About the song
“Where the Boys Are” is a classic song penned by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield, first brought to life by Connie Francis as the theme song for the 1960 movie of the same name. This film marked Francis’s acting debut, where she played one of four college students on spring break in sunny Fort Lauderdale.
The song was crafted specifically for the film’s soundtrack. Initially, the movie’s director, Joe Pasternak, had planned for the Oscar-winning songwriting duo Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen to create the theme song. However, Francis, eager to continue her successful collaboration with Sedaka and Greenfield, convinced Pasternak to consider their work. Despite some initial skepticism from Greenfield about the song’s title and concept, Sedaka and Greenfield composed two versions of “Where the Boys Are.”
With a tight deadline looming, the demos were delivered to Pasternak by a flight attendant who personally knew Francis. Although Francis and her team had a clear preference, Pasternak chose the version they were less fond of. Nonetheless, this chosen version became the definitive theme song for the film.
Remarkably, Neil Sedaka has mentioned that “Where the Boys Are” is unique among his extensive catalog of over 700 compositions, as it was written with the sole intention of being performed by others. Sedaka did eventually perform the song during his live concerts, including a notable performance at the Royal Albert Hall.
The song’s recording took place on July 12, 1960, in Hollywood, and it was integrated into the film’s score, which included medleys and scores composed by George E. Stoll. This song remains a beloved piece of music history, celebrated for its catchy melody and nostalgic charm.
Video
Lyrics
Where the boys are, someone waits for me
A smilin’ face, a warm embrace, two arms to hold me tenderly
Where the boys are, my true love will be
He is walkin’ down some street in town, and I know he’s lookin’ there for me
In the crowd of a million people, I’ll find my valentine
And then I’ll climb to the highest steeple and tell the world he’s mine
‘Til he holds me, I’ll wait impatiently
Where the boys are, where the boys are
Where the boys are, someone waits for me
‘Til he holds me, I’ll wait impatiently
Where the boys are, where the boys are
Where the boys are, someone waits for me