1) The Par… Read Full Bio ↴Three groups have recorded under the name "The Paragons".
1) The Paragons was an influential rocksteady band from Kingston, Jamaica, operating in the 1960s.
2) The Paragons was a doo wop group perhaps best known for their 1957 single Florence.
3.) Charlotte, NC, '60s garage band. "I saw Abba late last night."
1) If you're familiar with the song "The Tide Is High" you probably know it as a huge hit for Blondie, but before Deborah Harry and company got a hold of it, it was a 1960s hit in for the Paragons. Formed in Kingston Jamaica, the Paragons were originally made up of Garth "Tyrone" Evans, Bob Andy, Junior Menz, and Leroy Stamp. In 1964, just before they broke big in Jamaica, Stamp was replaced by John Holt, and Menz (who left to join another Jamaican vocal group the Techniques) was replaced by Howard Barret. The early Paragons sound is heavily influence by American soul music and the singing is in the familiar tight, interlocking harmony style of Jamaican vocal trios and quartets of the early '60s. In 1964, the group caught the attention of legendary producer Coxsone Dodd who immediately brought the group to Jamiaca's famous Studio One and under the watchful eyes and ears of Duke Reid (who became the group's mentor) cut a succession of popular singles such as "Love At Last" and "Good Luck and Goodbye" for Reid's label Treasure Isle.
Not long after this first flush of success Bob Andy quit the group and the Paragons stopped recording as John Holt (who by this point had emerged as the group's leader) decided that the group should soften their soulful sound and go for a more root-heavy rock steady approach. It turned out to be a good idea as the Paragons became the most popular rock-steady vocal act in Jamaica and in Britain. But money problems, specifically issues over why the group wasn't rich after more than a dozen number one Jamaican hits, led to the band's breakup. Of the members only John Holt went on to have a significant solo career. Still, the Paragons recordings, including "The Tide Is High," are some of the most wonderful and sublime moments in Jamaican pop.
Doll Baby
The Paragons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You are so cool
You are upsetting me
And all the boys at school
'Cause I love you
Oh yes, I love you
Uh huh, I love you
Well doll baby, doll baby
At 3 o'clock
We'll meet at the candy store
Join the gang and rock
'Cause I want you
Oh yes, I want you
Uh huh, I want to
Say that you want me too
Well doll baby, doll baby
Let's do the strobe
The lamp, bop slop
And the rock and roll
Let me teach you
Oh yes, let me teach you
Uh huh, let me teach you
Come and go with me
The Paragons' song, "Doll Baby," captures the essence of a young and innocent love. The song is reminiscent of a simpler time in history when people would "meet at the candy store" and dance to "rock and roll." It is a classic love song that tells the story of a boy who is infatuated with a girl, who he refers to as "doll baby." While he is enamored with her, he is also experiencing jealousy from other boys at school who are envious of his relationship with her.
Throughout the song, the boy expresses his love for his "doll baby" and his desire for her to reciprocate those feelings. The lyrics are simple and straightforward, but they are also touching, as they capture the innocence and purity of young love. The chorus is particularly memorable, as it repeats the refrain, "I love you...Say that you love me too," driving home the theme of love and mutual affection.
In many ways, "Doll Baby" is a snapshot of a bygone era, a time when young people could find joy in simple things, like dancing in a candy store, without needing to be constantly plugged into technology or the internet. The song has become a classic because it speaks to a universal truth — that love is a powerful force, capable of turning the world upside down, even if all you have is a "doll baby" to share it with.
Line by Line Meaning
Well doll baby, doll baby
Addressing the subject of his affection in terms of a toy, indicating he sees her as something cute and desirable.
You are so cool
Expressing admiration for her sophistication and poise, which he finds very attractive.
You are upsetting me
Indicating that her coolness is causing him some level of emotional distress, either from jealousy or admiration, or both.
And all the boys at school
Acknowledging that her coolness and desirability are not only felt by him, but are something that is a topic of interest and conversation among his peers.
'Cause I love you
Declaring his deep affection for her, expressing that beyond her cool value, he cherishes her in a more profound and emotional way.
Oh yes, I love you
Reiterating and emphasizing his love for her, conveying the strong and passionate nature of those feelings.
Uh huh, I love you
Affirming his previous statements with enthusiasm and eagerness, making sure that his point is getting across to her.
Say that you love me too
Requesting her to express her own feelings about him, putting himself in a vulnerable position by openly asking for her love and approval.
At 3 o'clock
Specifying a time for their meeting, suggesting that this is something planned and prearranged.
We'll meet at the candy store
Designating a location for their rendezvous, where they can enjoy a shared love of snacks and sweets.
Join the gang and rock
Proposing that they spend time together with mutual friends, engaging in fun activities that reflect their youthful and rebellious spirit.
'Cause I want you
Expressing that he is not content to simply admire her from afar, but actively desires a romantic connection, feeling inspired and motivated by the thought of her.
Oh yes, I want you
Reinforcing his desire for her, using repetition to emphasize the intensity of his longing.
Uh huh, I want to
Affirming his previous statement, but now adding that he wants to act on those desires, making his intentions more clear.
Say that you want me too
Repeating his earlier request, but also acknowledging that he is putting himself out there and hoping for reciprocation, underscoring that he is taking a risk by admitting his feelings.
Let's do the strobe
Suggesting a specific type of dance, one that involves fast, flashing light, which he enjoys and wants to share with her as a way to bond and experience joy together.
The lamp, bop slop
Listing off other types of dance styles, which may be popular at that time, or ones that he enjoys and wants to teach her, further indicating his eagerness to connect with her in this way.
And the rock and roll
Naming another popular dance style, which he likely associates with youthful rebellion and excitement, indicating that he wants to have fun and cut loose with her.
Let me teach you
Taking on a more assertive role, indicating that he wants to be the one to show her the dance moves, positioning himself as an authority and guide for her, which could be a way of demonstrating his knowledge, skill, and confidence.
Oh yes, let me teach you
Affirming and emphasizing his desire to instruct her on the dance moves, conveying enthusiasm and a desire to spend time with her in this way.
Uh huh, let me teach you
Reiterating his desire to educate her, using repetition to drive home the point that this is something he is excited about and committed to doing.
Come and go with me
Extending an invitation for them to spend time together, not only at the forthcoming dance, but also in general, suggesting that he wants to build a deeper connection with her that goes beyond just one night.
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: Alan Moore, Donald Travis, Henry Mitchell, Johnny May, Paul Winley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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