About the song
“Hey Paula,” a timeless American love song immortalized by the pop duo Paul & Paula in 1962, remains a classic example of heartfelt musical storytelling. This enchanting ballad soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts in February 1963, capturing the hearts of listeners across the nation with its sincere lyrics and charming melody. Composed by Ray Hildebrand, then a student at Howard Payne University in Texas, the song originally bore the title “Paul and Paula,” drawing inspiration from Annette Funicello’s popular track “Tall Paul.”
Ray Hildebrand found his perfect vocal counterpart in Jill Jackson, the niece of the boarding house owner where he resided. Together, they debuted the song on a local radio station, where its immediate popularity propelled them to pursue a professional recording. With the fortunate backing of producer Major Bill Smith and a talented ensemble of musicians including Marvin Montgomery, Guy Parnell, Hargus Robbins, Little Caesar, and Ronnie Dawson, they recorded “Hey Paula” at a Fort Worth studio under the label Le Cam Records.
The initial success of their recording led to a pivotal deal with Philips Records, prompting a rebranding as Paul & Paula. The song’s nationwide release in late 1962 quickly elevated it to number one on both the pop and R&B charts by early 1963. Its irresistible charm didn’t end there; “Hey Paula” paved the way for subsequent hits like “Young Lovers,” solidifying Paul & Paula’s place in music history.
Beyond its original rendition, “Hey Paula” transcended borders and decades, finding new life through various cover versions, including a notable interpretation by Australian personalities Ernie Sigley and Denise Drysdale in 1974. Their rendition achieved significant success, earning Gold certification in Australia and securing its place as one of the top-selling singles of the year.
Through its enduring popularity and cross-generational appeal, “Hey Paula” continues to captivate audiences, serving as a timeless testament to the power of love and the magic of musical chemistry. With each note and lyric, this song invites listeners to experience the joy and nostalgia of young romance, making it a cherished piece of musical history that remains etched in the hearts of many.
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Lyrics
Hey, hey Paula, I want to marry you
Hey, hey Paula, no one else will ever do
I’ve waited so long for school to be through
Paula, I can’t wait no more for you
My love, my loveHey Paul, I’ve been waiting for you
Hey, hey, hey Paul, I want to marry you too
If you love me true, if you love me still
Our love will always be real
My love, my loveTrue love means planning a life for two
Being together the whole day through
True love means waiting and hoping that soon
Wishes we’ve made will come true
My love, my loveHey, hey Paula, I’ve been waiting for you
Hey, hey, hey Paul, I want to marry you too
True love means planning a life for two
Being together the whole day through
True love means waiting and hoping that soon
Wishes we’ve made will come true
My love, my love