The Zombies were a bands band. They were very talented musicians who had the respect of other bands. The song peaked at #1 in the Billboard 100, #2 in Canada, and #12 in the Uk in 1964. They sounded like no other band at the time with a jazz/pop feel.
From Songfacts.
The group signed to Decca Records, and their keyboard player Rod Argent came up with this song for the session. It tells the story of an alluring woman who won’t be tied down to one man – the singer wants to tell us all about her, but he can only use words since she’s not there.
This was The Zombies first single. The band also recorded a cover of Gershwin’s “Summertime” for their first album, which was considered for the band’s first single, but “She’s Not There” got the nod. Boosted by radio play on New York powerhouse WINS, the song became a hit in the US.
She’s Not There
Well, no one told me about her
The way she lied
Well, no one told me about her
How many people cried
But it’s too late to say you’re sorry
How would I know? Why should I care?
Please don’t bother trying to find her
She’s not there
Well, let me tell you ’bout the way she looked
The way she acts and the color of her hair
Her voice was soft and cool
Her eyes were clear and bright
But she’s not there
Well, no one told me about her
What could I do?
Well, no one told me about her
Though they all knew
But it’s too late to say you’re sorry
How would I know? Why should I care?
Please don’t bother trying to find her
She’s not there
Well, let me tell you ’bout the way she looked
The way she acts and the color of her hair
Her voice was soft and cool
Her eyes were clear and bright
But she’s not there
But it’s too late to say you’re sorry
How would I know? Why should I care?
Please don’t bother trying to find her
She’s not there
Well, let me tell you about the way she looked
The way she acts and the color of her hair
Her voice was soft and cool
Her eyes were clear and bright
But she’s not there
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The Zombies are still a band and still cooking. Saw them 3 times over the last few years, twice doing the O&O Anniversary” gig with “Brian Wilson’s” musical director and once at City Winery as the usual combo and it was “not an oldies act”( as some think) by any means. Also, the latest release is quite impressive. Colin is still one of the great voices of our time and Rod Argent is no slouch either. Bravo for your post. Made me dig out the vinyl wares once again.
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Such a talented band. I missed them when they came to Nashville…didn’t find out until they were gone. Colin’s voice is so disinctive.
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They should have been huge! What a great band. I tried to get tickets when they came nearby last spring but i was too late- a sell out.
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I missed them also. They were gone before I knew they came… They should have been huge. They probably make more money now than they did then. They were such good musicians.
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This song is such a great representative of that time. I still hope to attend a Zombies concert someday.
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Me also… I missed them last time they were here.
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great tune, like all the few songs I’ve heard by them. Record sleeve surprised me- I thought they’d be a lot more psychedelic looking and long-haired!
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Yes this before Time Of the Season…so it was yet to come.
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Amazing song, and Odessey and Oracle is a great record too.
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That album should have propelled them into stardom…instead of being the last one of the original group… Care of Cell 44 is like Brian Wilson and Paul McCartney meshed together…The whole album is great.
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