WHEN TOBY WENT AWAY/ THE CHILITES

[MsSoulfulgirl]

Whenever I hear this song I think about my cousin, Sherri, she died so very young. She was closer to me than a sister. My being terminally ill, I thought I would go first....it was truly a sad, sad day when she died.

[atlasshrugged2u]

Soooo many memories with this song!!

[Quiper31]

Everytime I hear this song " brings tearss to my eyes that i cant push back....."

[jimmyev23]

This song brings my brother back to life..I miss you mark you're forever in my heart...

[kevoutus]

it doesnt get much better than this

[mwatsonification]

Every time I hear this song, it makes me soon sad but yet I just love it. I feel sorry for the young guy and his loss.

[tawheedization]

may Allah allow us all to soon see all our love ones in the paradise and the way things are going they probably better off up there than we are down here everybody just keep God in mind and allow peace in your heart

[shadesmagazine]

This reminds me of my cousin who died. At times this song really tears me up. I often thinks about my cousin who died in 1981. He loved the Chi-lites.

[LordIam1]

con't..And just so happens, this song Toby was just becoming a hit. They played it all day and night on black radio. And since Carry had just been killed, and her name being similar to Toby, we were devastated. Carry was sort of the class clown, but it wasn't until she was killed that we realized how much we all loved her! Her warm spirit, her laugh! She died by trying to keep her honor and not allow a animal to rape her, so he strangled her! It made us respect her more! Malik Jubal

[LordIam1]

When I was in 5th grade, there was a silly, wild acting girl name Carry who was raped and strangled to death when her girlfriend convinced he to go be with two older dudes and have sex. The friend had sex withone of then, but apparently Carry refused in the other room and the dude strangled her. When they announced it to the class, we were messed up. I don't remember Carrie's last name, but it was at Mark Twain Grade School in St.Louis. I love you Carry! Malik Jubal

[petervincent101]

WHEN I LOST MY BROTHER IT WAS GOOD MUSIC AND GOOD PEOPLE WHO HEPLED ME THANK U CHI-LITES RIP CHRIS VEE LUV PISTOL

[ADonovan43]

Toby did not go away he is still out there waving a flag and bad mouthing the Dixie Chicks on the Radio. Take care ADonovan43

[athorpe630]

Really touching.

[TheFal4fel]

oh,what a joy to be 50+ and to have lived with this music.

[useable100]

This bring so many memories of losting love ones and childhood friends and some friends I have made in this last years...thank you Manuel for this one.

[nimbolstar]

an absoultely great song, wow, wow

[smooth5872]

classic soul,where did all the real music go?

[rimagirlme1]

Hey, we're in our 50's now, "BUT" some of us, are still kicking it "RED LIGHT SPECIAL'S". Bring it!

[rimagirlme1]

Yes it doe's. Oh my goodness, it was truly a sad day when Toby went away. Can you feel me, on this?

[MrDanBlather]

What happened to soul music? rap sucks........

[kigraing]

This is a beautiful song. Just lost a childhood friend last week...how appropriate. RIP Kevin

[congo123able]

Sweeeeeeeeetttttttttttttteeeee­eeesssssssssssstttttttttttt!!!­!!!!!!!!

[dookieboy81]

Often imitated never duplicated

[TheFal4fel]

god, bring back the good old days. where has the music gone

[Amarisboo]

This is a wonderful old school song bring back memories.

[monee62]

thx u utube

[takemeback2]

Fabulous music, right here.

[MrMiles716]

like this song

[dwayne1496]

this was one of their best hits!

[Laroidion]

Real music period.

[MrJavinbur]

DOLPHiN FANS U C HOW WEAK SPARANO iS-U C HOW SOFT STEPHEN ROSS iS-U C HOW NEANDERTHAL JEFF iRELAND Da DO B0Y iS-D0 U STiLL BELiEVE WE CAN WiN WiTH CHAD HENNE....LOYAL MiAMi DOLPHiN FANS UNTiL U GET RiD OF DEM SUPA DASTARDLY WEAK iDiOTS in DA FRONT OFFiCE...U HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO CHANCE OF GETn RiD DEM DASTARDLY WEAK iDiOTS ON DA SiDELiNES....ASPiRiNG TOTAL LOSER'S AT BEST!!!!

[develynn1]

@Mrtitobrown thankx!

