About the song
“December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” isn’t your typical Four Seasons ballad. This infectiously upbeat song, released in 1975, tells a story of youthful romance and unexpected stardom. Originally conceived by Bob Gaudio, a founding member of the group, the song’s lyrics had a completely different origin. Believe it or not, it was first written to commemorate the end of Prohibition in 1933, titled “December 5, 1933.”
However, fate intervened. With a nudge from Frankie Valli, the group’s iconic frontman, and Gaudio’s future wife Judy Parker, the song underwent a lyrical transformation. The celebratory theme shifted to a nostalgic reminiscence of a young man’s first love, drawing inspiration from Gaudio’s own courtship with Judy.
The song’s musical structure is a delightful departure from the usual Four Seasons sound. Instead of Frankie Valli’s soaring vocals taking center stage, drummer Gerry Polci steps into the spotlight, belting out the lead with infectious energy. Valli’s smooth voice isn’t entirely absent though. He lends his signature touch to the bridge and backing vocals, ensuring a touch of classic Four Seasons charm. Don Ciccone, formerly of The Critters, adds a soaring falsetto that truly defines the song’s emotional peak.
The music itself is a dance floor invitation. A distinct drumbeat kicks things off, followed by a catchy piano riff that sets the mood for a joyous celebration. Written in a classic 4/4 time signature and the key of D-flat major, the song utilizes a simple yet effective chord progression. The instrumentation – piano, bass, drums, guitar, and organ – is typical pop fare of the 70s, with one interesting twist: a surprising bass guitar solo nestled within the first verse.
Released in December 1975, “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” became a runaway hit, topping both the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. It marked the final number one single for The Four Seasons as a group, although Frankie Valli would later find solo success with the iconic theme song from the movie “Grease.”
So, the next time you hear this song, remember the story behind it. It’s a testament to the power of love, the ability of music to transform, and the occasional bit of serendipity that can turn a song about Prohibition into a timeless ode to a winter night of young love.
Video
Lyrics
Oh, what a night
Late December back in sixty three
What a very special time for me
As I remember, what a night
Oh, 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 night
Oh, I, I got a funny feelin’ when she walked in the room
And my, as I recall it ended much too soon
Oh what a night, hypnotizin’ mesmerizing me
She was ev’rything I dreamed she’d be
Sweet surrender, what a night
I felt a rush like a rollin’ ball of thunder
Spinnin’ my head around and takin’ my body under
Oh, what a night
Oh, I, I got a funny feelin’ 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 night
Oh I felt a rush like a rollin’ ball of thunder
Spinnin’ my head around and takin’ my body under
Oh what a night
Do-do-do, do-do-do
Do-do-do-do, oh what a night
Do-do-do, do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do, oh what a night
Do-do-do, do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do, oh what a night
Do-do-do, do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do, oh what a night