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.
I Like The Way
Tommy James & The Shondells Lyrics
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It sounds so nice
I could never explain
I like the way you hold my hand
It lets me know that you understand
I like the way you want to kiss me
And I like the way you always miss me
I like the way (I like the way)
To cheer me up whenever I'm down
I like the way you make me feel
The love we have is so very real
I like the way we kiss goodnight
It feels so good when you're holding me tight
Tommy James & The Shondells's song "I Like The Way" is a love song that expresses the singer's admiration for his significant other. He is captivated by the way she says his name, it sounds so nice that he cannot explain it. When she holds his hand, he feels that she understands him, which strengthens their connection. He likes the way she wants to kiss him and misses him, indicating that she desires his presence and affection.
Furthermore, he likes the way she comes around to cheer him up when he is feeling down, emphasising that she is a constant source of support in his life. The singer also appreciates the way his significant other makes him feel loved and desired, highlighting the intensity of their emotional connection. The song culminates with the singer expressing his love for his significant other, particularly in the way they kiss goodnight and the way she holds him tight.
Overall, "I Like The Way" portrays a romantic relationship built on mutual admiration and love. The lyrics emphasise the small yet significant actions performed by the singer's partner that make their bond stronger, creating a heartfelt and uplifting love song.
Line by Line Meaning
I like the way you call my name
I like how you address me with such endearment
It sounds so nice
It brings me joy to hear you say it
I could never explain
Words cannot fully express how I feel about it
I like the way you hold my hand
Your touch reassures me that you understand me
It lets me know that you understand
Your gesture of holding my hand signifies your empathy towards me
I like the way you want to kiss me
I find it endearing that you desire to express your love for me physically
And I like the way you always miss me
It's comforting to know that you think of me even when we are apart
I like the way (I like the way)
I thoroughly enjoy all these things
I like the way you come around
I appreciate that you make an effort to be there for me
To cheer me up whenever I'm down
Your support helps me overcome difficult times
I like the way you make me feel
You have a positive impact on my emotional state
The love we have is so very real
Our love for each other is authentic and genuine
I like the way we kiss goodnight
Our goodnight kiss is a special moment I cherish
It feels so good when you're holding me tight
I feel safe, secure, and loved when you embrace me tightly
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RICHARD ROSENBLATT, RITCHIE CORDELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind