About the song
“Da Doo Ron Ron (When He Walked Me Home)” is a song that transcends generations. This infectious tune, originally penned by the songwriting trio of Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, and Phil Spector, burst onto the scene in 1963 with the American girl group The Crystals. It quickly climbed the charts, becoming a top five hit and capturing the hearts of listeners with its innocent charm.
However, the story of “Da Doo Ron Ron” goes beyond its catchy chorus. The song is the first collaborative effort of Barry, Greenwich, and Spector, a team that would go on to create numerous pop masterpieces. Interestingly, the song’s iconic title, “Da Doo Ron Ron,” was born out of happenstance. Originally intended as a placeholder until proper lyrics were written, producer Phil Spector found himself drawn to the playful sound and ultimately decided to keep it. This highlights a key aspect of the song’s appeal – its simplicity and focus on pure emotional expression. The lyrics, with lines like “I met him on a Monday and my heart stood still,” paint a picture of a young girl’s innocent infatuation, a theme that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.
The Crystals’ original version, produced by Spector in his signature “Wall of Sound” style, brought the song to life. Dolores “LaLa” Brooks’ powerful lead vocals, backed by the group’s tight harmonies, perfectly capture the youthful exuberance of the lyrics. The song’s success transcended the United States, reaching number five in the UK charts as well. Critics praised the song’s energy and joyful spirit, with Cash Box magazine calling it a “solid follow-up” to The Crystals’ previous hit.
While The Crystals’ version remains the most iconic, “Da Doo Ron Ron” has enjoyed a remarkable afterlife. Teen idol Shaun Cassidy released a cover in 1977 that topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, showcasing the song’s enduring appeal. Numerous other artists have covered the song over the years, further solidifying its place in pop music history.
“Da Doo Ron Ron” is more than just a catchy tune. It’s a cultural touchstone, recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and included on prestigious lists of the greatest songs of all time. Whether you’re a fan of the original girl group sound or enjoy a more contemporary rendition, “Da Doo Ron Ron” continues to capture the essence of young love and the joy of a simple melody, ensuring its place in the hearts of music lovers for generations to come.
Video
Lyrics
I met her on a Monday and my heart stood still
Da doo ron ron ron, da doo ron ron ron
Someboy told me that her name was Jill
Da doo ron ron ron, da doo ron ron ron
Yes, my heart stood still
Yes, her name was Jill
And when I walked her home
da doo ron ron ron, da doo ron ron ron
I knew what she was thinkin’ when she caught my eye
Da doo ron ron ron, da doo ron ron ron
I looked so quiet but my oh my
Da doo ron ron ron, da doo ron ron ron
Yes, she caught my eye
Yes, but my oh my
And when I walked her home
da doo ron ron ron, da doo ron ron ron
Well, I picked her up at seven and she looked so fine
Da doo ron ron ron, da doo ron ron ron
Someday soon I’m gonna make her mine
Da doo ron ron ron, da doo ron ron ron
Yes, she looked so fine
Yes, I’ll make her mine
And when I walked her home
da doo ron ron ron, da doo ron ron ron
Yeah, yeah, yeah
da doo ron ron ron, da doo ron ron ron
(repeat & fade)