Shelley Fabares – Johnny Angel (1962)

About the song

“Johnny Angel” is a memorable pop song performed by Shelley Fabares, released in 1962. Written by the songwriting duo Paul Anka and D. H. “Dottie” McMahon, the song became one of Fabares’s biggest hits, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song’s narrative centers around a young girl expressing her deep affection for a boy named Johnny. The lyrics convey feelings of infatuation and longing, capturing the innocence of young love. The chorus features a catchy and repetitive hook that emphasizes her admiration for Johnny, making it easy for listeners to sing along.

Musically, “Johnny Angel” is characterized by its sweet, melodic structure and lush orchestration, typical of early ’60s pop. Fabares’s soft, emotive vocals bring warmth and sincerity to the performance, drawing listeners into her romantic daydream. The arrangement includes gentle instrumentals that complement her voice, enhancing the song’s dreamy quality.

The success of “Johnny Angel” not only solidified Fabares’s status as a pop singer but also contributed to her fame as an actress, particularly for her role in the popular television series “The Donna Reed Show.” The song’s popularity led to it being featured in various films and television programs, further embedding it in the pop culture landscape of the time.

“Johnny Angel” has been covered by several artists over the years, but Fabares’s version remains the most iconic. Its timeless theme of youthful love and catchy melody continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a cherished classic in the history of American pop music.

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Lyrics

(Johnny Angel, Johnny Angel, Johnny Angel, Johnny Angel)
You’re an angel to me

Johnny Angel, how I love him
He’s got something that I can’t resist
But he doesn’t even know that I-I-I exist

Johnny Angel, how I want him
How I tingle when he passes by
Every time he says “Hello” my heart begins to fly

(I’m in heaven) 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, 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
And together we will see how lovely heaven will be

(I’m in heaven) 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, 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
And together we will see how lovely heaven will be

(Johnny Angel, Johnny Angel)
Johnny Angel (Johnny Angel) you’re an angel to me

(Johnny Angel, Johnny Angel)
Johnny Angel (Johnny Angel) you’re an angel to me.