Doo Wop

The sounds of the harbor and a sad love song are perfect for a summer afternoon and evening. The Platters had success with the pop standard “Harbor Lights,” with it going to #8 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, #15 on the R&B Chart, and #11 on the U.K. Chart in 1960. This golden oldie was written in 1937, composed by Hugh Williams with lyrics by Jimmy Kenedy. Many, many artists covered the song, and the best-selling versions by the Sammy Kaye orchestra, Guy Lombard, Bing Crosby, Ray Anthony, Ralph Flanagan, and Ken Griffin. Other artists include Elvis Presley, The Ink Spots, Lawrence Welk, William Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, and the list goes on and on.

The Platters have had a long and distinguished career, being one of the top vocal groups of the 1950s. They were among the first doo wop groups inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. The lineup for The Platters has gone through many changes over the years, to say the least. However, at the time, it was Tony Williams, Zola Taylor, Herb Reed, David Lynch, and Paul Robi. The Platters continue tour and perform.

Here are the lyrics to “Harbor Lights” by The Platters:

“I saw the harbor lights
They only told me we were parting
The same old harbor lights
That once brought you to me

I watched the harbor lights
How could I help if tears were starting
Goodbye to tender nights
Beside the silvery sea

I long to hold you near
And kiss you just once more
But you were on the ship
And I was on the shore

Now I know lonely nights
For all the while my heart is whispering
Some other harbor lights
Will steal your love from me

I long to hold you near
And kiss you just once more
But you were on the ship
And I was on the shore

Now I know lonely nights
For all the while my heart is whispering
Some other harbor lights
Will steal your love from me”

If you are interested in reading about and listening to another golden oldie by The Platters, please click here for “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes.”

For More Golden Oldies Music

The Daily Doo Wop Rec Room has daily featured doo wop, rock and roll, R&B, or rockabilly songs that were hits during the first era of rock and roll (that is, from about 1952 until the British invasion in 1964). After a song is featured, it then goes into the juke box. You are welcome to listen to any of the 40+ selections there. Every weekend, there is a Golden Oldies Juke Box Saturday Night, and the juke box is full of song requests from the 1950s and 1960s.

Please click here for the Daily Doo Wop YouTube channel, to which you can subscribe. Thank you for stopping by The Daily Doo Wop. Hope you enjoyed “Harbor Lights” by The Platters.