“Remember Then”: A Poignant Journey Back to the Sweet Echoes of First Love and Youthful Longing.
For those of us whose memories are steeped in the golden hues of teenage innocence and the thrilling, often tumultuous, landscape of first love, certain songs act as perfect time capsules, preserving those fleeting emotions with crystalline clarity. Showaddywaddy’s “Remember Then,” released in 1979, is precisely one such cherished artifact. In an era when punk was snarling and disco was glittering, this Leicester-based band continued their delightful homage to rock & roll’s foundational years, offering a gentler, more reflective side to their signature revivalist sound. This song isn’t just a catchy tune; it’s a tender, wistful sigh for days gone by, a heartfelt rumination on puppy love and the poignant beauty of youthful anticipation. For older readers, it conjures images of school dances, whispered secrets, and the profound, often bewildering, intensity of early romantic connections.
Upon its release as a single in July 1979, “Remember Then” continued Showaddywaddy’s impressive streak of chart success in the UK. It reached a very respectable number 17 on the Official UK Singles Chart, further solidifying their consistent presence in the British pop landscape. While they were a phenomenon largely centered in the UK and parts of Europe, their consistent chart performance with these retro-inspired hits showcased a powerful demand for their brand of nostalgic rock & roll. For many of us, hearing this song on the radio was a comforting, familiar sound, a sweet melodic antidote to the more aggressive or synthesized sounds emerging at the close of the decade. It offered a moment of quiet reflection, a chance to drift back to simpler times.
The story behind “Remember Then” is a classic example of Showaddywaddy’s unique artistry: taking beloved, often overlooked, gems from rock & roll’s early years and re-imagining them with their own distinctive flair. The song itself is a cover version of a track originally written by Richard Barrett and first recorded by The Earls in 1962. The Earls’ original was a doo-wop infused ballad, charming in its simplicity and reflecting the romantic sentiments of the early 60s. Showaddywaddy’s decision to cover this particular song for their 1979 album Crepes & Drapes (though it was a standalone single before the album’s release) demonstrated their deep appreciation for the melodic and lyrical nuances of the era they so passionately celebrated.
Showaddywaddy’s rendition retains the core romanticism of The Earls’ original but imbues it with their characteristic harmonious vocals and slightly more polished, yet still authentic, instrumentation. The band – consisting of Dave Bartram, Buddy Gask, Malcolm Allured, Romeo Challenger, Al James, Rod Deas, Trevor Oakes, and Russ Field – meticulously crafted their sound to evoke a specific era, and with “Remember Then,” they captured the quintessential feeling of young love. The lyrics are a straightforward, heartfelt plea to a past lover, reminiscing about the tender beginnings of their relationship: “Remember then, when we walked in the rain / And we talked of the day that you’d be mine / Remember then, when I held you so tight / And I kissed you and said ‘I love you, love you.'” It’s a journey through shared memories – first kisses, shy glances, and the innocent promises made under a youthful sky.
The meaning of “Remember Then” lies in its profound exploration of nostalgia and the enduring power of first love. It speaks to that universal human experience of looking back at pivotal moments in our emotional development, recognizing their significance even as time marches on. For older readers, this song becomes a poignant mirror, reflecting their own youthful romances, the awkwardness and exhilaration, the joy and the inevitable heartache. It reminds us that while the years may pass and lives may diverge, the imprints of those first deep feelings remain, tenderly preserved in the chambers of our memory. “Remember Then” is a beautiful, evocative piece that transcends mere entertainment; it’s a comforting invitation to revisit our own personal histories, to feel the warmth of those early emotional awakenings, and to acknowledge the sweet, indelible mark they leave upon our souls. It’s a quiet triumph for Showaddywaddy, proving their mastery not just of upbeat rock & roll, but also of the more delicate, reflective shades of human experience.