[tommiexander]

It is absolutely amazing how much beautiful music that we had in those days. It was endless. And I can never forget how fortunate those of us that grew up in that era was. Music then was a reflection of the times; love, happiness, unity, and sometimes the heartaches of losing love. And music now is also a reflection of the times; sex, disrespect, no talent, etc. We live in a totally different world now. It's almost like living in The Twilight Zone..It's a sad day.

[vm24seven365]

@tommiexander Yep, I totally understand your statement. This music was so great. I miss it too. Who da thought we'd ever be without these fabulous groups and their amazing sounds. So happy we have youtube to listen whenever we need a reminder of the fabulous times we lived in. Peace.

[theseventhprotocol]

Another amazing master piece from the Chi-Lites !!!! OMG i love this group so many great songs that touch deep down to your soul !!!

[ilovececelia86]

my toby was Ben Hunt. the love of my naural life. he gave me the most beautiful daughter and loved me unconditionally!! he taught me what real music was about.

rest in peace Ben

[nursebrendabe]

One of my all time favorites. I wish songs were still made like this, sweet and tender. Just so full of l o v e.

[sauquoit13456]

Wonderful song; great vocal & lyrics, and whoever does the arrangements for The Chi-Lites is an outstanding artist in his own right!!

[mikesmes]

I still have this album. The exact title of the song is just "Toby". That's the way it is on the LP and 45rpm. Nice jam!!!! I know because I still even have the 45.

[mikesmes]

I still have this album. The exact title of the song is just "Toby". That's the way it is on the LP and 45rpm. Nice jam!!!!

[mikesmes]

I still have this album. The exact title of the song is "Toby". That's the way it is on the LP and 45rpm. Nice jam!!!!

[develynn1]

THIS AINT NOVE LOVE SONG ITS A SONG THT WILL HAVE YOU IN TEARS IF YOU EVER LOST A GIRLFRIEND WHO PASSED AWAY(DEATH)  ITS A VERY NICE SONG THO

[MrTitobrown]

@develynn1 You're absolutely right. I lost my girlfriend just like the lyrics to this song, & although it's been nearly 4 years since she's been gone, this song makes it feel like yesterday. Classic tune, just painful to listen to.

[develynn1]

@MrTitobrown too painful..im holding back the tears...listening to it right now...

[MrTitobrown]

@develynn1 I hope & pray that you never have to go through the same thing I've been going through.

[develynn1]

@MrTitobrown i went through it...as a teen...in july..95..i stiil cant let let go!

[MrTitobrown]

@develynn1 Wow! I am so sorry that you lived with this pain for so long. It is my sincere hope that both of us will no longer have to endure this pain, because I know that's what our loved ones in Heaven would want. You have my deepest support.

[ishasea]

Awesome song!

[duck2k]

WOW! I have not heard this in along time...tears in my eyes...

[tribe1964]

thanks so so much for posting i have been trying to remember who wrote this song for years my sister even sang it to get in the school of the arts we could only remember the name toby even though we knew the whole song by heart i,ve been looking on youtube for 6 months for it and it only came up when i was looking for a song from the delfonics thank you so much

[jlomax]

What 3 tone deaf idiots gavre a thumbs down to this great song???? They should'nt let little kids on You Tube!

[Misssn1ckers]

@jlomax I resent that. Some of us little kids (im 14 by the way) know what good music like this is. I grew up on music like this. And this is some good music

[msjbaby81]

Angee Griffin remake was a great song too!

[deonnaqueentype]

this song is so sad but i love it

[17almondeyes]

This was one of my favorites!!

[lovelysnowangels]

I love this song! Brings back so many childhood memories in Kansas City.

[patwilliams33]

lovely song but soooooooooooooooooooooooooosad­.

[oraltech]

Great song!

[Speedfirst]

@javae11 naw from the Chi -)

[Guitarrmann]

sweet~

[sugasuga39]

WHEN i HEAR THIS SONG i THINK OF MY CHILDHOOD BACK HOME IN ALTON ILL AND ALL MY OLD FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT HAS GONE ON HOME .... R.I.P.

[windbreeze07]

Im 46 now and heard this song the first time when I was 10. I always loved this song!

[Unique9773]

So sad. But beautiful vocals. almost want to cry.

[MrGary1960]

50 something spend a few nights catching up on passed times this song realy takes me back to when i met my then girl freind now my lovely wife three children three grandchildren later still going strong and some great songs to listen to keep posting and we will keep coming back

[dsrtmiraj]

still to this day i cry when i listen to this song

[Mgarguemare]

60s and 70s...will always be the best time of my life.

