About the song
## Doo-Wop Delight: “Da Doo Ron Ron (When He Walked Me Home)”
“Da Doo Ron Ron (When He Walked Me Home)” is a timeless pop gem, a sugary-sweet confection that perfectly captured the innocent exuberance of teenage romance in the early 1960s. Composed by the songwriting trio of Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, and Phil Spector, the song rose to fame in 1963 as the debut single for the American girl group The Crystals.
The song’s origins are steeped in playful creativity. The nonsensical title, “Da Doo Ron Ron,” emerged as a placeholder during the writing process, intended to be replaced with more meaningful lyrics later. However, Phil Spector, the mastermind behind the iconic “Wall of Sound” production style, became enamored with the infectious syllables and decided to retain them as the song’s signature chant.
Spector envisioned a song with a straightforward narrative, focusing on the simple yet powerful emotions of a young girl smitten by a boy. The lyrics, penned with this in mind, unfold like a teenage diary entry. The opening lines, “I met him on a Monday and my heart stood still / Somebody told me that his name was Bill,” paint a vivid picture of a young love blossoming. The song chronicles the blossoming romance, culminating in the joy of being walked home – a significant gesture in the world of teenage courtship.
The Crystals’ recording, released in 1963, brought the song to life. Dolores “LaLa” Brooks’s lead vocals radiate youthful enthusiasm, perfectly capturing the elation of a newfound love. Spector’s signature “Wall of Sound” production adds a layer of sonic grandeur, with its lush orchestration and driving beat. The result is a song that is both catchy and endearing, a testament to the power of teenage love.
“Da Doo Ron Ron (When He Walked Me Home)” transcended its initial success with The Crystals. It has become a pop culture touchstone, covered by numerous artists across generations, including Shaun Cassidy, whose 1977 version topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s enduring popularity lies in its simplicity and relatability. It captures a universal experience – the giddy excitement of young love – with an irresistible melody and infectious energy.
Video
Lyrics
I met him on a Monday and my heart stood still
Da doo ron-ron-ron, Da doo ron-ron
Somebody told me that his name was Bill
Da doo ron-ron-ron, Da doo ron-ron
Yeah, my heart stood still
Yes, his name was Bill
And when he walked me home
Da doo ron-ron-ron, Da doo ron-ron
I knew what he was doing when he caught my eye
Da doo ron-ron-ron, Da doo ron-ron
He looked so quiet but my oh my
Da doo ron-ron-ron, Da doo ron-ron
Yeah, he caught my eye
Yes, oh my, oh my
And when he walked me home
Da doo ron-ron-ron, Da doo ron-ron
He picked me up at seven and he looked so fine
Da doo ron-ron-ron, Da doo ron-ron
Someday soon I’m gonna make him mine
Da doo ron-ron-ron, Da doo ron-ron
Yeah, he looked so fine,
Yes, I’ll make him mine
And when he walked me home
Da doo ron-ron-ron, Da doo ron-ron
Yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah…
Da-doo-ron-ron
Da-doo-ron-ron…