The Righteous Brothers were the musical duo of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfie… Read Full Bio ↴The Righteous Brothers were the musical duo of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield. They recorded from 1963 through 1975, and continued to perform live until Hatfield's death in 2003. Their emotive vocal stylings were sometimes dubbed "blue-eyed soul."

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.

The White Cliffs Of Dover
The Righteous Brothers Lyrics

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There'll be bluebirds over
The white cliffs of Dover
Tomorrow
Just you wait and see
There'll be love and laughter
And peace ever after
Tomorrow
When the world is free

The shepherd will tend his sheep
I know the valley's gonna bloom again
And Jimmy will go to sleep
In his own little room again
Well, there'll be bluebirds over
The white cliffs of Dover
Tomorrow
Just you wait and see
Just you wait and see
When the world is free
Just you wait and see
When the world is free
When the world is free
Come on and wait and see

When the world is free
You gotta wait and see

Overall Meaning

The White Cliffs of Dover was written in 1941 by Walter Kent and Nat Burton, and was originally recorded by Vera Lynn, a popular British singer of that time. The song was a response to the devastating events of World War II, and the hope of peace and freedom that would come after. The song speaks to a future time, when the war is over, and Britain will once again be free. The first verse introduces the image of bluebirds flying over the white cliffs of Dover, a symbol of hope and renewal. The chorus speaks to the belief that love, laughter, and peace will be restored to the world once the war is over, and that there will be a return to normalcy.

The second verse speaks to the rebirth of nature after the war, as the shepherd tends his sheep and the valley blooms again. The mention of Jimmy going to sleep in his own little room highlights the personal impact of the war, as families were torn apart and displaced from their homes. The final verse brings the song back to the hopeful imagery of bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover, and emphasizes the need to wait and see for the world to be free once again.

Line by Line Meaning

There'll be bluebirds over
Hopeful and cheerful times are coming

The white cliffs of Dover
A beautiful and iconic landmark symbolizing peace and freedom

Tomorrow
In the future, not too far away

Just you wait and see
Believe in the promise of a better future

There'll be love and laughter
Happiness and joy will return

And peace ever after
A lasting state of calm and harmony

When the world is free
When the oppressive forces are gone

The shepherd will tend his sheep
Life will return to normalcy

I know the valley's gonna bloom again
Nature and prosperity will thrive once again

And Jimmy will go to sleep
Innocent children will have a safe and peaceful home

In his own little room again
Children will have their own familiar and comfortable space