[Mgarguemare]

Something about a man and a falsetto voice....so sexy!!!!

[complicated954]

Man oh man i used to love dis song i sang it all the time for years my best friend thought i made it up becuz she nevered heard it

[peekado1]

Man !! what happened to all the master pieces like this !!! this was when music really said something !!

[qualitysamjenkinson]

i remember this record my sister olive was expecting her first baby in 1975 my nephew brian he is 35 now and a dad himself i was at notre dame high school in sheffield brilliant time to be alive

[runners1965]

Awesome! This one brings back memories of my childhood!!

[terrencepaulmiller]

Thanks you tube & manuelworker

[SuperXavier30]

Sad but Beautiful!!!

[karolynruffin1]

I remember when I first heard this song. My dad was driving us a long distance. He drove by an airport and it had started to rain. I was listening to this song on the radio, and I began to imagine what it must feel like when your friend goes far far away. I became lost in thought. I couldn't hear the song. A couple years after that, I heard the song again. I thought "what? Toby died?" Those were two sad days of my life...when I heard Toby went away.

[steelcross101]

I MISS YA 1ST CUZ

[springvalleykid]

Havent heard this song since I was just a lil boy some 50 years ago.. great song then and still brings a tear to my eyes.. his voice is just fantastic.

[Mr1973ian]

Top record from around '75 I think. Eugene Record was a sadly underated genius.Much loved group by both me and my brother. Pax to all from Ian Smith.Xxx.

[atlbento]

Para quem está acima da casa dos 35 anos e viveu sua adolescencia curtindo mais do que um bom som, mas sim um bom som com alguem coladinho, dançando juntinho. Bailinhos de garagem foram as melhores baladas que turmas de minha idade frequentavam, pois dificilmente alguem deixava de ter uma "gatinha" coladinho em voce, justamente na hora das "lentas". rs

[briangsmooth]

Whoa, What a remarakable classic from a remarkable time by a remarkable performer and group. Eugene's chilling lyrics describing a childhood sweetheart who went to the heavens way too soon is heart rendering and brings tears to my eyes. I remember thinking about this melodic classic whenever someone and dear to me passed back in the mid 1970s when I was still a teenager. This is one for the ages indeed. Thanks for sharing with the current generation!

[rwe92]

blove i still looooooove thiiiiiis sooooooong

[gar861646]

summer great tune 13 or 14 loved this tune

[ladynina46]

Wow such a beautiful song, I use to love this song, finding it makes my day. But made me cry as well.

[dadada611]

im 52 years old and i cant get enough of this music . my stepson is 10 and he loves and sings alot of these songs

[daddyslim9]

This is a true classic! Many good memories come with hearing such a tight cut.

[alandhopewell]

Another beautiful song that faded into the mists of time...thank you.

[john111257]

@alandhopewell YES ..we got it here..AND ITS SOOOOOO GOOD...OMG IM 52 chasing my faves

[1sherone]

@babie 1 true, great song.

[malanio1]

You got that right Baby! There's no way they will ever get it! How sad these days are...

[PatsBooks]

11Summer,

This song is different than Brandy. Are you deaf? Here are some glues: He called Toby her private. She did not answer." How many dogs have a private phone and can answer the phone and talk. Dah!

Here is another one for you. He ran to her house and her mother answered and told him to come sit upstair. Since when can dog(Toby's mama) answer the door and talk? Dah!?

[PatsBooks]

I remember the words to this song I was a kid.  Sweet.

[32nikral]

Sorry guys this song just took me down that road.

[32nikral]

It was a sad day when daddy went away1920-2003. Its not a day that go by that i don't think about you. I MISS U SO MUCH DAD. Your baby son LaMar

[smoothgroov]

Now this is what I'm talkin about.Man I haven't heard this song since I was in high school 15 years ago!! Thanx for postin

[cdedwards2001]

Thank you, YOUTUBE, I am finding all my old favorites. I have been looking for this song for awhile. I love to think of this song when I lose a love one or a friend.

[terrencepaulmiller]

@cdedwards2001 Amen...

[Mercury82805]

They don't make em like this anymore!

[genell55]

When they made toby

My dog Hope died

This song gave me comfort  thank you !!!

