Formed in Harlem in 1953, the band consisted of Herman Curtis, Buzzy Willis and Pat Gaston (who had previously ben together in another group, The Crows), and Monte Owens, Bobby Baylor and Bobby Williams (formerly of The Mello-Moods). They were quickly signed to the Old Town music label, from which they issued a series of singles. These included "Wonder Why", "Blue Valentine", and a cover version of the jazz standard "I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance with You", all released through 1954.
When Curtis (who was lead singer) left the group in 1955, he was replaced by Milton Love (formerly of the Concords), and it was with Love that the Solitaires enjoyed their greatest success. A string of hits throughout the latter part of the 1950s included "The Wedding" (1955), "The Angels Sang" (1956), and "Walking Along" (1957), which was later recorded by The Diamonds. The group released their final single in 1961, before disbanding.
Various Solitaires line-ups have toured since 1961, and continue to do so to the present day. Currently, the group is made up of Milton Love, Freddy Barksdale, George Magnezid and Robbie Mansfield.
Walking Along
The Solitaires Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Walkin' along my merry way
Singin' a song I will be gay
I found a love and love is here to stay
Walking along just feeling glad
Singin' a song I won't be sad
Oh, happy day
When I'm walkin' feel just like a king
When I'm singin' don't care 'bout a thing
The reason I feel the way I do
You love me, whoo
I love you, who-ooh
Walkin' along my merry way
Singin' a song I will be gay
Oh, happy day
I'm just walkin' along
Walkin' along my merry way
Singin' a song I will be gay
Oh, happy day
I'm just walkin' along
Walkin' along my merry way
Singin' a song I will be gay
Oh, happy day
I'm just walkin' along
The Solitaires' song "Walking Along" is a classic doo-wop tune that celebrates love and the joy of life. The lyrics describe a carefree stroll, with the singer feeling happy and content because he has found love. The song begins with the singer "walkin' along my merry way" and "singin' a song I will be gay" (meaning happy). He then tells us that he has found love and that "love is here to stay." The singer repeatedly emphasizes the happiness he feels, saying that he is "just walkin' along" and that it is an "oh, happy day." The song's chorus repeats this sentiment several times.
The second verse of the song continues to celebrate the power of love. The singer says that when he is walking and singing, he feels like a king and that he doesn't have a care in the world. He knows he feels this way because he is loved (and loves in return). The song's final verse repeats the same sentiments as the previous verses, emphasizing the singer's joy and contentment as he walks along.
Overall, "Walking Along" is a classic doo-wop love song that captures the joy of life and the feeling of happiness that comes from being in love.
Line by Line Meaning
Walkin' along my merry way
As I stroll down this path, I am content and carefree.
Singin' a song I will be gay
With every melody I hum, my mood is uplifted and joyful.
I found a love and love is here to stay
I have discovered true love, and it is here to endure the test of time.
Walking along just feeling glad
As I march forward, a sense of elation fills my heart.
Singin' a song I won't be sad
With each tune I belt out, my emotional pain and disappointment dissipate.
Oh, happy day
This day is a joyous one that I will cherish.
I'm just walkin' along
I am simply strolling without a care in the world.
When I'm walkin' feel just like a king
As I walk, I feel confident, important and powerful.
When I'm singin' don't care 'bout a thing
When I sing, my worries and concerns vanish.
The reason I feel the way I do
The cause for my current state of mind is:
You love me, whoo
You love me and this fact fills me with tremendous happiness.
I love you, who-ooh
My affection for you is intense and overpowering.
Oh, happy day
This is a blissful and contented moment - one I will remember.
Walkin' along my merry way
As I strut ahead, I am content and lighthearted.
Singin' a song I will be gay
As I hum a tune, my spirits are lifted immensely.
Oh, happy day
This is a delightful and gratifying instance that I will always remember.
I'm just walkin' along
I am simply ambling along without any qualms or worries.
Walkin' along my merry way
As I jaunt down this lane, I am jolly and carefree.
Singin' a song I will be gay
With every song I sing, I am filled with joy and mirth.
Oh, happy day
This is an exceedingly pleasant and delightful occasion.
Contributed by Colin H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.