About the song
Ah, the early 1960s. The innocence of the 50s was fading, replaced by a youthful energy that was about to explode onto the world stage. But before the British Invasion and the rise of Motown truly took hold, there was a different kind of magic happening in the American pop landscape. This was the era of vocal groups, of street corner harmonies and doo-wop dreams. And right there in the thick of it were The Dubs, a quintet from New York City with a sound as smooth as silk and a knack for crafting heartbreakingly beautiful ballads.
Now, if you’re a connoisseur of this era, you undoubtedly know “Don’t Ask Me To Be Lonely.” Released in 1962, this song is a quintessential example of early 60s vocal group magic. It’s a song that perfectly captures the bittersweet ache of young love lost, delivered with a raw emotionality that still resonates decades later.
What strikes you immediately is the lead vocal. There’s a vulnerability in the voice, a pleading quality that draws you in. The harmonies, oh those harmonies! They swirl around the lead, providing a rich tapestry of sound that’s both comforting and melancholic. And then there’s the arrangement – simple yet effective, with a gentle rhythm that allows the vocals to shine.
“Don’t Ask Me To Be Lonely” is more than just a song; it’s a time capsule. It transports you back to an era of sock hops, soda fountains, and transistor radios. It’s a reminder of a time when music was pure and heartfelt, when a simple melody and a heartfelt lyric could break your heart and mend it all at once.
So, settle in, dear reader, and let’s delve deeper into this gem from The Dubs. Let’s explore the nuances of their vocal delivery, the intricacies of the arrangement, and the enduring appeal of a song that continues to captivate listeners generations later.
Video
Lyrics
Ask me for the world
It doesn’t seem much
Ask me for the moon, dear
And I’ll reach out and touch
Anything for you, for you, dear, only
But please don’t ask me to be lonely
Ask me for the stars, dear
And I’ll do your command
Ask me for the diamonds
I’ll put them on your hand
Anything for you, for you, dear, only
But please don’t ask me to be lonely
I searched this world
This whole wide world
Looking for a girl such as you
I gave up my search
When I looked into
Pretty, pretty eyes of blue
Dooby dooby dooby
Ask me for the stars, dear
And I’ll do your command
Ask me for the diamonds
I’ll put them on your hand
Anything for you, for you, dear, only
But please don’t ask me to be lonely
Don’t ask me to be lonely
