About the song
Shelley Fabares’ infectious pop anthem, “Johnny Angel,” captured the hearts of teenagers and adults alike when it first hit the airwaves in 1962. A timeless tale of adolescent longing and infatuation, the song’s enduring appeal lies in its relatable narrative and Fabares’s captivating vocals.
Originally recorded for her debut solo album, Shelley!, “Johnny Angel” was quickly embraced by audiences as a refreshing departure from the typical pop fare of the era. The track’s infectious melody and Fabares’s heartfelt delivery perfectly convey the dreamy, idealized world of a teenage girl’s infatuation.
The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young woman who has developed an intense crush on a boy who seems oblivious to her existence. She pines for his attention, turning down other suitors in the hopes of winning his heart. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Johnny Angel, Johnny Angel,” serves as a mantra of longing and devotion.
Fabares’s performance is both vulnerable and confident, showcasing her natural talent as a vocalist. The backing vocals by Darlene Love and the Blossoms add a touch of soulful harmony, further enhancing the song’s emotional impact.
While “Johnny Angel” may have been Fabares’s biggest hit, its legacy extends far beyond its chart success. The song has become a classic of the pop genre, beloved by fans of all ages. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of its themes and the artistry of its creators.
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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