Introduction:
Released in 1960, “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” isn’t just another doo-wop song. This soulful ballad, sung by the all-girl group The Shirelles with production by Luther Dixon, marked a turning point in both the group’s career and American popular music. The song’s raw vulnerability and timeless question about love’s longevity resonated with audiences across generations, solidifying its place as a cultural touchstone.
Comprised of teenagers Shirley Owens, Doris McKinney, Beverly Lee, and Barbara Martin, The Shirelles honed their sound singing on street corners in their hometown of Passaic, New Jersey. Discovered by Florence Greenberg, who co-founded the independent record label Scepter Records, The Shirelles landed a recording contract in 1958. “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” was one of the first songs they recorded with Luther Dixon, a seasoned songwriter and producer known for his work with artists like Ike and Tina Turner and Solomon Burke.
“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” was a groundbreaking song in many ways. It broke new ground for doo-wop, a genre typically characterized by lighthearted lyrics and playful harmonies. This song, however, delved into deeper emotional territory, with its lead singer, Shirley Owens, questioning a lover’s commitment as a new relationship blossoms. The song’s vulnerability and raw emotion resonated with young female listeners who rarely heard such themes explored in popular music.
“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” transcended the boundaries of a typical love song. Its central question – “Will you still love me tomorrow?” – tapped into a universal insecurity about the fleeting nature of love and the fear of losing affection. This resonated with listeners of all ages and genders, making the song a relatable anthem for anyone who has ever questioned a relationship’s future.
“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” spent six weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming the first song by an African-American girl group to achieve this feat. The song’s success not only propelled The Shirelles to national stardom but also paved the way for other female vocal groups like The Supremes and Martha and the Vandellas. “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” has been covered by countless artists throughout the decades, further solidifying its status as a timeless classic.
“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” continues to be a beloved song today. Its simple yet poignant lyrics and the vulnerability in Shirley Owens’ vocals ensure that the song’s emotional core remains relevant. It serves as a reminder of the insecurities that can accompany new love and encourages self-reflection on the nature of commitment and lasting relationships. So, let this song be an invitation to explore your own vulnerabilities and contemplate the complexities of love and its endurance.
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Lyrics:
Tonight you’re mine completelyYou give your love so sweetlyTonight the light of love is in your eyesBut will you love me tomorrow?Is this a lasting treasureOr just a moment’s pleasure?Can I believe the magic of your sighs?Will you still love me tomorrow?Tonight with words unspokenYou say that I’m the only oneBut will my heart be brokenWhen the night (when the night)Meets the morning (meets the morning) sun?I’d like to know that your loveIs a love I can be sure ofSo tell me now, and I won’t ask againWill you still love me tomorrow?So tell me now, and I won’t ask againWill you still love me tomorrow?Will you still love me tomorrow?Will you still love me?