FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 12, 2001

DEAR JERRY: Regarding the old song “The Ten Commandments of Love,” by the Moonglows, I'd like to know what happened to the tenth commandment.

If you listen to the song closely, you will hear the background singers counting each commandment. When they get to number nine, the lead vocalist sings, “Treat me sweet and gentle, when we say goodnight.” He then goes into the chorus: “Oh how happy we will be, if we keep the ten commandments of love. It doesn't make any sense if the last (nine) is split into two commandments. What happened to number ten?

On another note, do you know where or how I can get a copy or download of “A Lovers Prayer,” by the G-Clefs? I heard it last season on the “Sopranos” series on HBO. Most of the time they list the song, performer and the album or source of the song but alas, not for this episode! Can you help me?

I believe it is from around 1954. I have looked on just about every oldies CD I can find since I heard it.
—Judi Walsh (mydoodlebug78@hotmail.com)

DEAR JUDI: Holy Moses! Somehow you missed the final commandment. Listen again.

After dealing with number nine, the background voices clearly say “ten,” followed by the lead singer (Harvey Fuqua) who tells us that commandment number ten is “always do what's right.”

“A Lovers Prayer” is a 1962 release (Terrace 7510), so it is not as old as you think.

I know of no CDs with this track, though one may exist somewhere. There are several sites where music can be downloaded, so don't rule out finding the tune online.

At least you now have the essential information on the original single, which you can probably find for $10 to $20.

With my fast diminishing mental capacity, the only lyrics I can remember are “Hi-ho, tipsy toe, she broke her needle and she can't sew.”

This has been bothering me for years, and I'd appreciate any information you can provide.
—John F. Gray, Wauwatosa, Wisc.

DEAR JOHN: How about “Walking the Dog”? No, I am not suggesting you exercise the dog — this is merely the name of one of those countless early '60s dances.

It is Memphis blues legend Rufus Thomas who, in late 1963, walked “Walking the Dog” right into the nation's Top 10. The then fledging Rolling Stones liked the tune and recorded it for their first album, “England's Newest Hit Makers” (London 375).

Surprisingly, “Walking the Dog” did not chart at all in England — not by Rufus Thomas or anyone.

IZ ZAT SO? “England's Newest Hit Makers” just barely missed the Top 10 on the album charts, peaking at No. 11. However, every one of the subsequent 26 Rolling Stones LPs reached the Top 10.

Over than a dozen artists managed to chart more albums than the Stones, though not a one comes even close to their streak of 26 consecutive ones in the Top 10.

Just as impressive is that no other act has more total Top 10 LPs than the 33 claimed by the Rolling Stones.