About The Song
Background
- Written By: Bob Gaudio (member of The Four Seasons)
- Released: 1962
- Genre: Doo-wop, pop, pop-rock
- Inspiration: Gaudio wrote “Sherry” in about 15 minutes before a band rehearsal. It was originally titled “Jackie Baby” as a tribute to First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, but the name was changed to make it more commercially appealing.
- Success: The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks, becoming one of the group’s signature hits and a defining song of the early 1960s.
Themes
- Young Love & Idealization: The song portrays a burst of infatuation, with the narrator completely smitten with a girl named Sherry. He sees her as perfect and out of his league.
- Teenage Awkwardness: There’s a sense of youthful awkwardness in the lyrics. The narrator nervously works up the courage to speak to Sherry and is thrilled when she even looks his way.
- The Power of a Name: The focus on Sherry’s name gives it power. The way it’s repeated emphasizes his longing and also adds a catchy, memorable quality to the song.
Lyrics
Here’s a look at some notable lyrics and their meaning:
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“Sherry, baby… Sherry, can you come out tonight?”
- The iconic opening lines set a playful tone while expressing the narrator’s desire to see Sherry.
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“You make it hard to believe/You don’t belong to me”
- He’s in awe of Sherry and feels incredibly lucky that she returns his interest.
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“Sherry, Sherry baby…When I see you walking down the street/ It makes my heart skip a beat”
- Simple yet effective in showing the rush of young love and the physical effect Sherry has on him.
In Summary
“Sherry” is a classic coming-of-age pop song. Its catchy melody, simple lyrics, and the powerful vocals of Frankie Valli capture the excitement and vulnerability of a teenage crush. It remains a beloved oldie, evoking nostalgia for a simpler time.
Video
Lyric
🎶Let’s sing along with the lyrics!🎤
Sherry, Sherry babySherry, Sherry baby
Sherry baby (Sherry baby)Sherry, can you come out tonight (Come come, come out tonight)Sherry baby (Sherry baby)Sherry, can you come out tonight
to my twist party(Come out) Where the bright moon shines(Come out) We’ll dance the night awayI’m gonna make-a you mine
Sherry baby (Sherry baby)Sherry, can you come out tonight(Come come, come out tonight)(Come come, come out tonight)
You, ooh better ask your mama (Sherry baby)Tell her everything is all right
with your red dress on(Come out) Mmm, you look so fine(Come out) Move it nice and easyGirl, you’ll make me lose my mind
Sherry baby (Sherry baby)Sherry , can you come out tonight(Come come, come out tonight)(Come come, come out tonight)Sherry, Sherry baby(Come come, come out tonight)(Come come, come out tonight)