Friday December 3, 2021 “96 Tears” ? and the Mysterians

Today’s strange name is ? (read question mark) and the Mysterians and the song, “96 Tears” was written by ?, formerly known as Rudy Martinez but who would eventually change his name legally to ?.  And you thought Prince was the first rock star to use a symbol as his name.

A classic 60s garage band song with three chords (G, C7, Em if you’re interested) and an amusing story line lyrically if you wanted to follow it.  So here’s this guy who has been dumped and his plan is to get back together with his former girlfriend so he can dump her so she will be crying 96 tears.

 Another great behind the song explanation by ? who says “96 Tears” happened like this, "Little Frank [keyboard player Frank Rodriguez] comes in singing a tune, and I said, 'I've heard that before. And I ain't going to do nothing until I've heard where that music and the title of it comes from. He played it for like 45 minutes. Everybody's getting mad. And then all of a sudden it dawned on me, I said, 'Oh, I know where I heard that. I wrote that song long time ago.'

 Now that's how you write a song...and ? gets full credit for writing the song.

 And why ‘96’ tears, well according to ? the number is very mystical although he has never quite explained how mystical it might be.  Oh yeah, the band name, they wanted to be anonymous, secretive, inscrutable and of course mysterious, and it worked because this was their only hit, but it was a memorable one.

 Stay safe and well...and if you have a guitar nearby play along, and it's an easy song to sing since there is very little melody...but you will need sunglasses.

Too many teardrops for one heart to be crying

Too many teardrops for one heart to carry on

 You're way on top now since you left me

You're always laughing way down at me

But watch out now, I'm gonna get there

We'll be together for just a little while

And then I'm gonna put you way down here

And you'll start crying ninety-six tears

Cry, cry

 And when the sun comes up, I'll be on top

You'll be right down there, looking up

And I might wave, come up here

But I don't see you waving now

I'm way down here, wondering how

I'm gonna get you but I know now

I'll just cry, cry, I'll just cry

 Too many teardrops for one heart to be crying

Too many teardrops for one heart to carry on

 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

Ninety-six tears

 Come on and let me hear you cry, now

Ninety-six tears, woo

I wanna hear you cry

Night and day, yeah, all night long

 Uh, ninety-six tears, cry, cry, cry

Come on, baby, let me hear you cry now, all night long

Uh, ninety-six tears, yeah, come on now

Uh, ninety-six tears