[babie1sandy2]

Thank god for Chicago's own. This song brings tears for real for real!!

[dookieboy81]

To hell with these songs of today!! I know these songs are way over my time, but I am an old soul at 28 years of age, been that way since i was 14 years old when i discovered these songs. I listened to them nonstop and i realized these were the soundtrack of my life! These songs really make you cry!

[soundseeker63]

So true, great music has just as much impact 20, 30, 40 years later as it did when it was new.

Such a shame todays music industry is so out of touch with all the qulities that make this so wonderfull.

[bluberry1963]

songs have meaning not that garbage these young people listen to today

[edonawo1978]

tell the young generation but they will never accept it.

[fernandez1330]

very good this song of the chi lites..congratulations

[contours01]

Bouncy Knowles, 50 Per Cent, these rappers and all the Rn B singers or whatever they called themselves can kiss the backsides of these truly great singers, Eugene Record Marvin Gaye Levi Stubbs James Brown Harry Ray Smokey Robinson Eddie Kendrick David Ruffin all their music has been sampled by todays artist thank god for these TRUE ORGINALE artists and thank God for YouTube! Some of you people stop writing nasty comments and RESPECT your elders. They deserved A LOT of credit.

[sameolecc]

I still cry when hear this song

[norfleetw]

Yes now I replace Toby with Teddy , 5 yrs today , really loved and miss her !

[fernandez1330]

felicitaciones, por estos hermosos videos gracias por revivir aquellos dias dorados y felices de los años 70, soy de buenos aires, argentina, no hablo ingles, algo entiendo

[sharicole565]

I can't beleive I still remember all the words. This song left an imprint in my heart!

[angel5766]

great song!!!still gives me chills....

[sugarrayconey]

spring in the air,when i hear this song,sugar

[renglish80]

Real Music for the non believers....  Just listen and it will take you away from the ills of the world....

[ssbbw00]

hmmmmmmmmm......chi-lites another soulful group

[sheek973]

toby was his high school sweetgeart she was not a dog you people are so dumb and you need to know what your talking about first be fore you open your mouth my god what dumb asses you are

[donnakrafthill]

It was a sad day when real music went away! love it! thanks for the memories!

[11Summer11]

Toby was his school high school sweetheart.

