About the song
Ah, the late 1950s. A time of poodle skirts, sock hops, and the burgeoning sound of rock and roll. Yet, amidst the greaser jackets and rebellious energy, a different kind of melody emerged – doo-wop. This vocal-driven genre, characterized by tight harmonies, prominent backing vocals, and a focus on teenage love, captured the hearts of a generation. Today, we delve into a song that stands as a prime example of doo-wop’s charm and poignancy: “To Know Him Is to Love Him.”
The story behind this seemingly straightforward love song is surprisingly personal. Phil Spector, a young man on the cusp of his career as a legendary record producer, penned the tune. The inspiration? The inscription on his father’s tombstone – “To Know Him Was to Love Him.” This simple phrase, imbued with a deep sense of loss and affection, sparked a creative fire in Spector. He translated the sentiment into a vibrant song, albeit one cloaked in the sweet innocence of teenage infatuation.
Released in 1958, “To Know Him Is to Love Him” wasn’t sung by the usual rock and roll idols. Instead, it became the debut single for The Teddy Bears, a short-lived vocal group that held a special place in music history. This was the only group Spector ever actively participated in, lending his voice to the harmonious blend of teenage yearning. The song’s success was undeniable. It reached the pinnacle of the charts, spending a triumphant three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Interestingly, “To Know Him Is to Love Him” transcended its initial context and genre. The song’s structure and heartfelt message resonated with artists beyond the doo-wop scene. Peter & Gordon, a British pop duo, found success with a slightly altered version titled “To Know You Is to Love You,” reflecting the growing cultural shift towards gender-neutral language. Similarly, Bobby Vinton covered the song in the late 1960s, cementing its place in popular music history.
Even decades later, the song’s magic remained potent. In 1987, the country supergroup Trio, featuring the legendary voices of Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris, revived “To Know Him Is to Love Him” with a folksy, country twist. This rendition proved just as captivating, topping the US Hot Country Songs chart.
“To Know Him Is to Love Him” is more than just a catchy tune. It’s a testament to the enduring power of music to transform personal experiences into universal expressions. As we delve deeper into this song, we’ll explore its unique composition in 12/8 time, a rhythm that lends a thoughtful, introspective quality to the love story it unfolds. So, put aside the greaser jackets for a moment, and let’s step into the world of doo-wop harmony and heartfelt lyrics as we unveil the story and artistry behind “To Know Him Is to Love Him.”
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Lyrics
To know, know, know him
Is to love, love, love him
Just to see him smile
Makes my life worthwhile
To know, know, know him
Is to love, love, love him
And I do
Oo-oo, I do
I’d be good to him
I’d bring love to him
Everyone says there’ll come a day
When I’ll walk alongside of him
Yes, yes, to know him
Is to love, love, love him
And I do
Oo-oo, I do
Why can’t he see?
How blind can he be?
Someday he will see
That he was meant for me
Oh-oh, yes
To know, know, know him
Is to love, love, love him
Just to see him smile
Makes my life worthwhile
To know, know, know him
Is to love, love, love him
And I do
Oo-oo, yes, I do
Oo-oo, yes, I do