About the song
“December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” stands as a lively and nostalgic anthem originally performed by the Four Seasons, penned by their keyboardist Bob Gaudio in collaboration with Judy Parker. This hit single found its place on the band’s album *Who Loves You* released in 1975, showcasing a departure from their traditional sound with drummer Gerry Polci taking the lead vocals. Frankie Valli, renowned for his falsetto, contributed on the bridge sections and background vocals, while bassist Don Ciccone delivered the falsetto parts.
The song’s origins trace back to a significant lyrical shift. Initially conceived as “December 5th, 1933” celebrating the end of Prohibition, the band felt the lyrics didn’t align with the infectious instrumental groove they had crafted. Parker, relatively new to songwriting at the time, revised the lyrics to reflect a more personal narrative, drawing inspiration from imagined scenarios and a desire to maintain the band’s innocent brand image. Despite claims of the song being autobiographical, Gaudio and Parker hadn’t actually met until much later in their careers at Motown Records.
The decision to feature Polci and Ciccone on lead vocals was strategic, aiming to differentiate the Four Seasons’ sound from Valli’s solo endeavors under Private Stock Records. Although initially contentious—Valli reportedly objected—the move paid off artistically, marking a refreshing evolution in the band’s musical approach. This shift not only breathed new life into their discography but also underscored their adaptability and willingness to explore new musical territories.
Warner Bros., impressed by the demo of their preceding single “Who Loves You,” played a pivotal role in this vocal transition, solidifying Polci and Ciccone’s roles as frontmen for the album. Despite Valli’s initial reservations, the decision resonated with audiences, cementing “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” as a standout track emblematic of the band’s enduring legacy and their ability to capture the essence of an era through music.
With its infectious melody, memorable lyrics, and dynamic vocal performances, “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” remains a beloved classic that continues to evoke nostalgia and joy, reminding listeners of the Four Seasons’ timeless influence on pop music.
Video
Lyrics
Oh, what a night
Late December, back in ’63
What a very special time for me
As I remember, what a nightOh, 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 nightOh, I, I got a funny feeling
When she walked in the room
And my, as I recall
It ended much too soon(Oh, what a night)
Hypnotizing, mesmerizing me
She was everything I dreamed she’d be
Sweet surrender, what a nightAnd I felt a rush
Like a rolling bolt of thunder
Spinning my head around
And takin’ my body under
(Oh, what a night)Oh, I got a funny feeling
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 nightOh, I felt a rush
Like a rolling bolt of thunder
Spinning my head around
And takin’ my body under(Oh, what a night)
Do do do, do do, do do do do
(Oh, what a night)
Do do do, do do, do do do do
(Oh, what a night)
Do do do, do do, do do do do
(Oh, what a night)
Do do do, do do, do do do do…