The song became a major hit in the United States in 1966, reaching No.5 on the Billboard Hot 100 on the week of April 16 of that year.

[6][7][8] Later that year, Fox departed for college and was replaced by Ronnie Harkai, who would play drums on "Time Won't Let Me.

A simple, catchy, and danceable tune,[6] the basic arrangement is augmented by a horn section, applied in an unobtrusive manner so as not to detract from the band's fundamental sound, which on this occasion features a signature riff from a twelve-string electric guitar.

"Time Won't Let Me" was released as a single on Capitol Records in January 1966 and was backed with "Was it Really Real" on the flipside.

[6][7][13] In 1966 the Outsiders recorded their debut album for Capitol, Time Won't Let Me, titled after the hit song.

[6][7] The Outsiders promoted their hit single with almost a year of nationwide touring, as "Time Won't Let Me" stayed on the national charts for 15 weeks.