Blue Eyed Soul

The song “How Can I Be Sure” was written by band members Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati. The Young Racals recorded it in 1967 and released it on their 1967 album Groovin’. They also released it as a single. The song features a trumpet, bass, piano, drums, strings, and a concertina. Lots of different sounds going on there. It’s a good example of 60s blue eyed soul. In 1967, “How Can I Be Sure” went to #4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, #2 on Cashbox, and #1 in Canada.

There have been a number of covers, including a two-million seller by French singer Nicoletta (as “Je ne pense que ‘aimer“). There was a French version also by Canadian Michel Pagliaro (as “A Paris la Nuit“). There were also versions by Dusty Springfield, David Cassidy, Helen Reddy, Gloria Estefan, Percy Faith, and Lesley Gore, to name a few.

The Young Rascals formed in Garfield New Jersey in 1965. They were Eddie Brigati (vocals), Felix Cavaliere (keyboard, vocals), Gene Cornish (guitar), and Dino Danelli (drums). Eddie and his brother David had been with Joey Dee and the Starliters, as had Cavaliere and Cornish. The group had plenty of commercial success, including the songs “A Beautiful Morning, “Good Lovin,'” “A Girl Like You,” and “People Got to be Free.” They had seven U.S. Top 30 hits before they became The Rascals in 1968. They then had five more Top 30 hits before they disbanded in 1972.

Here are the lyrics to “How Can I Be Sure” by The Young Rascals:

How can I be sure
In a world that’s constantly changing?
How can I be sure
Where I stand with you?

Whenever I
Whenever I am away from you
I wanna die
‘Cause you know I wanna stay with you

How do I know?
Maybe you’re trying to use me
Flying too high can confuse me
Touch me but don’t take me down

Whenever I
Whenever I am away from you
My alibi is telling people
I don’t care for you

Maybe I’m just hanging around
With my head up upside down
It’s a pity, I can’t seem to find someone
Who’s as pretty and lovely as you

How can I be sure?
I really really really wanna know
I really really really wanna know, oh

How’s the weather?
Whether or not, we’re together
Together we’ll see it much better
I love you, I love you forever
You know where I can be found

How can I be sure
In a world that’s constantly changing?
How can I be sure?
I’ll be sure with you

If you are interested in reading about and listening to another song by The Young Rascals, please click here for “Good Lovin’”

Check Out The Groove Pad for More 1960s Music

The Pass the Paisley Groove Pad is a resting stop, a place to chill out and listen to the featured song on the stereo. If the mood strikes you, click on the juke box to access and listen to the 50+ free online songs there. You can always listen free! The TV has several channels, with selections updated twice a week. Every now and then, Pass the Paisley hosts an all-request of 1960s and 1970s songs for a Be-In at the juke box in the Groove Pad. Keep on truckin’. Hope you enjoyed “How Can I Be Sure” by The Young Rascals.