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.
That Lucky Old Sun
The Righteous Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But that lucky old sun has nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day
Fuss with my woman toil for my kids
Sweat 'til I'm wrinkled and gray
While that lucky old sun has nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day
Tears all in my eyes
Send down that cloud with a silver linin'
Lift me to paradise
Show me that river
Take me across and wash all my troubles away
Like that lucky old sun, give me nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day
Up in the mornin' out on the job,
Work like the devil for my pay
But that lucky old sun has nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day
Fuss with my woman toil for my kids
Sweat 'til I'm wrinkled and gray
While that lucky old sun has nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day
Good Lawd above, can't you know I'm pinin'
Tears all in my eyes
Send down that cloud with a silver linin'
Lift me to paradise
Show me that river
Take me across and wash all my troubles away
Like that lucky old sun, give me nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day
The Righteous Brothers' song "That's All" tells the story of a hardworking man who is exhausted from his daily labor. He watches the sun roll around in the sky with envy because it never seems to work, only play. He wishes he could be carefree like the sun and enjoy his life without toiling away every day. The song expresses his desire for a better life - one where he can escape the stresses of work and provide for his family without the constant worry and effort.
The lyrics in the song are a metaphor for life, specifically the struggle many people face to balance work and family responsibilities while still finding time to enjoy life. The singer is expressing his desire to escape the monotony of his daily grind and seek a way to enjoy life more fully, just like the sun seems to do.
At the same time, the song acknowledges that life is not perfect, and there will always be worries and troubles that need to be dealt with. But the hope is that with the right mindset, one can find a way to roll through life like the lucky old sun, carefree and content.
Line by Line Meaning
Up in the mornin' out on the job, work like the devil for my pay
I wake up early to go to work and work really hard to earn my living.
But that lucky old sun has nothin' to do But roll around heaven all day
The sun just stays in the sky and doesn't have to work, it just rolls around in heaven all day.
Fuss with my woman toil for my kids Sweat 'til I'm wrinkled and gray
I spend my time taking care of my family and working hard until I'm old and wrinkled.
While that lucky old sun has nothin' to do But roll around heaven all day
The sun doesn't have to deal with any of the struggles I have, it just rolls around in heaven all day.
Good Lawd above, can't you know I'm pinin' Tears all in my eyes
God above, can't you see that I'm suffering and sad.
Send down that cloud with a silver linin' Lift me to paradise
Please send me something good to make me feel better and take me to a better place.
Show me that river Take me across and wash all my troubles away
I want to be taken to a beautiful river that will wash away all my problems and worries.
Like that lucky old sun, give me nothin' to do But roll around heaven all day
I want to have a carefree life like the sun in heaven, where I don't have to worry about anything.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Beasley Smith, Haven Gillespie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind