About the song
“Venus,” penned by Ed Marshall, stands as a timeless ode to love and longing that soared to the summits of musical acclaim in 1959. The iconic rendition by Frankie Avalon catapulted the song to the pinnacle of the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for an impressive five-week reign. This marked Avalon’s inaugural No. 1 hit on the charts, cementing his status as a prominent figure in the era’s music scene.
At its core, “Venus” encapsulates a poignant plea from a man to the Roman goddess of love and beauty, beseeching her to bless him with a companion who reciprocates his affection. The lyrics, laden with heartfelt sentiment, struck a chord with audiences across America, propelling the song not only to the top of the mainstream charts but also to a respectable No. 10 on the R&B charts, showcasing its broad appeal and enduring relevance.
Following its initial success, “Venus” continued to resonate through various adaptations and covers. In the United Kingdom, Dickie Valentine’s rendition achieved moderate success just before Avalon’s version climbed the charts. However, it was Avalon’s rendition that left an indelible mark on pop culture, earning accolades such as Billboard’s No. 4 song of 1959.
Decades later, in a bid to revive his career, Avalon ventured into disco territory with a reimagined version of “Venus” in 1976. Although it marked his final appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, the disco rendition soared to No. 1 on the Easy Listening chart, demonstrating Avalon’s versatility and enduring appeal across different musical genres.
Beyond its chart-topping achievements, “Venus” also found a place in popular culture. It became a recurring motif in the Showtime series Dexter, underscoring poignant moments in the storyline. Additionally, the song featured prominently in the beloved Disney attraction Cranium Command at Epcot’s Wonders of Life Pavilion, further solidifying its status as a cherished piece of musical history.
In essence, “Venus” remains not just a song but a testament to the enduring power of melody and emotion. Its journey from a heartfelt plea to a cultural touchstone reflects its timeless appeal, making it a cherished classic that continues to captivate listeners worldwide.
Video
Lyrics
Hey, Venus, oh, Venus
Venus, if you will
Please send a little girl for me to thrill
A girl who wants my kisses and my arms
A girl with all the charms of you
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Venus, make her fair
A lovely girl with sunlight in her hair
And take the brightest stars up in the skies
And place them in her eyes for me
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Venus, goddess of love that you are
Surely the things I ask
Can’t be too great a task
Venus, if you do
I promise that I always will be true
I’ll give her all the love I have to give
As long as we both shall live
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Venus, goddess of love that you are
Surely the things I ask
Can’t be too great a task
Venus, if you do
I promise that I always will be true
I’ll give her all the love I have to give
As long as we both shall live
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Hey, Venus, oh, Venus
Make my wish come true
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)