About the song
“Forget Him,” released in 1963 by the talented Bobby Rydell, is a song that beautifully captures the emotional nuances of teenage love and heartbreak. Written by the esteemed songwriter Tony Hatch, this track became one of Rydell’s most memorable hits, resonating with audiences both in the United States and abroad. Its timeless message of moving on from a lost love struck a chord with listeners, making it a significant song of the early 1960s.
In the United States, “Forget Him” enjoyed considerable success, spending an impressive 16 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song peaked at No. 4 on January 18, 1964, marking a high point in Rydell’s career as a pop idol. It also performed well on Billboard’s Middle-Road Singles chart, reaching No. 3, which highlighted its appeal to a broader audience beyond just the youth market. Across the Atlantic, the song spent 14 weeks on the United Kingdom’s Record Retailer chart, where it reached No. 13. This success was echoed in other regions, with “Forget Him” reaching No. 3 on Canada’s CHUM Hit Parade, No. 8 on the Irish Singles Chart, and an impressive No. 2 in Hong Kong.
One of the most interesting aspects of “Forget Him” is its influence on one of the biggest bands in music history, The Beatles. The song received significant airplay in the UK and caught the attention of none other than Paul McCartney. In 2000, McCartney revealed that the initial idea for The Beatles’ iconic song “She Loves You” was inspired by “Forget Him.” This connection between the two songs underscores the impact that Rydell’s hit had on the music world at the time.
As “Forget Him” climbed the charts, it became clear that the song had struck a universal chord, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. Its peak in the United States came in early 1964, a time when the music scene was on the brink of transformation with the British Invasion. Despite the changing musical landscape, “Forget Him” held its ground, ranking No. 20 on Cash Box’s “Top 100 Chart Hits of 1964.”
Today, “Forget Him” remains a cherished classic, a song that captures the essence of young love and the bittersweet experience of moving on. Bobby Rydell’s heartfelt performance, combined with Tony Hatch’s poignant lyrics, has ensured that “Forget Him” continues to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless piece of pop music history.
Video
Lyrics
Forget him if he doesnt love you, forget him if he doesnt ca-a-a-a-are
Dont let him tell you that he wants you
cause he cant give you love which isnt there
Little girl, hes never dreaming of you
Hell break your heart, ya wait and see
So dont you cry now, just tell him goodbye now
Forget him and please come home to me
Dont let him tell ya that he wants you
cause he cant give you love which isnt there
Oh little girl, hes never dreaming of you
Hell break your heart, ya wait and see-e-e
So dont you cry now, just tell him goodbye now
Forget him and please come home to me
No dont you cry now better tell him goodbye now
Forget him and–please come home–to——meeeee