About the song
Ah, the 1970s. Platform shoes, bell bottoms, and the burgeoning disco scene. But amidst the glitter balls and pulsating rhythms, something truly special emerged from the musical landscape. In 1975, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, a group already legendary for their string of hits in the previous decade, gifted the world with a song that transcended the trends of the time: “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)”. This wasn’t just another catchy tune; it was a nostalgic journey back to a simpler time, wrapped in a melody that was both familiar and refreshingly new.
Now, you might be thinking, “The Four Seasons? Weren’t they those guys with the falsetto voices singing about ‘Sherry’ and ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’?” Indeed they were. But with “December, 1963”, the group showcased a remarkable evolution in their sound. While their signature harmonies remained, they embraced a more mature, soulful vibe, perfectly complementing the song’s theme of youthful reminiscence and romantic awakening.
Interestingly, the lead vocals on this track weren’t handled by the group’s usual frontman, Frankie Valli. Instead, drummer Gerry Polci stepped into the spotlight, delivering a performance filled with both tenderness and passion. Of course, Valli’s iconic voice wasn’t absent altogether; he lent his distinctive vocals to the bridge sections, adding a layer of depth and richness to the song’s already captivating texture.
What truly sets “December, 1963” apart is its ability to transport listeners back to a specific moment in time. The lyrics, penned by Bob Gaudio and Judy Parker, paint a vivid picture of a young man’s first romantic encounter, capturing the innocence and excitement of that unforgettable night. The song’s nostalgic charm is further enhanced by its musical arrangement, which seamlessly blends elements of doo-wop, pop, and even a touch of disco, creating a sound that is both timeless and irresistibly danceable.
So, settle in, pour yourself a glass of your favorite vintage, and let the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons carry you back to those magical days of “December, 1963”. It’s a song that celebrates the power of memory, the thrill of young love, and the enduring magic of music.
Video
Lyrics
Oh, what a night
Late December back in sixty three
What a very special time for me
As I remember, what a night
Oh, what a night, you know I didn’t even know her name
But I was never gonna be the same
What a lady, what a night
Oh, I, I got a funny feelin’ when she walked in the room
And my, as I recall it ended much too soon
Oh what a night, hypnotizin’ mesmerizing me
She was ev’rything I dreamed she’d be
Sweet surrender, what a night
I felt a rush like a rollin’ ball of thunder
Spinnin’ my head around and takin’ my body under
Oh, what a night
Oh, I, I got a funny feelin’ when she walked in the room
And my, as I recall it ended much too soon
Oh, what a night
Why’d it take so long to see the light?
Seemed so wrong, but now it seems so right
What a lady, what a night
Oh I felt a rush like a rollin’ ball of thunder
Spinnin’ my head around and takin’ my body under
Oh what a night
Do-do-do, do-do-do
Do-do-do-do, oh what a night
Do-do-do, do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do, oh what a night
Do-do-do, do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do, oh what a night
Do-do-do, do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do, oh what a night