About the song
In the early 1960s, the music landscape was dominated by the rise of rock and roll, doo-wop, and early R&B. Amidst this vibrant era, Bobby Lewis emerged as a talented singer-songwriter, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry with his iconic hit single, “Tossin’ & Turnin'”. Released in 1961, this timeless classic has become an enduring staple of American pop culture, captivating audiences with its infectious melody, memorable lyrics, and Lewis’s smooth, soulful vocals.
Born on April 10, 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio, Bobby Lewis began his music career in the 1950s, performing with various local groups and eventually landing a recording contract with Parrot Records. “Tossin’ & Turnin'” was his breakout single, written by Lewis himself, along with Richard Adams. The song’s catchy, laid-back rhythm and Lewis’s effortless delivery made it an instant hit, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in June 1961.
The song’s lyrics, penned by Lewis and Adams, tell the story of a restless night, where the protagonist is unable to sleep due to his lover’s absence. The chorus, with its repetitive refrain of “tossin’ and turnin'”, captures the frustration and longing that comes with missing someone. The song’s simplicity, combined with Lewis’s emotive delivery, made it a relatable anthem for the young and in love.
“Tossin’ & Turnin'” has since become a beloved classic, covered by numerous artists and featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless appeal, as the song’s themes of love, longing, and restlessness continue to resonate with listeners of all ages. As a testament to its impact, “Tossin’ & Turnin'” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 and has been recognized as one of the greatest songs of all time by various music publications.
In this essay, we will delve deeper into the significance of “Tossin’ & Turnin'”, exploring its cultural context, musical influences, and lasting impact on popular music. We will also examine the song’s enduring appeal, analyzing its timeless themes and the ways in which it continues to captivate audiences today.
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Lyrics
I couldn’t sleep at all last night
Got to thinkin’ of you
Baby things weren’t right
Well I was tossin’ and turnin’
Turnin’ and tossin’
A tossin’ and turnin’ all night
I kicked the blankets on the floor
Turned my pillow upside down
I never never did before
‘Cause I was tossin’ and turnin’
Turnin’ and tossin’
A-tossin’ and turnin’ all night
Jumped out of bed
Turned on the light
I pulled down the shade
Went to the kitchen for a bite
Rolled up the shade
Turned off the light
I jumped back into bed
It was the middle of the night
The clock downstairs was strikin’ four
Couldn’t get you off my mind
I heard the milkman at the door
‘Cause I was tossin’ and turnin’
Turnin’ and tossin’
A tossin’ and turnin’ all night
Jumped out of bed
Turned on the light
I pulled down the shade
Went to the kitchen for a bite
Rolled up the shade
Turned off the light
I jumped back into bed
It was the middle of the night
The clock downstairs was strikin’ four
I couldn’t get you off my mind
I heard the milkman at the door
‘Cause I was tossin’ and turnin’
Turnin’ and tossin’
A tossin’ and turnin’ all, yay, yay, yay
I was a tossin’ and turnin’
Turnin’ and tossin’
A tossin’ and turnin’ all night
I was a tossin’ and turnin’
Turnin’ and tossin’
A tossin’ and turnin’ all night