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.
She
Tommy James & The Shondells Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So long so, hand in hand
Together
She knows his mind, every way, all the time
So long so, hand in hand
Together
She stands along, all the way, right or wrong
To support and more, twice as strong
Together
She...She
She's a woman
She...She...She...She
The song "She" by Tommy James and The Shondells is a love ballad that speaks about a woman who wholeheartedly loves and supports her man. The lyrics describe her as being very expressive and vocal about her love for him, as she lets him know "every way she can." It suggests that their love is powerful and unwavering, as they face everything "hand in hand" and are always "together."
The song also portrays the woman as being very understanding of her man's thoughts and emotions, as she is able to decipher his mind "every way, all the time." The lyrics state that she is always there for him, even during difficult times, as she stands by him "all the way, right or wrong." This kind of support is described as being "twice as strong," indicating that their love can withstand any challenge.
Overall, the song is a tribute to a strong and supportive woman who loves her man unconditionally. It highlights the importance of having a partner who always has your back, no matter what.
Line by Line Meaning
She loves her man, and lets him know every way she can
She expresses her love for her partner in every way possible
So long so, hand in hand
They stick together through thick and thin
Together
They are united
She knows his mind, every way, all the time
She understands him completely and intuitively
She stands along, all the way, right or wrong
She supports him even when he is not in the right
To support and more, twice as strong
She goes above and beyond to be there for him
Together
They are a team
She...She
Repetition of her name emphasizes her importance
She's a woman
Her femininity is celebrated and acknowledged
She...She...She...She
Continued repetition emphasizes the significance of her presence
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ORVILLE THOMAS, TREVOR JAMES, RITCHIE CORDELL, TOMMY JAMES, JEFFREY KATZ, JERRY KAZENETZ, MIKE VALE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Larry Stout
"She"
She loves her man
And lets him know every way she can
Soul on soul, hand in hand
Together
She knows his mind
Every way, all the time
Soul on soul, hand in hand
Together (together)
Mmm, oh yeah
She stands along
All the way, right or wrong
'Cause one and one, twice as strong, yeah
Together
She
She
She's a woman
She
She
She
She
Concerned, Old and Wise Patriot
Tommy is a Treasurer to America. He gave us so much growing up and listening to him on AM radio, so I hope his remaining years are filled with joy! Thanks so much TJ, and God bless you man.
Gerry Panzica
I grew up with TJ and the Shondells and THIS is one of my FAVORITES of theirs!
(Crimson and Clover is still my FAVORITE!!)
Wendell Blackett
Mine is Crystal Blue persuasion.
Denise Hedden
I love this song it needs a longer version. Beautiful song
tyme4mike
You never fail to amaze me MusicMike with your knowledge and selection of 'Flashback Classics'. I remember hearing this two or three times at most on the local am radio and TJ and the S were such a great group so we looked forward to hearing their stuff. Thanks for the memories and keep on bringing them. Hope you are well. Mike from Canada
Denise Hedden
Awesome song amazing lyrics and vocals
Belvin Sweat
This is my all time favorite song by them.
Cilla C
This is such a great song and should have had more a lot more air play. I also feel it would really be a good song for today's airwaves if it were covered.
seeker8955
I have this original record and I still love this song. Simply great!
skynyrdfan56
This song is truly able to keep up with their big hits from the 60s. Good choice, Mike, and yes - it`s a gem.