About the song
In the realm of 1960s garage rock, few bands have left an indelible mark quite like Question Mark & The Mysterians. Formed in 1962 in Detroit, Michigan, the group’s unique blend of garage rock, psychedelia, and Latin rhythms not only captured the essence of the era but also paved the way for future generations of rock musicians. Among their most iconic and enduring songs is “96 Tears,” a track that has become synonymous with the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the 1960s counterculture.
Released in 1966, “96 Tears” was the band’s debut single and their first major hit. The song’s origins are rooted in the band’s early days, when they were experimenting with different sounds and styles. The song’s writer, Rudy Martinez (aka Question Mark), has stated that the song was inspired by the band’s experiences with the police and the frustrations of growing up in a tough neighborhood. The result was a song that was both a reflection of the band’s own struggles and a commentary on the societal issues of the time.
Musically, “96 Tears” is a masterclass in garage rock simplicity. The song’s driving beat, courtesy of drummer Eddie Serrato, is propelled by a repetitive, hypnotic riff that underscores the song’s sense of urgency and desperation. The guitar work, handled by Rudy Martinez and Eddie Serrato, is equally impressive, with the two musicians trading off between crunchy, distorted chords and soaring, melodic leads. The song’s production, handled by Bob Ashet, is equally noteworthy, capturing the raw energy of the band’s live performances and imbuing the song with a sense of spontaneity and excitement.
Lyrically, “96 Tears” is a poignant and powerful exploration of the human condition. Martinez’s vocals are a raw, emotive expression of pain, anger, and frustration, as he sings about the struggles of growing up and the sense of disillusionment that comes with it. The song’s title, “96 Tears,” is a reference to the number of tears Martinez claims to have cried in his life, a testament to the song’s themes of heartache and despair.
In the years since its release, “96 Tears” has become a cult classic, influencing countless bands and artists across a range of genres. From punk rock to psychedelia, the song’s raw energy and rebellious spirit have made it a staple of the garage rock canon. Today, the song remains a testament to the power of music to capture the essence of a moment in time and to transcend the boundaries of genre and style. As a cultural artifact, “96 Tears” is a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of Question Mark & The Mysterians and the impact they had on the music world.
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Lyrics
Too many teardrops for one heart to be crying
Too many teardrops for one heart to carry on
You’re way on top now since you left me
You’re always laughing way down at me
But watch out now, I’m gonna get there
We’ll be together for just a little while
And then I’m gonna put you way down here
And you’ll start crying ninety-six tears
Cry, cry
And when the sun comes up, I’ll be on top
You’ll be right down there, looking up
And I might wave, come up here
But I don’t see you waving now
I’m way down here, wondering how
I’m gonna get you but I know now
I’ll just cry, cry, I’ll just cry
Too many teardrops for one heart to be crying
Too many teardrops for one heart to carry on
You’re gonna cry ninety-six tears
You’re gonna cry ninety-six tears
You’re gonna cry, cry, cry, cry now
You’re gonna cry, cry, cry, cry
Ninety-six tears
Come on and let me hear you cry, now
Ninety-six tears, woo
I wanna hear you cry
Night and day, yeah, all night long
Uh, ninety-six tears, cry, cry, cry
Come on, baby, let me hear you cry now, all night long
Uh, ninety-six tears, yeah, come on now
Uh, ninety-six tears