About the song
In the early 1960s, a certain teenage heartthrob captured the imaginations of young girls everywhere. His name? Johnny Angel. The character, though fictional, became a symbol of adolescent longing and romantic idealism, thanks to the infectious tune penned by Lyn Duddy and Lee Pockriss.
While the song was initially recorded by Laurie Loman and Georgia Lee, it wasn’t until Shelley Fabares took a chance on it that “Johnny Angel” truly soared. Her rendition, released in 1962, became an instant sensation, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and leaving an enduring mark on pop music history.
Fabares’ version, with its dreamy melody and heartfelt lyrics, perfectly encapsulated the teenage girl’s yearning for love. The protagonist, smitten with Johnny Angel, yearns for his attention, even turning down other suitors in the hopes of winning his heart. It’s a tale as old as time, yet Fabares’ interpretation imbued it with a fresh, youthful energy.
Beyond its commercial success, “Johnny Angel” also resonated with audiences for its nostalgic charm. The song’s simple, straightforward lyrics and catchy melody evoked a sense of innocence and purity, transporting listeners back to a simpler time. It’s a testament to the song’s enduring appeal that it remains a beloved classic, frequently featured on oldies radio stations and in popular culture references.
While Fabares’ version is undoubtedly the most iconic, “Johnny Angel” has also been covered by other artists, including The Carpenters, who included it in their 1973 album “Now & Then.” These interpretations offer different perspectives on the song, but they all share a common thread: the timeless power of teenage love and the enduring appeal of a well-crafted pop tune.
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Lyrics
(Johnny Angel, Johnny Angel, Johnny Angel)
Johnny Angel
You’re an angel to me (Sha dum da dum, sha dum da dum)Johnny Angel (Sha dum da dum)
How I love him (Sha dum da dum)
He’s got something that I can’t resist (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
But he doesn’t even know (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
That I exist (Sha dum da dum dum, sha dum da dum)Johnny Angel (Sha dum da dum)
How I want him (Sha dum da dum)
How I tingle when he passes by (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
Everytime he says hello (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
My heart begins to fly (Sha dum da dum)(I’m in Heaven)
I get carried away
I dream of him and me
And how it’s gonna be
(Other fellas)
Call me up for a date
But I just sit and wait (Da dum)
I’d rather concentrateOn Johnny Angel (Johnny Angel)
‘Cause I love him (‘Cause I love him)
And I pray that someday he’ll love me (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
And together we will see (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
How lovely Heaven will be (Sha dum da dum)(I’m in Heaven)
I get carried away
I dream of him and me
And how it’s gonna be
(Other fellas)
Call me up for a date
But I just sit and wait (Ooh ooh ooh ooh)
I’d rather concentrate (Ooh ooh ooh ooh)On Johnny Angel (Johnny Angel)
‘Cause I love him (‘Cause I love him)
And I pray that someday he’ll love me (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
And together we will see (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
How lovely Heaven will be (Johnny Angel)(Johnny Angel)
Johnny Angel (Johnny Angel)
You’re an angel to me (Ooh)(Johnny Angel)
(Johnny Angel)
Johnny Angel (Johnny Angel)
You’re an angel to me (Ooh)(Johnny Angel)
(Johnny Angel)
Johnny Angel