Oh Girl

Album: A Lonely Man (1972)
Charted: 14 1
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Songfacts®:

  • 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. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    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." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Edward Pearce - Ashford, Kent, England

Comments: 11

  • Jonie from NebraskaOnly the original version of "Oh Girl" by the Chi Lites conains a REAL harmonica. The sound is soulful and beautiful. Other versions, live and recorded, use a keyboard version of harmonica. Not the same soulful, beautiful sound. Love the original.
  • Truepolybius from NyI love the melody of the vocals, BUT play the chi-lites song and then play the 12th cut on Summer by George Winston the pianist. I don't think he would intentionally have done it ,but maybe unknowingly. The first time I heard the Winston song, I felt I'd heard it before and today when I played the chi-lites song, I knew why. I haven't heard that song in 40 years(unfortunately).
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn March 18th 1972, the Chi-Lites performed "Oh, Girl" on the syndicated TV program 'Soul Train'...
    Eight days later on April 2nd, 1972 it entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 at position #80; seven weeks later on May 21st, 1972 it peaked at #1 {for 1 week} and spent 15 weeks on the Top 100...
    And on May 28th, 1972 it also reached #1 {for 2 weeks} on Billboard's R&B Singles chart...
    As stated above, the song was composed by lead singer Eugene Record...
    Between 1969 and 1998 the Chicago-based quartet had forty-one records make the R&B Singles chart; eleven made the Top 10 with two reaching #1, their other #1 record was "Have You Seen Her" for two weeks on November 14th, 1971...
    R.I.P. Eugene Record {1940 - 2005} and Soul Train's host Don Corneius {1936 - 2012}.
  • Joe from Philadelphia, PaThis shouldn't be listed in the songs with harmonica parts. It isn't a harmonica in the song it is a melodica.
  • Roger from Truro, Cornwall, United KingdomThe 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.
  • Samuel from Baton Rouge, LaOh 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.
  • Al from New York, NyThis 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?
  • Jane from Glasgow, ScotlandThis 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.
  • Steve from King City, CaI 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.
  • Joe from St. Louis, MoThis 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
  • Rich from Elkins, WvThis 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.
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