In 1963, he renamed the rest of the band "The Shondells", after one of James's idols, guitarist Troy Shondell. Later in 1963, they recorded the Jeff Barry/Ellie Greenwich-penned song "Hanky Panky" (originally by The Raindrops), which failed to chart. The Shondells disbanded thereafter, until James reformed them early 1966 with Gray, Vale, Rosman and Lucia. Their first single was a re-recording of "Hanky Panky", which surprisingly became a national number one hit in June 1966. At first, Tommy James and his Shondells played straightforward rock and roll (as their first hit proves) but soon became involved in the budding bubblegum pop musical movement. One of their main songwriters these days was Ritchie Cordell who gave them the hits "I Think We're Alone Now" (later a hit for dance pop idol Tiffany and power pop rockers The Rubinoos as well) and "Mirage" in 1967. The former hit, labeled by one critic as the "bubblegum apotheosis", has had major airplay for decades and decades.
From 1968, the group members additional tried themselves as songwriters, with James and Lucia penning the psychedelic pop/rock classic "Crimson and Clover". The song was also completely recorded and mixed by the two of them, with James taking over vocal duties and playing all instruments, and it featured the then remarkable use of electronic gadgetry such as vocoders and phasers. Further hits included "Crystal Blue Persuasion", "Sweet Cherry Wine", and "Mony Mony" (1968). That last song was written by James (together with Vale) with allegedly inspired by the sign for prominent bank Mutual Of New York that hung outside his office window, the track receiving major airplay for quite a while and spawning off a successful Billy Idol version in the 80s.
The band took in major inspiration from contemporary bubblegum music and spirited pop rock as well as psychedelia, James finding himself intrigued by his growing spirituality and eventually dabbling in Christian rock music as well. The group carried on with constant success until early 1970, when James became exhausted from the strenuous touring and decided to drop out. His four bandmates carried on for a short while under the name of Hog Heaven but disbanded soon afterwards.
James launched a solo career in 1971. He created one major hit in "Draggin' the Line" (and "Three Times In Love," a #1 Adult Contemporary single in 1980), taking things at a smoother pace in his older days. He's undertaken well-received live tours for decades as well.
In October 2007, Tommy James and the original Shondells reunited in a New Jersey studio to record once again. The entire band has performed off and on for a while since then. For more information, see:
http://www.tommyjames.com/
Note that their name appears as "Tommy James and the Shondells" on their 1966 debut album 'Hanky Panky' and elsewhere, with the use of an ampersand coming in later. They're officially classified as 'Pop-Rock' with respect to the Roulette Records label R/SR-25336.
Crimson and Clover
Tommy James & The Shondells Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I think I could love her
Crimson and clover
Ah when she comes walking over
Now I've been waitin' to show her
Crimson and clover over and over
I wanna do everything
What a beautiful feeling
Crimson and clover over and over
Crimson and clover over and over
Crimson and clover over and over
Crimson and clover over and over
Crimson and clover over and over
Crimson and clover over and over
Crimson and clover over and over
The lyrics to Tommy James and The Shondells' "Crimson and Clover" are about the singer's infatuation with a woman he doesn't know well. He expresses his desire to love her, despite not knowing her too well. The repetition of "Crimson and Clover" suggests that the woman represents a type of mystery or intrigue that has captured the singer's attention.
The lyrics also demonstrate the singer's willingness to do anything for the object of his affection. He finds her to be a "sweet thing" and wants to express his love for her repeatedly, as evidenced by the repetition of "over and over." The theme of the song is one of infatuation, with the singer expressing his passion for the woman he desires.
Overall, "Crimson and Clover" is a catchy love song that has endured over the years. Its simple lyrics and catchy melody make it a pop classic and a favorite among music lovers of all ages.
Line by Line Meaning
Ah, now I don't hardly know her
I don't really know her, but there's something about her that catches my attention.
But I think I could love her
I feel a strong attraction towards her and believe that love could be possible.
Crimson and clover
Her presence reminds me of the beauty and colors of nature.
Ah when she comes walking over
Whenever she approaches me, my heart races and I can't help but feel excited.
Now I've been waitin' to show her
I've been waiting for an opportunity to express my feelings to her.
Crimson and clover over and over
The feelings I have for her are constantly overwhelming me like the repetition of nature's beauty.
Yeah, my, my such a sweet thing
She exudes a sweetness that makes my heart melt and all I want to do is be near her.
I wanna do everything
I have a desire to do everything possible to make her happy and keep her in my life.
What a beautiful feeling
The emotions I feel towards her are so beautiful and intense that they take my breath away.
Crimson and clover over and over
Her presence continues to inspire the same feelings of awe and amazement, just like the beauty of nature repeats itself.
Crimson and clover over and over
Her beauty and allure are so captivating that the idea of being without her is unbearable.
Crimson and clover over and over
Her mere presence in my life brings me joy and fills my heart with a sense of wonder.
Crimson and clover over and over
The beauty and intensity of my feelings for her continue to grow each time I see her, just like the repetition in nature.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Peter Lucia, Tommy James
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
joe gongora
Tommy James and the Shondels knew that when they recorded this song that it was their masterpiece. The extended version is absolutely wonderful. I've been listening to this song for many years...On June 1st, 2021 who's still listening ? I'm 65 Yrs old and perhaps will still be listening as long as I'm still standing. This song still Rocks !!!
L Shreve
Still listening...
Tony K
@L Shreve me too and I'm 75
Mario Schroers
Listening to this in December 2021. I'm not quite 40, lol
Frank
Still listening at 61
Sands of time
Crystal Blue Persuasion was equally as good as this. Who knew these songs had a religious theme to them? I guess you had to listen with both ears open. Nice stuff for us.
Gregory Fasula
This song never fails to transport me to a happy place.
RC Toombs
That's why I put together this video 🙂
Mark Riley
Definitely mate. Unbelievable quality
Johnny V.
One of the songs that defined the late 60's, in my opinion!