Introduction:
In the ever-evolving world of pop music, some songs rise above the trends and become ingrained in our collective consciousness. Silence is Golden, a pop rock ballad recorded by the British band The Tremeloes, is one such song. Released in 1967, it shot to number one on the UK Singles Chart and achieved significant international success, solidifying The Tremeloes’ place in music history.
While “Silence is Golden” is considered the signature song for The Tremeloes, it wasn’t originally their own. The song was written by songwriting duo Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio, who were behind numerous pop hits throughout the 1960s, including “Can I Get a Witness” by Marvin Gaye and “Lady Monde” by Patti LaBelle. “Silence is Golden” was first offered to the American girl group The Toys, but it was ultimately rejected. It was then presented to another American group, The Tokens, who also passed on the song.
The Tremeloes’ version of “Silence is Golden” came about through a bit of luck and a shrewd decision by their manager, Peter Walsh. The song had been released as the B-side to The Tokens’ 1964 single, “Rag Doll,” in the United States. Walsh, impressed by the song’s potential, obtained the rights for The Tremeloes to record their own version for the British market.
The Tremeloes’ rendition, produced by Harry Klein, introduced a more prominent pop sensibility to the song compared to The Tokens’ rhythm and blues-influenced take. The band’s strong vocals, particularly lead singer Alan Blakley‘s clear and soulful delivery, became a hallmark of the song. “Silence is Golden” was released in the UK in 1967 and quickly climbed the charts, topping the UK Singles Chart and staying there for four weeks.
The success of “Silence is Golden” propelled The Tremeloes to a new level of fame. The song became an international hit, reaching the Top 10 in several countries, including Canada, Australia, and Germany. It also charted at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100, bringing The Tremeloes recognition in the American market they hadn’t quite achieved before.
“Silence is Golden” endures as a cultural touchstone. Its simple yet evocative message of the value of silence in a noisy world continues to resonate with listeners across generations. The song has been featured in numerous films and television shows, a testament to its lasting impact on popular culture. The Tremeloes may not be a household name today, but “Silence is Golden” remains a timeless classic, a song that forever secured their place in music history.
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Lyrics:
Oh don’t it hurt deep insideTo see someone do something to herOh don’t it pain to see someone cryHow especially if that someone is her
Silence is goldenBut my eyes still seeSilence is golden, goldenBut my eyes still see
Talking is cheap people follow like sheepEven though there is no where to goHow could she tell he deceived her so wellPity she’ll be the last one to know
Silence is goldenBut my eyes still seeSilence is golden, goldenBut my eyes still see
How many times will she fall for his linesShould I tell her or should I be coolAnd if I tried I know she’d say I liedMind your business don’t hurt her you fool
Silence is goldenBut my eyes still seeSilence is golden, goldenBut my eyes still seeBut my eyes still seeBut my eyes still see