About the Song
Bobby Lewis was an American R&B singer who, with his distinctive voice and smooth delivery, became a beloved figure in the early 1960s. His 1961 hit, “Tossin’ and Turnin'”, remains one of the most enduring songs of that era, solidifying his place in music history. The track, driven by an infectious rhythm and catchy melody, perfectly encapsulates the restless emotions of romantic longing and the turmoil of a love lost or unrequited.
“Tossin’ and Turnin'” is an upbeat yet soulful anthem for anyone who has ever experienced sleepless nights due to matters of the heart. The lyrics describe a person who is unable to find peace, plagued by thoughts of a lover and unable to shake the feelings of confusion and anxiety that come with a troubled relationship. Bobby Lewis’s passionate delivery of the song’s lyrics, combined with the song’s energetic tempo, creates a compelling feeling of inner turmoil. The repetitive refrain — “I’m tossin’ and turnin’,” — perfectly mirrors the restless feelings that the singer expresses, giving it an almost hypnotic quality that draws the listener in.
The song’s production is classic early 60s, with lively horns, a strong rhythm section, and a catchy melody that immediately grabs attention. “Tossin’ and Turnin'” became a chart-topping hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remaining a beloved classic in the annals of R&B and pop music. It perfectly embodies the anxieties of youth and the passionate nature of love, making it timeless in its appeal. Whether you’re listening to it for the first time or the hundredth, Bobby Lewis’s performance still has the power to capture the restless emotions of anyone who has ever found themselves “tossin’ and turnin'” through the night.
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Lyrics: Tossin’ & Turnin’
I couldn’t sleep at all last night
Just a-thinkin’ ’bout you
Baby, things weren’t right‘Cause I was
Tossin’ and turnin’, turnin’ and tossin’
Tossin’ and turnin’, tossin’ and turnin’ all nightI kicked the blankets on the floor
Turned my pillow upside down
I never felt this way before‘Cause I was
Tossin’ and turnin’, turnin’ and tossin’
Tossin’ and turnin’, tossin’ and turnin’ all nightJumped out of bed, turned on the lights
Pulled down the shade, went to the kitchen for a bite
Rolled up the shade, turned down the lights
I jumped back in the bed, was the middle of the nightThe clock downstairs was strikin’ three
Couldn’t get you off my mind
I heard the milkman on the street‘Cause I was
Tossin’ and turnin’, turnin’ and tossin’
Tossin’ and turnin’, tossin’ and turnin’ all nightJumped out of bed, turned on the lights
Pulled down the shade, went to the kitchen for a bite
Rolled up the shade, turned down the lights
Jumped back in the bed, was the middle of the nightThe clock downstairs was strikin’ three
Couldn’t get you off my mind
I heard the milkman on the street‘Cause I was
Tossin’ and turnin’, turnin’ and tossin’
Tossin’ and turnin’, tossin’ and turnin’ all nightTossin’ and turnin’ (tossin’ and turnin’)
Tossin’ and turnin’ (tossin’ and turnin’)
Turnin’ and tossin’ (turnin’ and tossin’)
Tossin’ and turnin’ (tossin’ and turnin’)
Tossin’ and turnin’ (tossin’ and turnin’)
Turnin’ and tossin’ (tossin’ and turnin’)
Tossin’ and turnin’ (tossin’ and turnin’), oh
Tossin’ and turnin’ (tossin’ and turnin’)
Turnin’ and tossin’ (tossin’ and turnin’)
(Tossin’ and turnin’)
Tossin’ and turnin’ (tossin’ and turnin’)
Turnin’ and tossin’ (tossin’ and turnin’)
(Tossin’ and turnin’)