Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein and Richard Gottehrer had already scored big hits for other artists with "Hang on Sloopy" and "My Boyfriend's Back," when they decided to invent the Strangeloves.
According to the press releases, the Strangeloves were three brothers named Giles, Miles and Niles Strange that had grown up on an Australian sheep farm. The faked backstory, involving a sheep crossbreeding get-rich-quick scheme, didn't exactly capture the public's imagination, but the music was indelible.
They released one LP in 1965 and numerous subsequent 45-only releases. Their songs have been covered by the J. Geils Band and (with great pop success) by Bow Wow Wow.
Richard Gottehrer went on to later fame as a producer of early CBGB's luminaries Richard Hell & The Voidoids and Blondie, as well as the co-founder, with Seymour Stein, of Sire Records.
In his role as a producer and manager Jerry Goldstein also continued to have an effect on the music world. He suggested to the band Nightshift that they team up with Eric Burdon, who became War, and had the Circle Jerks on his Far Our Productions management company and LAX record label.
Cara-Lin
The Strangeloves Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Glory what a picture
You ought to see the shape she's in
What she aint got has never been
Whoa
Cara-Lin
Cara-Lin
Cara-Lin
Whoa
When we go out walkin
Boy the dogs start barkin
She can make a left, right
Man this chick is out of sight
Cara-Lin
Cara-Lin
Cara-Lin
Cara-Lin
Hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey
She just don't affect me
Man this chick upsets me
She's got everything I need
Satisfactions guaranteed
Whoa
Cara-Lin
Cara-Lin
Whoa
Cara-Lin
Cara-Lin
Whoa
C-a-r-a-L-i-n
Cara-Lin
Whoa
C-a-r-a-L-i-n
Cara-Lin
Whoa
The Strangeloves's song "Cara-Lin" is a classic example of a 1960s rock hit. The lyrics seem to be about a woman named Cara-Lin, who is described as pretty and with a good figure. The singer is clearly attracted to Cara-Lin and can't help but be mesmerized by her. The song talks about how Cara-Lin can make a left, right, and move in ways that leave the singer in awe. The lyrics express the singer's admiration for the girl's body and her ability to intoxicate him.
The chorus repeats her name over and over, which gives her an almost mythical quality, while the refrain "Whoa" suggests the singer's surprise at the level of attraction he feels. Interestingly, the song's lyrics also suggest that Cara-Lin has everything the singer needs, and that "satisfaction is guaranteed." The combination of a catchy, danceable beat, and evocative lyrics makes "Cara-Lin" a quintessential 1960s rock song that can still be enjoyed today.
Line by Line Meaning
Pretty as a picture
Describing Cara-Lin as stunningly beautiful
Glory what a picture
Expressing awe at how gorgeous Cara-Lin looks
You ought to see the shape she's in
Encouraging others to witness how attractive Cara-Lin's appearance is
What she aint got has never been
Implying that Cara-Lin has everything a person could want in terms of looks
Cara-Lin
Repeating Cara-Lin's name as a way of worshipping her beauty
When we go out walkin
Describing a scenario where the singer and Cara-Lin take a stroll together
Boy the dogs start barkin
Commenting on how attractive Cara-Lin is that even dogs take notice
She can make a left, right
Indicating that Cara-Lin's moves are mesmerizing
Man this chick is out of sight
Exclaiming at how amazing Cara-Lin is
Hey, hey, hey
Exclamatory expression of excitement about Cara-Lin
She just don't affect me
Denying that Cara-Lin doesn't impact the singer
Man this chick upsets me
Suggesting that the artist is smitten with Cara-Lin and can't control his emotions
She's got everything I need
Implying that Cara-Lin is everything the singer desires in a partner
Satisfactions guaranteed
Assuming that by being with Cara-Lin, satisfaction is assured
C-a-r-a-L-i-n
Spelling out Cara-Lin's name to emphasize her importance
Whoa
An exclamatory expression of excitement and admiration towards Cara-Lin
Writer(s): Robert Feldman, Richard Gottehrer, Gerald Goldstein Copyright: Grand Canyon Music Inc.
Contributed by Chase W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
John LaStrada
It may have been pieced together by 3 producers and studio musicians -- but this is what a hit single sounds like. "I Want Candy," & "Night-Time," also. The offshoot bands from The Strangeloves were astonishing: The McCoys ("Hang On Sloopy"), Sheep ("Hide & Seek"), and a few others. All on Bang Records where even Van Morrison & Nel Diamond started.
Entertained
Wow, incredible upload recording. Been looking for someone that recorded this so it's not echoing off their bathroom walls.
You deserve praise, you gave this song its due respect. Thank you.
Raymond Malcuit
This Song Went To Number 39 On The Billboard Hot 100 Chart In 1965.
Cara Eyer
Thank you, I was born in 1968 and have always been happy to have a name that was different for its time. I am so glad you posted this song. It's hard to find.
Shaun Kelly-Kenyon
a forgotten classic!, "what she aint got aint never been" maybe greatest pop line ever
pgh45rpms
The Strangeloves consisted of three New York record producers - Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein & Richard Gottehrer - who had created records for The Angels (My Boyfriend's Back) and the McCoys (Hang on Sloopy). F-G-G formed the Strangeloves in late 1964, eventually charting the following year with Cara-Lin, I Want Candy and Night Time. At one point two of the members formed the duo, Rome & Paris, recording a doo-wop version of "Because of You" in 1966. But Aussies? That's pure PR hype.
Raymond Malcuit
I Think Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein & Richard Gottehrer Also Produce The Box Tops (The Letter).
thecountofbasie
Cool...haven't heard the stereo version in a long time...thanks for posting
Glennwade Holloway
The break is outtasite!!!
Bill Brower
STEREO !!! THANK YOU JOE !!!