About the song
Tommy James and the Shondells’ “Crimson and Clover” is a classic rock anthem that has stood the test of time. Released in late 1968, the song quickly became a chart-topper, reaching number one in the United States and several other countries. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its infectious melody, catchy lyrics, and innovative production techniques.
The origins of “Crimson and Clover” are as intriguing as the song itself. Tommy James, the band’s frontman, wanted to break away from their typical sound and explore new musical territories. He sought to move away from the songwriting duo of Bo Gentry and Ritchie Cordell and take more creative control over the group’s music. This desire led to the formation of a new songwriting partnership with drummer Peter Lucia Jr.
The title of the song, “Crimson and Clover,” was chosen before the lyrics were written. The combination of these two words, seemingly unrelated, appealed to James as he was waking up one morning. Crimson, his favorite color, and clover, his favorite flower, seemed to fit together perfectly. The phrase also has a personal connection to Lucia, who recalls seeing a high school football game between his hometown Morristown Crimson and Hopatcong Green.
The recording of “Crimson and Clover” was a relatively quick process, taking approximately five hours to complete. The band utilized cutting-edge 16-track recording equipment, which was still a novelty at the time. The song features a distinctive tremolo effect on the guitar, creating a pulsating rhythm that complements the vocals. Near the end of the recording, the band had the idea to use the tremolo effect on James’ vocals, resulting in a unique and memorable sound.
“Crimson and Clover” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, cementing its status as a timeless classic. Its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and innovative production techniques have made it a beloved song for generations of music fans. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, “Crimson and Clover” is a song that continues to captivate and inspire.
Video
Lyrics
Ah, now I don’t hardly know her
But I think I could love her
Crimson and clover
Ah, I wish she’d come walking over
Now I’ve been waiting to show her
Crimson and clover
Over and over[Instrumental Interlude]
[Verse 2]
Yeah (Da-da, da-da, da-da)
My my, such a sweet thing (Da-da, da-da, da-da)
I wanna do everything (Da-da, da-da, da-da)
What a beautiful feeling (Da-da, da-da, da-da)
Crimson and clover (Da-da, da-da, da-da)
Over and over[Instrumental Bridge]
[Outro]
Crimson and clover, over and over
Crimson and clover, over and over
Crimson and clover, over and over
Crimson and clover, over and over
Crimson and clover, over and over
Crimson and clover, over and over
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