Introduction:
Though its title evokes a specific time period, “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons has transcended its year of release (1975) to become a timeless pop anthem. A product of the creative mind of Bob Gaudio, founding member and songwriter for The Four Seasons, the song surprised everyone by becoming a massive hit despite being released several years after the group’s initial peak of popularity in the 1960s.
Gaudio, who also served as the song’s producer, originally wrote “December, 1963” with a different title and lyrics. His initial concept, “December 5th, 1933”, celebrated the repeal of Prohibition but was met with resistance from the other members of The Four Seasons. They felt the light-hearted, celebratory music clashed with the somewhat obscure historical reference. In collaboration with his future wife Judy Parker, Gaudio completely revamped the song, crafting a new narrative based on their first meeting. Interestingly, Parker had never written lyrics before, making the success of “December, 1963” all the more remarkable.
Despite its origins in a personal anecdote, the song’s relatable themes of young love, stolen glances, and the excitement of a budding relationship resonated with audiences. Frankie Valli, the group’s iconic lead singer with his soaring falsetto, delivered the power and emotion behind the song’s unforgettable melody. However, it’s worth noting that drummer Gerry Polci takes the lead vocal spotlight for the verses, with Valli providing backing vocals and taking over for the powerful bridge sections. The song also features a notable falsetto part sung by bass player Don Ciccone, adding another layer to the song’s rich tapestry.
“December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” was a massive commercial success. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and stayed there for four weeks, a testament to its enduring appeal. The song’s reach wasn’t limited to the US; it also topped the charts in Canada and the United Kingdom. These impressive chart achievements solidified The Four Seasons’ place in pop music history and introduced a new generation to their sound.
The impact of “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” extended far beyond the Billboard charts. The song transcended its pop genre roots to become a cultural phenomenon. It has been covered by numerous artists across various musical styles, a sign of its universal appeal. Furthermore, “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” has become a popular choice for filmmakers and television producers, soundtracking countless movies and shows. Its inclusion in these various media productions ensures that the song continues to be discovered by new audiences, further solidifying its place as a timeless classic.
Video:
Lyrics:
Oh, what a nightLate December back in sixty threeWhat a very special time for meAs I remember, what a night
Oh, what a night, you know I didn’t even know her nameBut I was never gonna be the sameWhat a lady, what a night
Oh, I, I got a funny feelin’ when she walked in the roomAnd my, as I recall it ended much too soon
Oh what a night, hypnotizin’ mesmerizing meShe was ev’rything I dreamed she’d beSweet surrender, what a night
I felt a rush like a rollin’ ball of thunderSpinnin’ my head around and takin’ my body under
Oh, what a night
Oh, I, I got a funny feelin’ when she walked in the roomAnd my, as I recall it ended much too soon
Oh, what a nightWhy’d it take so long to see the light?Seemed so wrong, but now it seems so rightWhat a lady, what a night
Oh I felt a rush like a rollin’ ball of thunderSpinnin’ my head around and takin’ my body underOh what a nightDo-do-do, do-do-doDo-do-do-do, oh what a nightDo-do-do, do-do-doDo-do-do-do-do-do, oh what a nightDo-do-do, do-do-doDo-do-do-do-do-do, oh what a nightDo-do-do, do-do-doDo-do-do-do-do-do, oh what a night