About the song
“Johnny Angel,” sung by Shelley Fabares, is a classic hit that resonates deeply with fans of early 1960s pop music. Released in 1962, this song quickly captured the hearts of listeners with its charming melody and relatable lyrics. Shelley Fabares, already a familiar face from her role as Mary Stone on the popular TV show “The Donna Reed Show,” ventured into music and found instant success with “Johnny Angel.”
The song was written by the talented songwriting duo Lyn Duddy and Lee Pockriss. Their expertise in crafting catchy and memorable tunes is evident in “Johnny Angel,” which tells the story of a young girl’s admiration and unrequited love for a boy named Johnny. Shelley Fabares’ sweet and sincere vocal delivery perfectly encapsulates the innocence and longing described in the lyrics, making it a timeless piece.
“Johnny Angel” was part of Shelley Fabares’ debut album, also titled *Shelley!* The song quickly climbed the charts, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1962. It stayed at the top spot for two weeks, cementing Fabares’ place in pop music history. Additionally, it enjoyed significant popularity on international charts, making Shelley Fabares a household name not just in the United States but around the world.
The song’s success was further boosted by Fabares’ performance on “The Donna Reed Show,” where she performed “Johnny Angel,” giving it a wider audience and more exposure. The single eventually sold over a million copies, earning it a gold disc.
“Johnny Angel” remains a beloved track that brings back memories of a simpler, more innocent time. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its charming simplicity and the universal theme of young love. Shelley Fabares’ heartfelt performance continues to resonate with new generations of listeners, ensuring that “Johnny Angel” will remain a classic for many years to come.
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Lyrics
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 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 concentrate
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 (Sha dum da dum)
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)
You’re an angel to me (Ooh)
Johnny Angel (Johnny Angel)
You’re an angel to me (Ooh)
Johnny Angel