Two repeats topped the Billboard Hot 100 the week of October 4, 1966: ‘Cherish‘ by The Association, and ‘Reach Out I’ll Be There‘ by The Four Tops.
In the third spot, on its way to a single week at #1 later in the month, was ’96 Tears’ by ? and the Mysterians (pronounced “Question Mark and the Mysterians,” with lead singer Rudy Martinez beating Prince by a few decades to the “my name is a symbol” thing).
I consider a song a true one-hit wonder when I know it extremely well but could not have told you in a million years who performs it. That’s the case with this one, as I didn’t realize a band called ? and the Mysterians existed until today.
Technically, the Mysterians aren’t one-hit wonders because they did score a second Top 40 hit with ‘I Need Somebody’ later that year. It peaked at #22.
This song is considered one of the earliest examples of garage rock and punk rock, though the prominent organ helps it keep one foot solidly in 60s pop.
Old songs. Great memories.
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Too many teardrops
For one heart to be cryin’
Too many teardrops
For one heart to carry on
[Verse 2]
You’re way on top now
Since you left me
You’re always laughin’
Way down at me
[Verse 3]
But watch out now
I’m gonna get there
We’ll be together
For just a little while
[Verse 4]
And then I’m gonna put you
Way down here
And you’ll start cryin’
Ninety-six tears
[Refrain]
Cry
Cry
[Bridge]
And when the sun comes up, I’ll be on top
You’ll be right down there lookin’ up
And I might wave, come up here
But I don’t see you wavin’ now
I’m way down here wonderin’ how
I’m gonna get you, but I know now
[Refrain]
I’ll just cry
Cry
I’ll just cry
[Verse 1]
Too many teardrops
For one heart to be cryin’
Too many teardrops
For one heart to carry on
[Chorus]
You’re gonna cry ninety-six tears
You’re gonna cry ninety-six tears
You’re gonna cry, cry, cry, cry, now
You’re gonna cry, cry, cry, cry
[Outro]
Ninety-six tears, c’mon, let me hear you cry, now
Ninety-six tears, woo, I wanna hear you cry
Night and day, yeah, all night long
Ninety-six tears, cry, cry, cry
C’mon baby, let me hear you cry now
All night long, ninety-six tears
Yeah, c’mon now, ninety-six tears
