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Oh Girl

by

The Chi-Lites


Album: Lonely Man
Released: 1972
Charted:
1
14
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Songfacts®:  You can leave comments about the song at the bottom of the page.

This was written and sung by group leader Eugene Record. The other three Chi-Lites (pronounced "Shy-Lites") contributed a few wordless harmonies and one line per verse.
Of the many cover versions (by Paul Young, Leo Sayer, Smokey Robinson among others), nearly everyone swipes the harmonica part, proof of how key it is to the song's arrangement. (thanks, Charles - Charlotte, NC for above 2)
According to the Independent newspaper from July 25, 2005, Eugene Record initially dismissed this song. Record is quoted as saying, "I gave Carl Davis 7 songs on a tape and he called me to say there's a #1 tune on there. I named them all before 'Oh Girl' and I thought he was kidding." (thanks, Edward Pearce - Ashford, Kent, England)
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The Chi-Lites
More The Chi-Lites songs
More songs about heartache
More songs with a harmonica part

Comments (7):

The song Oh! Girl, captures the imagination of the listener and conveys the fear, in the singer, of losing his girl. The use of the harmonica very hauntingly pile-drives the message straight to the listener's heart and from there on leaves the listener close to tears because no-one wants to see anyone hurting inside. The Chi - Lights is the only group who could have put the message across with such a presentation of soul in the lead vocal and physical symmetry in the background. I think that the group could wear any kind of uniform to stage but the song itself would make everything alright. This says that the song takes you to another level lost in your own mind.
Roger, Truro, Cornwall. UK.
- Roger, Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom
Oh Girl is my all time favorite song. I was in the Navy, stationed in Imperial Beach, CA. (On the U.S./Mexican Border when this song came out. I Loved it so much that I taped it before I bought the tape and album. I would play it each morning when I got up to start my day. I had a White roommate and we were friends. He told me I was driving him crazy with it. He liked it but every morning was just too much. If he is living today and he hears "Oh Girl" I know he will think of me. He has probably told his wife and kids about this story. The beauty of the arrangement, the lyrics and the Harmonica; man it just brings back memories. Ofcourse my wife and two daughters know about this also.

Sam, Baton Rouge, LA.
- Samuel, Baton Rouge, LA
This is one of the greatest songs ever recorded! I love the fact that it crosses genres the way it does. How many know The Chi Lites are a black R&B group from Chicago?
- Al, New York, NY
This song came back into my radar just a short time ago and now I can't get enough of it. I have it on tape and c.d., no vinyl yet but working on it. I have it playing in my head all the time and just love it. It is now one of my favourites.
- Jane, Glasgow, Scotland
I saw the Chi-Lites, along with the Stylistics and Dramatics back in 1994, I believe it was. And there is no doubt that the harmonica was the central instrument in that song.
- steve, king city, CA
This song was remade in the early 80's by Con Hunley. It was a instant hit for him on the country charts. Oak Ridge Boys sang back-up harmony
- Joe, St. Louis, MO
This is a great song...I hear it pretty regular these days on an 'oldies' station..The vocals are really strong ...the guy can sing..I agree the harmonica is key.
- rich, elkins, WV
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