After returning from college he called her (people don't call dogs on their private line), and went over when she didn't answer, and her mother informed him that Toby had died "She went to sing with the Angels."

```````````````````````````

O'jays sang "Brandy" - That IS about a dog.

[barbaraAcklinJr]

Hello All! Its absolutely true, the song is about his sweetheart. Its one of the many songs that My mom, (Barbara Acklin) and my stepdad (Eugene), wrote together. It still brings tears to my eyes also. Partially because of obvious reasons, the lyrics. And patially because they are both gone and I miss them dearly.

[reveret1]

makes me cry...thanks for the memories

[soundseeker63]

We are all hugely grateful for their amazing musical contribution to the world! Thank you for your memories, their legacy lives on, and long may it continue to do so!

[prettycountrygirl2]

One of my all time favorites. Thanks for posting it.

[rnfw]

Spine tingling harmonies, Eugene is definately singing about a childhood sweatheart..

[mrbilldawg]

you've got toby and brandy mixed up..  toby was his childhood sweetheart, brandy was a dog that the O'jays sang about i really miss you brandy.

[frankieanne33]

Toby was my Dog too, and I miss him too. had to leave him behind

[strongrj]

It was also a sad day when songs like this stopped being recored...my God!

[mrjd86]

True. toby isnt a dog.

[NOS49]

Listen folks if you all listen CAREFULLY to the lyrics, Eugene is singing about his childhood friend Toby when they were kids growing up together she passed away and gone to sing with the angels. Eugene is not singing about a DOG.

[mmangum4444]

thanks for clearing that up. some people are so dense....

[sixnawlins]

Childhood Sweetheart

[seancooks2002]

toby was his dog....but it is still is one of my best songs....go dj go dj

[sixnawlins]

So his dog had it's own Private phone?

[shadenj80]

Can anyone tell me or find out who or what "Toby" was? I love the song but I'm itchin' to find out! :-D

[NOS49]

I love this song so much beautiful lyric Nice one Eugene

[sta2479]

this is one of their best recording i love it

[bigslick45]

The Chi-Lites R 1 Of Those Groups that U appreciated more & more as time goes by. Wonderful harmonies

[SirLawSouthside]

Beautiful song, I remember my mom singing this back in the day. CHI-TOWN LUV.......

[c261177]

great song

[horus1971]

goose bumps!

[Quiltsalad]

Oh Gosh !!!

I finally found this most beautiful, yet sad song. Thank goodness.

[moodindigo5]

thanks....this is one one off my very favorite songs

[jazyblu23]

I can't stop playing this song. It truly takes me back to the basement parties with the black light and posters. Hey what about the song by george pettus,can you wait, that was a true belly rubber.

[bilongolocon2]

This is my late sister's favorite song. I learned all the words to it by listening to her sing it. I was about 10yrs old. I didn't hear the actual song until I was an adult but I loved singing this song with her, everyday. I miss her dearly but this song brings me closer to her, now. Thank you for posting it.

[theylou]

It sounds like we had the same sister!!! OMG!! My sister Alice loved this song. She passed away in 2005 at the young age of 49. her birthday was April 3rd, she passed away on the 5th. I'm listening to this now thiking of her. It does bring you closer and I'm sure like me you have some great memories of your sister. They live in our hearts!!!

[bilongolocon2]

My late sister's name is Nancy. She went "away to sing with the angels" in '04; she was 43 - absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for sharing...  :)

[michaelbinladen]

god bless you!

[smush48]

remember the times......and im not talking about michael jackson..man...back then...times were so fucking good...not many worries at all....even gas was under a buck..feel me....

[plukie26]

shango jamal i remember the 70s oh so well like you say jumpsuits platform shoes afro puffs. we all had them i love right on magazine i would buy them all the time. and tryed not miss a sat.for soul train. 70s. girl. i love the chilites this is my song.

[okfinema]

First time I ever heard this song I was stationed in Germany.Loved it then still love it now.

[ShaolinDesciple]

not many great groups out of chi town but this was a good one

[raydarammer]

Just saw these brothas in concert! Damn, this song is the shit!!!!

[tyianamelton03]

i love this song!

[ShangoJamal]

JUMPSUITS, PLATFORM SHOES, TUXEDO SHIRTS WITH RUFFLES, SIDEBURNS, AFRO PUFFS, ROLLER SKATES WITH SKATE KEYS, BLACK AND WHITE TV,

"RIGHT ON! MAGAZINE, SOUL TRAIN,

THE RED, BLACK n GREEN PICK

WITH THE FIST FOR THE HANDLE,

EBONY MAGAZINE WAS TOO BIG TO FIT IN THE MAILBOX! I LOVE THE 70s!!!!

DOUBLE FREATURE DRIVE-IN MOVIES WITH THE SNEAK PREVIEW

[dcbigpimp2k1]

Gangsta whitewall tires, 8 track player, two-tone tank tops, house parties, big hoop earrings, short-haired women, hush puppy shoes, free love and the saying "Jive turkey"

[MrSexxxy20]

My favorite song by the Chi-Lites.

[BlkAngel1746]

OMG, this is old school for real. This song has always been a tearjerker for me. Even after all these many, many years later. WOW!

[LECLARA]

Those were the days!

When People & Music KEPT It REAL!

[Deblablovemillicent]

I could not have said it any better.

[warrenb1]

I cant believe someone had this classic! Thanks!

[QuietStorm51]

Manuel, 'You Da Man!! I was a junior in high school, had my $600 hooptie car, bell bottoms, and listened to this song so much that I knew every word of it. Thanks...

[shengchenfan]

This takes me way back to my childhood.

[olmec19]

Beautiful Just Beautiful Song!!

[RichardLWagner]

thank you for posting this song. I was looking everywhere for it. I finally found it on Youtube. This is a classic

[tkeitt43]

tkeitt43

THANK MANUEL 4 POSTING THIS SONG.....IT BRINGS BACK SOME FOND MEMORIES WHEN I WAS A KID GROWING UP N THE 70'S...SPEAKS ABOUT SAD DAYS WHEN TOBY WENT AWAY THIS IS STILL A GREAT SONG.......

[Tejano44]

Thanks for the Memories and posting .Saludos de mi Sinton,Tejas .Viva !

[ceejaykaygee]

rip ventia you will be missed from seejaykaygee

[HERLUNDA]

This use to be my favorite song I have been looking everywhere we use to sing this when we were kids. Man those were the good ole days

[EbonyDee]

great song!

one of my faves