About the song
“Johnny Angel” is a classic pop ballad that captured the hearts of millions and became an enduring symbol of adolescent longing. Penned by Lyn Duddy and Lee Pockriss, the song initially struggled to find its footing through recordings by Laurie Loman and Georgia Lee. However, its destiny changed dramatically when Shelley Fabares breathed new life into it in the early 1960s.
Fabares’ version, released in 1962, soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, solidifying its status as a timeless pop anthem. Her rendition, backed by the soulful harmonies of Darlene Love and the Blossoms, perfectly encapsulated the innocent yet intense emotions of a young girl’s infatuation. The song’s narrative revolves around a teenage girl’s idealized love for a boy who remains blissfully unaware of her existence. This relatable theme resonated deeply with audiences, making “Johnny Angel” a cultural touchstone of its era.
Beyond its commercial success, “Johnny Angel” has left an enduring legacy. It has been featured in films, television shows, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Shelley Fabares, despite her brief music career, will forever be linked to this iconic song. “Johnny Angel” continues to enchant listeners with its simple yet powerful melody and lyrics, proving that the magic of first love is a timeless theme that transcends generations.
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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