The Honeycombs – ‘Have I The Right?’

The Honeycombs – ‘Have I The Right?’: A British Invasion Classic

In the mid-1960s, the British Invasion swept across the music world, bringing a wave of new sounds and talent from the UK to America. One of the standout hits of this era was ‘Have I the Right?’ by The Honeycombs, a song that not only captured the essence of the British pop scene but also left a lasting imprint on the history of rock music. Released in 1964, this track became a massive hit and introduced the band to the world as one of the notable groups of the British Invasion.

The Rise of The Honeycombs

The Honeycombs were formed in London in 1963, and like many other bands of the era, they were influenced by the energetic sound of rock and roll. They were led by Honey Lantree, the band’s drummer, and their music blended catchy pop melodies with a slight edge, making them stand out from other British bands of the time.

Though the band’s lineup was filled with talented musicians, it was ‘Have I the Right?’ that truly defined their place in music history. Written by Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley, the song’s catchy hook and memorable chorus made it an instant hit, and it wasn’t long before The Honeycombs found themselves climbing the charts.

The Song That Defined Their Career

‘Have I the Right?’ was released in 1964 and quickly became a chart-topping success. The song hit No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and later reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, making it a major international hit.

The track’s success was largely driven by its catchy, upbeat rhythm and a unique blend of pop and rock sounds. What really set the song apart, though, was its distinct sound—a combination of energetic drumming and memorable guitar riffs. In addition, Honey Lantree’s powerful drumming made her one of the first women to play a central role in a rock band during an era when women were largely excluded from prominent musical roles.

Lyrically, ‘Have I the Right?’ tells the story of someone questioning whether they have the right to pursue a relationship. The sense of longing and uncertainty in the lyrics, combined with the song’s upbeat tempo, created a tension that resonated with listeners. Its catchy refrain, “Have I the right to hold you tight?” became an iconic lyric and made the song a memorable part of 1960s pop culture.

The British Invasion and The Honeycombs’ Place in It

The British Invasion, which began in the early 1960s, was a time when British bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Dave Clark Five broke into the American market and revolutionized pop music. The Honeycombs, with ‘Have I the Right?’, became part of this exciting wave of British artists who introduced new sounds to the U.S.

While The Honeycombs were not as commercially successful as some of the bigger names from the British Invasion, ‘Have I the Right?’ still stands as one of the quintessential tracks of the era. The song’s success highlighted the growing demand for British music and solidified the UK’s influence on the international music scene. The Honeycombs may have only had one major hit, but ‘Have I the Right?’ remains a significant piece of music history from that transformative time.

The Legacy of ‘Have I the Right?’

Despite their relatively short-lived career, The Honeycombs left behind a lasting legacy with ‘Have I the Right?’. Their contribution to the British Invasion and the pop-rock genre cannot be overlooked, and their sound continues to be appreciated by fans of 1960s music.

The song itself has endured as a classic of 1960s pop, frequently appearing in compilations of British Invasion hits and retro music collections. Over the years, ‘Have I the Right?’ has also been covered by several artists, proving its continued influence on both the British pop genre and rock music as a whole.

Conclusion

‘Have I the Right?’ by The Honeycombs is one of the standout tracks of the British Invasion era, with its infectious melody and memorable chorus. Released in 1964, the song not only helped to define the sound of 1960s pop but also introduced a fresh wave of energy and attitude to the international music scene. While The Honeycombs may not have had the same lasting commercial success as some of their contemporaries, ‘Have I the Right?’ remains an unforgettable classic that still resonates with music fans today.

Its catchy rhythm, distinctive sound, and timeless lyrics make it a true gem of 1960s music, and its place in the history of rock and pop music is secure. For fans of the British Invasion era, ‘Have I the Right?’ will always be a song that captures the spirit of an exciting, transformative time in music.

Lyrics: Have I The Right?

have i the right to hold you?
you know i’ve always told you
that we must never ever part
oh ooh ooh oh

have i the right to kiss you?
you know i’ll always miss you
i’ve loved you from the very start

come right back i just can’t bear it
i’ve got this love and i long to share it
come right back i’ll show my love is strong

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

have i the right to thrill you?
you know i’ll wait until you
give me the right to make you mine.