The Honeycombs – Have I The Right – 1964

About the song

“Have I the Right?” is a groundbreaking track that not only launched the British band The Honeycombs to stardom but also left an indelible mark on the history of popular music. Released in 1964, the song was the band’s debut single and quickly climbed to the top of the UK charts.

The song’s distinctive sound and driving rhythm were a departure from the prevailing pop music of the time. With its prominent drums, sharp guitar riffs, and innovative keyboard work, “Have I the Right?” is often credited with foreshadowing the emergence of post-punk music. Music critic Tom Ewing noted that the instrumental break on the song “invents” post-punk, showcasing a raw and experimental energy that was ahead of its time.

The Honeycombs were discovered by producer Joe Meek, who was known for his unconventional recording techniques. Meek used his apartment in London as a recording studio, and it was in this makeshift space that “Have I the Right?” was created. The song’s unique sound was achieved through a variety of unusual methods, including recording the drums with microphones attached to the banisters of the stairs and adding a tambourine directly to a microphone.

“Have I the Right?” remains a timeless classic, a testament to the band’s talent and Meek’s innovative production. Its influence can still be heard in the music of countless artists, making it a true pioneer of popular music.

Video

Lyrics

Have I the right to hold you
You know I’ve always told you
That we must never ever part, oh oh oh oh

Have I the right to kiss you
You know I’ll always miss you
I’ve loved you from the very start

Come right back I just can’t bear it
I’ve got this love and I long to share it
Come right back I’ll show my love is strong, oh yeah

Have I the right to touch you
If I could you’d see how much you
Send those shivers running down my spine, ooh ooh

Have I the right to thrill you
You know I’ll wait until you
Give me the right to make you mine

Well, come right back I just can’t bear it
I’ve got this love and I long to share it
Come right back, I’ll show my love is strong, oh yeah, all right

Have I the right to hold you
You know I’ve always told you
That we must never ever part, no, no no, no, no

Have I the right to kiss you
You know I’ll always miss you
I’ve loved you from the very start

Come right back I just can’t bear it
I’ve got this love and I long to share it
Come right back I’ll show my love is strong, oh yeah, yeah

Come right back I just can’t bear it
I’ve got this love and I long to share it
Come right back right back where you belong, oh yeah
You belong, oh yeah, you belong