About the Song
The Four Seasons, with their signature falsetto vocals and a knack for crafting catchy melodies, weren’t afraid to delve into more personal themes. December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night), released in 1975, stands out as a nostalgic look back at a life-changing encounter. This infectious song, propelled by Frankie Valli’s soaring vocals, isn’t your typical love ballad. It’s a candid and humorous recollection of a first sexual experience, wrapped in a blanket of warm nostalgia.
December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night) isn’t explicit by any means. The lyrics, penned by Bob Gaudio and Judy Parker, cleverly dance around the central theme. Lines like “I didn’t even know her name” and “What a lady, what a night” paint a picture of a young man recounting a fleeting but impactful encounter. The repeated refrain, “Oh, what a night,” serves as a nostalgic echo, emphasizing the lasting impression this single night left on him.
The song’s charm lies in its honesty and humor. Frankie Valli’s iconic falsetto vocals deliver the lyrics with a mix of wonder and sheepishness, perfectly capturing the awkwardness and excitement of a first-time encounter. The use of a specific date in the title, “December, 1963,” adds a layer of personal nostalgia, transporting the listener back to a simpler time.
Musically, December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night) is a classic Four Seasons production. The driving beat and prominent piano chords create an infectious energy, reminiscent of 1950s rock and roll. The tight harmonies add a layer of sophistication, elevating the song beyond a simple novelty tune. Despite its seemingly lighthearted tone, the song possesses a surprising depth. It’s a reminder of the pivotal moments in our youth, the encounters that can shape who we become.
December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night) remains a popular choice for parties and nostalgic playlists. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture a universal experience – the awkwardness and excitement of young love, the transformative power of a single night. It’s a song that makes you smile, tap your feet, and reminisce about the good old days, all wrapped up in Frankie Valli’s iconic vocals and The Four Seasons’ infectious sound.
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Lyrics: “December, 1963 (Oh, What A Night)”
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, mesmerizin’ 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…