About the song
“Johnny Get Angry” is a timeless classic that has been delighting music lovers for generations. Written by the talented duo of Hal David and Sherman Edwards, and performed by the lovely Joanie Sommers, this song reached the top 10 on the US pop chart in 1962 and became a staple of the era’s music scene. The song’s success was not limited to the US, as it also charted at number 4 on Canada’s CHUM Chart.
The song’s arrangement and production were masterfully handled by Stan Applebaum, who brought together a talented ensemble of musicians to create a unique sound. The track features a range of instruments, including bass guitar, rhythm guitar, drums, horns, jazz piano, strings, and even a wordless female chorus. But what really sets “Johnny Get Angry” apart is its use of kazoos, which add a playful and whimsical touch to the instrumental section.
The lyrics of the song are a clever and witty exploration of the complexities of relationships. The girl in the song is challenging Johnny to show her that he cares by getting angry with her. She’s tired of him being too meek and allowing other guys to cut in on their dances. She wants him to stand up for himself and be a “brave man” and a “cave man” – in her eyes, this would be a sign of his devotion to her.
“Johnny Get Angry” has become a beloved classic of the 1960s, and its ranking at number 56 on Billboard magazine’s Top 100 singles of 1962 is a testament to its enduring popularity. The song’s blend of catchy melody, clever lyrics, and memorable instrumentation has made it a staple of the era’s music, and it continues to delight listeners to this day.
Lyrics
Johnny, I said we were through
Just to see what you would do
You stood there and hung your head
Made me wish that I were dead
Oh, Johnny get angry, Johnny get mad
Give me the biggest lecture I ever had
I want a brave man, I want a cave man
Johnny, show me that you care, really care for me
Every time you dance with me
You let Freddy cut in constantly
When he does you never speak
Must you always be so meek?
Oh, Johnny get angry, Johnny get mad
Give me the biggest lecture I ever had
I want a brave man, I want a cave man
Johnny, show me that you care, really care for me
Every girl wants someone who
She can always look up to
You know I love you, of course
Let me know that you’re the boss
So Johnny get angry, Johnny get mad
Give me the biggest lecture I ever had
I want a brave man, I want a cave man
Johnny show me that you care, really care for me
Johnny, care for me, Johnny
Johnny, Johnny, Johnny, Johnny
Johnny