The most familiar line-up included Eve Graham, Lyn Paul, Marty Kristian, Peter Doyle and Paul Layton. In addition to having several big hits, the group represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest 1972, finishing in second place. Author & Historian John Kennedy O'Connor notes in The Eurovision Song Contest - The Official History, that they got the biggest cheer of the night from the live audience in Edinburgh. They were hot favourites to represent the UK again in 1980 (albeit with only Paul & Marty still in the line up) with the song "Tell Me" but it was disqualified shortly before the televised final of A Song for Europe. Had they appeared in the 1980 UK contest, the group would have been up against their former lead singer Danny Finn who had recently married Eve Graham and was now the lead singer of the winning group Prima Donna. In addition, Mick Flynn and Donna Jones, two members of the current (2007) line up of The New Seekers were also in the field, competing under the group name Pussyfoot.
Their hit single "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing", adapted from an advertising jingle for Coca-Cola, appeared 81st on the list of the UK's best-selling singles issued in 2002. It sold just under one million copies in the United Kingdom alone. The version used in the Coca-Cola television commercials was credited to The Hillside Singers, as many people of various backgrounds and cultures sang the song, holding Coca-Cola bottles on a hillside in the commercial. "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing" was so firmly connected with the Coca-Cola product that it eventually became known as "The Coke Song". The song was relaunched in Coca-Cola commercials in 2005.
Other hit singles by The New Seekers included "Look What They've Done To My Song, Ma", "Beautiful People" and "The Nickel Song", all of which were written by Melanie Safka. The New Seekers went on to sell over 35 million records worldwide, equalling the eight UK Top Twenty entries by The Seekers. Indeed, they released four albums during 1972 alone.
They also performed the title track to the now-legendary Marlo Thomas television special, "Free to Be... You and Me", a landmark program designed to teach kids how to express themselves and be independent through a series of vignettes which was rebroadcast on the cable network TV Land in late 2006 as a special add-on to their initial run of the classic series, THAT GIRL. Since the special was first broadcast in 1973 the song itself has since become a pop cult classic in its own right.
The New Seekers have continued to perform over the decades with an inevitable personnel changes which included Peter Oliver, Danny Finn, Caitriona Walsh, Nicola Kerr and Vikki James. The New Seekers toured in 2006 and 2007 with the established line up of: Paul Layton, Donna Jones, Francine Rees, Mick Flynn and Mark Hankins. A CD of the 2006 tour was released which includes all of the group's hits along with covers of 'Reflections', 'Run to Me' and 'Strangest Dream'. 2006 was completed with a Royal Variety performance at St. James Palace, London for HRH Prince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall and an appearance on ITV's This Morning. The group are currently managed by Nic Culverwell.
The group's official website is at www.thenewseekers.com and myspace at www.myspace.com/thenewseekersofficial
Tonight
The New Seekers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
Could be the night
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
Darling, I do
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
And tonight
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
Could be the ni-eye-eye-eye-ight
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
To get the ring
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
Around your finger
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
Oh my darling, hold me tight
And tonight, just could be the night
Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba, yeah
Tonight
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
Could be the night
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
To fall in love
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
With someone like you-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
Oh my darling, hold me tight
And tonight, just could be the night
Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba, yeah
Tonight
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
Could be the ni-eye-eye-eye-ight
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
To get that ring
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
Around your finger
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
Oh my darling, hold me tight
For tonight
Is the night
The New Seekers' song "Tonight" is a sweet and optimistic doo-wop-style love song, expressing hopes and dreams of getting married or falling in love. The repeated phrase "could be the night" and the up-tempo doo-wop backing vocals suggest a sense of excitement and anticipation. The lyrics seem to be addressed to someone special, with the singer expressing a desire to hear her say "Darling, I do" or get the ring around her finger. The verses are short and simple, but they convey the intensity and urgency of the moment, as if the singer and the person they are singing to are both aware that this could be a turning point in their relationship.
In addition to the candid lyrics, the song's upbeat rhythm, catchy melody, and romantic overtones make it a popular choice for young couples and wedding receptions. Overall, "Tonight" is a charming love song that captures the spirit of hope, passion, and possibility.
Line by Line Meaning
Tonight
The current time period being referenced
(Doo-wop, doo-wop-de-wop)
Repetitive background vocals to add to the song's melodic structure
Could be the night
It's possible that important events will occur tonight
To hear her say
The potential for a significant statement or confession by the subject, to be relayed to the listener or their partner
Darling, I do
The aforementioned significant statement or expressing commitment, from the perspective of the listener or their partner
And tonight
Reiteration that the events being alluded to are coming up very soon
Could be the ni-eye-eye-eye-ight
Rephrasing of previous idea that it's possible for the tonight to be an important night, accompanied by extended vocalization
To get the ring
Potential moment for a romantic proposal involving a ring
Around your finger
Placement of the aforementioned ring on subject's finger
Oh my darling, hold me tight
Desire for physical and emotional intimacy with a loved one
And tonight, just could be the night
Reiteration that the night being referred to is a significant opportunity for romantic events to unfold
Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba, yeah
Musical expression emphasizing the energy and excitement of the situation
To fall in love
Possible outcome of the events taking place on this night
With someone like you-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Specifying that the person potentially being fallen in love with is the listener or the listener's partner
For tonight
Rephrasing idea that the activities mentioned refer to this particular night
Is the night
Emphasis that the night in question is especially important and contains significant possibilities
Contributed by Alyssa S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Carolyn Patterson
My mom had this album when I was a little kid - I have it now. I loved it then and still do now.
Shmerpy
Haven't heard this since I was 18. Great song.
j mcdowall
Hadn't realised that this song was written for "us", and it was turned down, so the Move released it. Like both versions but obviously prefer this one.
Christopher Thomas
Obviously. Whereas I obviously prefer The Move's version.
Mike Byrne
Roy Wood of the Move wrote this song and put it on their album. This is a cover.