by its smooth vocal harmonies and romantic lyrics. It was a popular dance tune during the '50s, with an upbeat tempo that complemented the catchy lyrics. The song is a heartfelt expression of love that captures the essence of what it means to be in love at first sight.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't wanna pretend
I don't want to act like something I'm not
Don't wanna be your friend
I don't want a platonic relationship with you
I wanna be your baby, baby
I want to be your romantic partner
I can't deny that you've caught my eye
I am attracted to you
You don't have to try cause you're so fine
You are naturally attractive, you don't need to put any effort into it
I wanna be your man
I want to be the person you are in a romantic relationship with
Just take me by the hand
I want to experience physical closeness with you
I don't even care where we're going
I am not picky about the location or occasion, I just want to be with you
As long as I'm with you the skies are always blue
Being with you makes me happy
The ticky tock of time stops flowing
Time seems to stand still when I am with you
So, come on, gimme smoochy smoochies
I want to kiss and be physically intimate with you
Lyrics © DistroKid, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: James Brion, Paul Taylor, BRION JAMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jimgag2
I can listen to the Mello Kings all day. Thanks for posting.
@MrRJDB1969
You're welcome - MrRJDB1969
@destinationdoowop
From Washington High School, Mount Vernon, NY. The late-great Bob Scholl on lead - brother Jerry first tenor. Herald 567 - 1961.
@MrRJDB1969
Very true. Unfortunately Bob died in a boating accident at the young age of 37 . "Love At First Sight" was recorded in 1957, but wasn't released or put on vinyl until 1961, not sure why, since it really is an excellent song and delivered very well by the group - MrRJDB1969
@brendaproffitt1011
Totally awesome video..wow .I love 💘 💘 💘 💘 💘 💘 this song..Thank you for everything that you do..
@MrRJDB1969
Thanks Brenda ! I'm glad someone out there is still listening !
@nenazpuppy
Great tune love it ❤❤
I'm still listening sorry it took me so long to comment ☺
Awesome post again 👌 🎵🎵
@MrRJDB1969
It's ok... glad you're still out there listening ! - Roland (MrRJDB1969)
@jcam783
The second guy from the left looks a little like Donny Most / Ralph Malph from Happy Days .