The Crystals – Then He Kissed Me

About the song

“Then He Kissed Me” stands as an iconic piece of 1960s pop music, encapsulating the era’s innocence and excitement through its vivid narrative and infectious melody. Written by Phil Spector, Ellie Greenwich, and Jeff Barry, and famously performed by The Crystals, the song was released in July 1963 on Philles Records, marking a pivotal moment in pop music history.

At its core, “Then He Kissed Me” unfolds like a charming storybook romance. The lyrics, sung with heartfelt sincerity by lead vocalist Dolores “LaLa” Brooks, detail a young woman’s journey from a chance encounter to falling in love and eventual engagement with her beau. Set against Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound production, arranged by Jack Nitzsche and performed by the acclaimed studio musicians of The Wrecking Crew, the song exudes a timeless warmth and energy.

The recording session at Gold Star Studios in Los Angeles, April 1963, was a testament to Spector’s meticulous production style. With Larry Levine engineering, every element of the song—from the lush instrumentation to Brooks’ emotive delivery—was crafted to perfection. The result was a track that not only captured the essence of youthful romance but also became an instant classic.

Over the years, “Then He Kissed Me” has continued to garner accolades and recognition. Rolling Stone ranked it at number 493 on its list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, acknowledging its enduring appeal and cultural significance. Pitchfork also honored the song, placing it at number 18 on its list of The 200 Greatest Songs of the 1960s, highlighting its influence on the music of that decade.

Beyond its critical acclaim, the song has left an indelible mark in popular culture. It featured prominently in films such as the 1987 hit “Adventures in Babysitting,” the 1990 classic “Goodfellas,” and the 2020 romantic comedy “To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You.” Each usage reaffirms the song’s ability to evoke nostalgia and resonate with audiences across generations.

Chart-wise, “Then He Kissed Me” was a commercial success, reaching number 6 in the United States and number 2 in the United Kingdom. Its infectious melody and relatable lyrics propelled it to the top echelons of the charts, solidifying The Crystals’ reputation as one of the leading girl groups of the era.

In retrospect, “Then He Kissed Me” remains a timeless anthem of young love, cherished for its musicality, narrative depth, and cultural impact. It continues to captivate listeners worldwide, serving as a reminder of the magic of first kisses and the enduring power of a well-crafted pop song.

Video

Lyrics

Well, he walked up to me and he asked me if I wanted to dance
He looked kinda nice and so, I said I might take a chance
And when we danced, he held me tight
And when he walked me home tonight
All the stars were shining bright
And then he kissed me

Each time I saw him, I couldn’t wait to see him again
I wanted to let him know that he was more than a friend
I didn’t know just what to do
So, I whispered, “I love you”
He said that he loved me too
And then he kissed me

He kissed me in a way that I’ve never been kissed before
He kissed me in a way that I wanna be kissed forever more

I knew that he was mine so, I gave him all the love that I had
And one day, he took me home to meet his mom and his dad
Then he asked me to be his bride
And always be right by his side
I felt so happy I almost cried
And then he kissed me

INSTRUMENTAL BRIDGE

Then he asked me to be his bride
And always be right by his side
I felt so happy I almost cried
And then he kissed me
And then he kissed me
And then he kissed me