The Honeycombs – Have I The Right (1964)

About the song

The early sixties witnessed a seismic shift in popular music, as the British Invasion ushered in a wave of innovative sounds and fresh talent. Among the pioneers of this era was The Honeycombs, a London-based group that would quickly make its mark with its debut single, “Have I the Right?” This infectious track, penned by Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley, became an instant sensation, capturing the zeitgeist of the time and cementing the band’s place in music history.

What set “Have I the Right?” apart was its audacious departure from the prevailing pop norms. While many of its contemporaries were offering saccharine ballads and upbeat rock ‘n’ roll anthems, The Honeycombs crafted a song that was both edgy and danceable. The driving rhythm, propelled by the energetic drumming of Anne “Honey” Lantree, provided a solid foundation for the catchy melody and D’Ell’s charismatic vocals. The song’s instrumental break, characterized by its sharp guitar and keyboard interplay, was particularly striking, foreshadowing the experimental sounds that would later define genres like post-punk.

Producer Joe Meek played a pivotal role in shaping the distinctive sound of “Have I the Right?” His unconventional recording techniques, including the use of bicycle clips to secure microphones and the innovative addition of a tambourine directly to a microphone, contributed to the song’s raw and unpolished feel. The decision to speed up the recording, while initially disappointing to D’Ell, ultimately added to the track’s infectious energy.

“Have I the Right?” not only marked the beginning of The Honeycombs’ successful career but also served as a harbinger of the musical revolution that was to come. Its influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who followed in its footsteps, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this timeless classic.

Video

Lyrics

Have I the right to hold you?
You know I’ve always told you
That we must never, ever part

(Oh, woah, woah, oh)

Have I the right to kiss you?
You know I’ll always miss you
I’ve loved you from the very start

(Rarrrr) Come right back
I just can’t bear it
I’ve got some love and I long to share it
Come right back
I’ll show my love is strong
Oh, yeah

Have I the right to touch you?
If I could, you’d see how much you
Send those shivers running down my spine

(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

Have I the right to thrill you?
You know I’ll wait until you
Give me the right to make you mine

Well, come right back
I just can’t bear it
I’ve got some love and I long to share it
Come right back
I’ll show my love is strong
Oh, yeah
Alright

Have I the right to hold you?
You know I’ve always told you
That we must never, ever part
No, no, no, no, no

Have I the right to kiss you?
You know I’ll always miss you
I’ve loved you from the very start

(Rarrrr) Come right back
I just can’t bear it
I’ve got some love and I long to share it
Come right back
I’ll show my love is strong

Oh, yeah, yeah

Come right back
I just can’t bear it
I’ve got some love and I long to share it
Come right back
Right back where you belong
Oh, yeah

You belong
Oh, yeah
You belong