The Meaning Behind The Song: December – 1963 (Oh What a Night!) by Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons
If you’re a fan of oldies music, you’ve probably heard the classic song “December – 1963 (Oh What a Night!)” by Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons. This upbeat tune was released in 1975 and quickly became a hit, reaching no. 1 on the charts in the US and Canada. But what’s the backstory behind such a catchy tune? Let’s dive into the meaning behind the song and uncover what makes it such a timeless classic.
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The Inspiration For The Song
The song “December – 1963 (Oh What a Night!)” was written by Bob Gaudio and Judy Parker, with lyrics inspired by a real-life event that Gaudio experienced. In an interview with UDiscoverMusic, he revealed that he was out with a girl one night in December 1963, but they didn’t sleep together, resulting in him being “as clear-minded as he had ever been”. He said, “I kind of had this foresight and a vision of what the song could be…so it was pretty special.”
Using this experience as a starting point, Gaudio and Parker wrote the lyrics to the song, which tell the story of a man reflecting on a magical night he spent with a woman in December.
The Lyrics Of The Song
The song begins with the iconic opening lines, “Oh what a night, late December back in ’63 / What a very special time for me / As I remember, what a night.” The lyrics go on to describe the narrator’s experience of meeting a girl and feeling an instant connection with her. As the night unfolds, he can’t help but feel that something special is happening between them.
The chorus of the song features the memorable line, “Oh what a night, hypnotizin’, mesmerizing me / She was everything I dreamed she’d be / Sweet surrender, what a night.” These lyrics perfectly capture the magic of falling in love and the overwhelming feeling of being consumed by someone else.
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The Legacy of the Song
“December – 1963 (Oh What a Night!)” went on to become one of the most popular songs of all time, inspiring countless covers and remixes. Its infectious beat and romantic lyrics have been enjoyed by generations of fans, making it a true classic in the history of pop music.
But what many fans might not know is that the song’s impact goes far beyond just its musical legacy. Its success helped revitalize the career of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons and paved the way for other acts in the world of rock & roll.
As a result, “December – 1963 (Oh What a Night!)” will always hold a special place in the hearts of music lovers around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What inspired the song “December – 1963 (Oh What a Night!)”?
The song was inspired by a real-life event experienced by songwriter Bob Gaudio. He went out with a girl one night in December 1963 but they didn’t sleep together, resulting in him having a clear and focused mind to write the song.
2. What is the meaning of the song?
The song tells the story of a man reflecting on a magical night he spent with a woman in December 1963. It’s about the feelings of falling in love and being consumed by someone else.
3. Who wrote the lyrics to the song?
The lyrics to “December – 1963 (Oh What a Night!)” were written by Bob Gaudio and Judy Parker.
4. Who sang the song?
The song was performed by Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons and released in 1975.
5. What’s the backstory behind the song?
The song was inspired by a real-life event that songwriter Bob Gaudio experienced in December 1963. He went out with a girl but they didn’t sleep together, allowing him to have the clarity of mind to write the song.
6. What makes the song so memorable?
The song’s catchy beat and romantic lyrics have resonated with listeners for decades, making it a timeless classic in the world of pop music.
7. What impact did the song have on the career of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons?
The song helped revive the career of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, paving the way for other acts in the world of rock & roll.
8. Has the song been covered or remixed by other artists?
Yes, “December – 1963 (Oh What a Night!)” has been covered and remixed by many other artists over the years, including the likes of Barry Manilow and The Gap Band.
9. What is the legacy of the song?
The song remains one of the most popular tunes of all time and has become a cultural touchstone for generations of fans.
10. What are some other popular songs by Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons?
Other popular songs by Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons include “Walk Like a Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and “Sherry.”
11. How long did it take to write the song?
Songwriter Bob Gaudio has said that he and Judy Parker wrote the lyrics to the song in about an hour.
12. Where can I listen to “December – 1963 (Oh What a Night!)”?
The song is widely available on streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, as well as on physical media such as CDs and vinyl records.
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