“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Picture this: a young Phil Spector sits at the piano, struck by a phrase etched into his father’s gravestone, “To know him was to love him.” Inspired by the poignant sentiment, he transforms grief into art, crafting a melody that would become one of the most enduring hits of the 1950s. This heartfelt inspiration gave birth to “To Know Him Is to Love Him” by The Teddy Bears, a song that resonates with universal themes of love and longing.
About The Composition
- Title: To Know Him Is to Love Him
- Composer: Phil Spector
- Premiere Date: August 1958
- Album/Opus/Collection: Single; later included in The Teddy Bears Sing (1959)
- Genre: Pop; Doo-wop
Background
“To Know Him Is to Love Him” was the debut single of The Teddy Bears, a group led by Phil Spector. Inspired by his late father’s epitaph, Spector channeled his personal loss into a tender ballad. The song was recorded with minimal instrumentation—a reflection of both the group’s modest resources and Spector’s burgeoning talent for arrangement.
Released in 1958, the track quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It not only launched Spector’s career but also became a defining moment in the doo-wop era, capturing the hearts of a generation with its intimate and sentimental tone.
Musical Style
The song’s simplicity is its greatest strength. Featuring soft vocal harmonies layered over a gentle guitar and bass line, the arrangement underscores the song’s emotional depth. The lead vocal, delivered with raw vulnerability, conveys an aching sincerity. The harmonies are a quintessential hallmark of the doo-wop style, blending seamlessly to evoke a sense of closeness and nostalgia.
The refrain, “To know, know, know him is to love, love, love him,” repeats like a mantra, embedding itself into the listener’s memory. This repetition, paired with the song’s slow tempo, creates a soothing, almost hypnotic effect that amplifies its emotional pull.
Lyrics
The lyrics are a heartfelt declaration of unconditional love. Simple yet profound, they reflect the yearning and innocence of young romance. Themes of devotion and admiration shine through, as the narrator expresses their unwavering affection despite the uncertainties of love. The interplay between the lyrics and the melody heightens the song’s emotive power, making it universally relatable.
Performance History
“To Know Him Is to Love Him” was performed by The Teddy Bears shortly after its release, garnering immense popularity. While the group disbanded soon after, the song lived on. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris, whose rendition in 1987 brought the song back to prominence. Each interpretation adds a new dimension, proving the song’s timeless appeal.
Cultural Impact
This track was not just a chart-topper; it marked the genesis of Phil Spector’s legendary career. His later work would revolutionize the music industry with the “Wall of Sound” production technique. Additionally, the song has appeared in various films and TV shows, where its nostalgic and emotive qualities evoke memories of simpler, more heartfelt times.
Its cultural significance extends beyond its era, inspiring countless musicians and influencing the development of pop and rock ballads. The song’s enduring legacy is a testament to its universal themes and masterful composition.
Legacy
Decades after its release, “To Know Him Is to Love Him” remains a beloved classic. Its emotional resonance continues to captivate audiences, and its influence on modern music is undeniable. For Phil Spector, the song was the beginning of a legendary career, and for listeners, it remains a timeless ode to love’s beauty and complexity.
Conclusion
“To Know Him Is to Love Him” is more than just a song—it’s a piece of history that speaks to the depths of human emotion. Whether you’re a fan of classic doo-wop or simply enjoy heartfelt melodies, this track is worth revisiting. I recommend the original recording by The Teddy Bears for its raw authenticity, as well as the 1987 cover by Parton, Ronstadt, and Harris for a fresh take on this timeless classic. Listen with an open heart, and you’ll find that to know this song is, indeed, to love it.
Video
Lyrics
To know, know, know him
Is to love, love, love him
Just to see him smile
Makes my life worthwhile
To know, know, know him
Is to love, love, love him
And I do
Oo-oo, I do
I’d be good to him
I’d bring love to him
Everyone says there’ll come a day
When I’ll walk alongside of him
Yes, yes, to know him
Is to love, love, love him
And I do
Oo-oo, I do
Why can’t he see?
How blind can he be?
Someday he will see
That he was meant for me
Oh-oh, yes
To know, know, know him
Is to love, love, love him
Just to see him smile
Makes my life worthwhile
To know, know, know him
Is to love, love, love him
And I do
Oo-oo, yes, I do
Oo-oo, yes, I do