About the song
“December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” by The Four Seasons is a timeless classic that encapsulates the essence of 1970s pop with its infectious energy and nostalgic lyrics. Initially penned by Four Seasons’ organist Bob Gaudio and his future wife Judy Parker, the song was masterfully produced by Gaudio himself and released as part of the group’s album, *Who Loves You* in 1975.
The track features Gerry Polci on lead vocals, accompanied by Frankie Valli, whose distinctive falsetto vocals are seamlessly interwoven throughout the song. Don Ciccone, former lead singer of The Critters, adds his falsetto prowess to memorable lines like “And I felt a rush like a rolling ball of thunder / Spinning my head around and taking my body under”.
Origins of the song date back to an earlier version titled “December 5, 1933”, celebrating the end of Prohibition. However, at the urging of Frankie Valli and lyricist Judy Parker, the lyrics were revised to tell a story of youthful romance and specifically, Bob Gaudio’s courtship of Judy Parker, now immortalized in song.
Musically, “December, 1963” is a dance anthem characterized by its uptempo beat, punctuated by distinct drum fills and an iconic piano riff. The song is structured in 4/4 time signature with a key of Db major, featuring a chord progression of Db-Ebm-Db-Gb-Ab (I-ii-I-IV-V). The arrangement, typical of its era, includes a notable bass guitar interlude mid-verse, adding to its unique charm.
Upon its release in December 1975, the single soared to number one on various charts worldwide. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks starting March 13, 1976, and held the number one position on the UK Singles Chart for a week in February 1976. Its success continued in Canada, where it also claimed the number one spot on the RPM Top Singles chart.
“December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” remains a testament to The Four Seasons’ enduring legacy, marking their final number one hit as a group. Its popularity has endured through decades, securing its place as a beloved classic that continues to evoke the joy and nostalgia of its era.
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