Unraveling the Mystery of ’96 Tears’ by Question Mark and The Mysterians
“96 Tears” is a rock and garage rock song recorded by the American rock band Question Mark & The Mysterians. The song was written by Rudy Martinez (also known as Question Mark) and was released as a single in 1966.
The song is known for its energetic and catchy sound, featuring a prominent organ riff and Question Mark’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics of “96 Tears” express the frustration and heartache of a failed romantic relationship, with the repeated line, “You’re gonna cry, 96 tears.”
“96 Tears” was a commercial success and became Question Mark & The Mysterians’ signature hit. It reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and is celebrated as a classic of the garage rock and rock genres.
The song is celebrated for its raw and primal sound and its association with the garage rock movement of the 1960s. “96 Tears” remains a favorite among fans of the era and is frequently included in retrospectives of rock music from that time.