The Honeycombs - Have I the Right? (1964)

Originally but briefly known as The Sheratons, this English beat group was founded by a hairdresser, Martin Murray (rhythm guitar) and his salon assistant, Honey Lantree (drums). On the drums, Honey Lantree was one of the few female drummers to be in a band. It was her name (Honey) and profession (salon assistant) which led to the inspiration for the group’s name, as in, “Honey combs hair for a living."

Rounding out the original lineup of the group were Honey’s brother, John Lantree (bass), and two of the trio’s friends: Denis D’Ell (lead singer) and Alan Ward (lead guitar).

Although the group charted multiple times in the UK (and twice in the US), it’s primarily the song below for which they are remembered. Written by Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley at the beginning of their eventually prolific careers, the song was released in June 1964, steadily climbed the charts, and ultimately peaked at number one in the UK, Australia, and Canada by August that same year. Eventually, sales reached over one million.



The Honeycombs - Have I the Right? (1964)

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Lyrics:

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

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 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 runnin’ down my spine

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

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