About the song
“Johnny Get Angry,” a catchy and undeniably quirky tune, burst onto the music scene in 1962, leaving an enduring mark on popular culture. Penned by the talented songwriting duo of Hal David and Sherman Edwards, the song found its voice through the distinctive vocals of Joanie Sommers. This infectious track quickly climbed the charts, reaching a peak position of No. 7 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on Canada’s CHUM Chart.
Beyond its commercial success, “Johnny Get Angry” captivated audiences with its unique blend of playful defiance and unexpected musical elements. The song’s arrangement, masterfully crafted by Stan Applebaum, was a groundbreaking departure from the norm. By incorporating a diverse range of instruments, including a bass guitar, drums, horns, jazz piano, strings, and an unconventional ensemble of kazoos, Applebaum created a rich and dynamic soundscape that perfectly complemented the song’s quirky charm.
At its core, “Johnny Get Angry” is a playful challenge. The narrator, with a touch of mischievousness, urges her lover, Johnny, to display his assertive side. The song’s lyrics paint a picture of a relationship where the woman is yearning for a stronger, more decisive partner. She playfully provokes him, demanding that he “act like a brave man” and a “cave man” to prove his affection. This unconventional dynamic, coupled with the song’s infectious melody, resonated with listeners, making it a standout hit of the era.
The enduring popularity of “Johnny Get Angry” is evident in its various covers and references throughout the years. From Carol Deene’s UK chart success to Shelley Fabares’ inclusion on her album, the song has continued to captivate new audiences. Moreover, its appearance in films like “Flirting” and its memorable performance by K.d. lang on “Saturday Night Live” further solidified its status as a pop culture classic.
Video
Lyrics
Johnny, I said we were through
Just to see what you would do
You stood there and hung your head
Made me wish that I were dead
Oh, Johnny get angry, Johnny get mad
Give me the biggest lecture I ever had
I want a brave man, I want a cave man
Johnny, show me that you care, really care for me
Every time you dance with me
You let Freddy cut in constantly
When he does you never speak
Must you always be so meek?
Oh, Johnny get angry, Johnny get mad
Give me the biggest lecture I ever had
I want a brave man, I want a cave man
Johnny, show me that you care, really care for me
Every girl wants someone who
She can always look up to
You know I love you, of course
Let me know that you’re the boss
So Johnny get angry, Johnny get mad
Give me the biggest lecture I ever had
I want a brave man, I want a cave man
Johnny show me that you care, really care for me
Johnny, care for me, Johnny
Johnny, Johnny, Johnny, Johnny
Johnny