They adopted their name in 1962 while performing together around Los Angeles, USA as part of a five-member group called The Paramours, which featured John Wimber (who was much later one of the founders of the Vineyard Movement) on keyboards.
Hatfield and Medley both possessed exceptional vocal talent, with range, control, and tone that helped them create a strong and distinct duet sound (and perform as soloists). Medley sang the low parts with his deep, soulful baritone, with Hatfield taking the higher register vocals with his soaring tenor. They gained their name when an African-American Marine shouted out "That was righteous, brothers" at the end of a show. John Wimber, one of the founding leaders of the Vineyard Movement, played the keyboard in the band.
Their first major hit single was "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" in 1965. Produced by Phil Spector, the record is often cited as one of the peak expressions of Spector's Wall of Sound production techniques. It was one of the most successful pop singles of its time, despite exceeding the standard length for radio play. Indeed, "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" remains the most played song in radio history, estimated to have been broadcast over 8 million times to date. A little known fact about this song was that Spector utilized Sonny and Cher as back-up singers.
They had several other Spector-produced hit singles during the 1960s, including "Ebb Tide" and "Unchained Melody" in 1965 and "(You're My) Soul and Inspiration" in 1966.
Soul and Inspiration was produced by Bill Medley for Verve Records. Phil Spector was not involved with this recording in any way, shape or form. Also, although it is credited to Phil Spector, Bill Medley produced "Unchained Melody". Medley produced the B-Side for the singles and Spector handled the production work on the A-Side. The A-Side for "Unchained Melody" was the single "Hung on You" produced by Phil Spector although it was the B-Side that ended up being the hit.
Stand By
The Righteous Brothers Lyrics
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Walking with him
Wearing the smile she wore
When she used to be mine
But I know that she'll
Come to my side
The minute he
But my heart won't let me forget
That I'm just a standby
For when he's gone
Even though I know it's wrong
I can pretend
That her love is mine
I can pretend she is there
All the time
But it breaks my heart
To know that I'm
Not her man
I'm just a standby
I know I'm a fool
But I don't care
My heart grows so cold when she's gone
But so warm when she's there
I'd rather be a fool
And share her love
Than to be a man
Who's not involved at all
So I will pretend
That her love is mine
I can pretend she is there
All the time
But it breaks my heart
To know that I'm
Not her man
I'm just a standby
The Righteous Brothers's song "Stand By" is a heart-wrenching ballad about a man who is hopelessly in love with a woman who is with another man. The song begins with the singer seeing this woman walking with her new man and wearing the same smile she wore when she was with him. He knows that she will come back to him the minute she is done with her current man, but he also knows that he is just a standby for her. He cannot forget about her, even though he knows that what he is doing is wrong. He continues to pretend that her love is his, but it breaks his heart to know that he is not her man, he is just a standby.
The tone of the song is one of resignation and sadness, as the singer knows that he cannot be with the woman he loves, but he cannot help but continue to be there for her when she needs him. He would rather be a fool and share her love than be completely uninvolved in her life. The lyrics are powerful and evoke strong emotions in anyone who has ever been in love with someone they cannot have.
Overall, "Stand By" is a beautifully written and performed song that explores the complexities of love and heartbreak. It is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release.
Line by Line Meaning
There she goes
I see that woman walking away
Walking with him
She's walking next to another man
Wearing the smile she wore
She seems happy and content in his company
When she used to be mine
She was once my girlfriend or partner
But I know that she'll
I am confident that she will
Come to my side
Return to me
The minute he
As soon as he
Tells her goodbye
Breaks up or ends their relationship with her
But my heart won't let me forget
I can't help but remember
That I'm just a standby
I'm only an option or backup
For when he's gone
In case he's no longer with her
Even though I know it's wrong
Although I realize it's not right
I can pretend
I can imagine or act as if
That her love is mine
She cares for me and loves me
I can pretend she is there
I can visualize her being with me
All the time
Always by my side
But it breaks my heart
It hurts me deeply
To know that I'm
Realizing that I am
Not her man
I'm not her main or only romantic partner
I'm just a standby
I'm just someone she can turn to when needed
I know I'm a fool
I'm aware that I'm foolish or naive
But I don't care
But I still want to pursue her
My heart grows so cold when she's gone
I feel lonely and empty when she's not around
But so warm when she's there
But happy and elated when I'm with her
I'd rather be a fool
I'd rather act foolishly
And share her love
To be involved in a relationship with her
Than to be a man
Instead of being someone
Who's not involved at all
Who has no connection or relationship with her
So I will pretend
I'll keep imagining
That her love is mine
Believing that she loves me
I can pretend she is there
Visualizing or dreaming about her presence
All the time
Consistently and constantly
But it breaks my heart
But it still hurts me
To know that I'm
To understand that I am
Not her man
Not being her only or primary romantic partner
I'm just a standby
I'm just an option or back-up
Lyrics © Sentric Music
Written by: William Medley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind