About the song
“Calendar Girl,” a timeless classic by Neil Sedaka, encapsulates the nostalgic charm of 1960s pop music with its infectious melody and whimsical lyrics. Composed by Sedaka himself and penned by Howard Greenfield, the song was released in December 1960 as a single that would cement Sedaka’s place in music history.
Drawing inspiration from various musical influences, Sedaka crafted a tune that resonated across different cultures and continents. The rhythmic shuffle beat, inspired by Lloyd Price’s “Personality,” blended seamlessly with chord progressions reminiscent of Al Jolson and Eddie Cantor’s era. The song also borrowed from Ricky Nelson’s hit “Travelin’ Man,” weaving these elements into a tapestry of catchy hooks and upbeat tempo.
“Calendar Girl” is not merely a song but a lyrical journey through a year, each month painted vividly through the singer’s affection for the titular character. From the romantic sentiments of Valentine’s Day in February to the youthful exuberance of a junior prom in May and June, Howard Greenfield’s lyrics conjure images that transcend time. Particularly notable is September’s line—”I light the candles at your sweet sixteen”—a motif Greenfield revisited later that year in “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen.”
Accompanying Sedaka’s vocals were the orchestral arrangements of Stan Applebaum and His Orchestra, complemented by Gary Chester’s skillful drumming, which added depth and rhythm to the composition. The song was initially released on a 45 rpm single, paired with “The Same Old Fool,” and later featured on the experimental Compact 33 Single format promoted by RCA Victor in the early 1960s.
The enduring popularity of “Calendar Girl” was further enhanced by its promotional Scopitone video filmed in 1966, where Sedaka, playing piano, dances alongside models in a stage set resembling calendar themes. Despite being filmed years after its initial success, the video mirrored the song’s playful spirit, a rarity among the disjointed visuals typical of mid-1960s Scopitones.
Reception of the song was overwhelmingly positive, marking Sedaka’s ascent to fame with his first top-five hit in the United States, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard chart. It also topped the charts in Canada and Japan, while achieving significant chart success in countries like Australia and New Zealand. In the UK, it reached the top 10, solidifying Sedaka’s global appeal and influence during the early 1960s pop era.
“Calendar Girl” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its infectious melody, lyrical charm, and Neil Sedaka’s enduring musical legacy that continues to captivate audiences worldwide, decades after its release.
Video
Lyrics
I love, I love, I love my calender girl
Yeah, sweet calender girl
I love, I love, I love my calender girl
Each and every day of the year
(January) You start the year off fine
(February) You’re my little valentine
(March) I’m gonna march you down the aisle
(April) You’re the Easter Bunny when you smile
Yeah, yeah, my heart’s in a whirl
I love, I love, I love my little calender girl
Every day (every day), every day (every day) of the year
(Every day of the year)
(May) Maybe if I ask your dad and mom
(June) They’ll let me take you to the Junior Prom
(July) Like a firecracker all aglow
(August) When you’re on the beach you steal the show
Yeah, yeah, my heart’s in a whirl
I love, I love, I love my little calendar girl
Every day (every day), every day (every day) of the year
(Every day of the year)
Yeah, yeah, my heart’s in a whirl
I love, I love, I love my little calender girl
Every day (every day), every day (every day) of the year
(Every day of the year)
(September) Light the candles at your Sweet Sixteen
(October) Romeo and Juliet on Halloween
(November) I’ll give thanks that you belong to me
(December) You’re the present ‘neath my Christmas tree
Yeah, yeah, my heart’s in a whirl
I love, I love, I love my little calender girl
Every day (every day), every day (every day) of the year (every day of the year)
I love, I love, I love my calender girl
Yeah, sweet calender girl
I love, I love, I love my calender girl
Yeah, sweet calender girl