Put Your Head on My Shoulder by Paul Anka (1959)

Ah, Put Your Head on My Shoulder, a song that evokes a simpler time, a bygone era of innocence and youthful romance. Released in 1959, it became an instant classic, propelled by the smooth vocals and songwriting prowess of the teenage heartthrob, Paul Anka.

Anka, a Canadian singer and songwriter, was only 17 years old when he penned this timeless tune. Despite his young age, he possessed an uncanny ability to capture the universal yearning for connection and tenderness that resonates with teenagers across generations.

Put Your Head on My Shoulder is more than just a catchy melody. It’s a cultural touchstone, a song that soundtracked countless high school dances and first crushes. The lyrics paint a picture of a burgeoning romance, filled with whispered secrets, stolen glances, and a yearning for physical closeness. The song opens with a gentle invitation: “Put your head on my shoulder” – a simple gesture that speaks volumes about the emotional vulnerability and desire for intimacy.

The music itself is a delightful blend of doo-wop and rock and roll, genres that were taking the music world by storm in the late 1950s. The prominent doo-wop backing vocals – those rich, layered harmonies popularized by groups like The Platters – add a nostalgic sweetness to the song. Meanwhile, the driving rhythm section, anchored by a steady backbeat and a playful saxophone line, injects a youthful energy that perfectly complements the hopeful lyrics.

Put Your Head on My Shoulder wasn’t just a domestic hit. It became an international sensation, topping charts around the globe and solidifying Anka’s status as a teen idol. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to transcend cultural and generational boundaries. Even today, decades after its release, Put Your Head on My Shoulder continues to be a favorite at weddings, karaoke nights, and anywhere a touch of sentimental nostalgia is desired.

The song’s influence can be felt throughout popular music. Countless artists, from The Beatles to Elvis Presley, covered the song, adding their own interpretations to this teenage anthem. Put Your Head on My Shoulder also played a significant role in shaping the “boy next door” persona that would dominate popular music in the years to come.

So, the next time you hear those opening lines, “Come a little closer, darling, the night is getting cold”, remember the cultural significance of Put Your Head on My Shoulder. It’s a song that captures the fleeting magic of young love, a reminder of a time when a simple gesture like resting your head on someone’s shoulder could feel like the whole world.

Video

Lyrics

Put Your Head on My Shoulder

Put your head on my shoulder
Hold me in your arms, baby
Squeeze me, oh, so tight
Show me that you love me too

Put your lips close to mine, dear
Won’t you kiss me once, baby?
Just a kiss good night, maybe
You and I will fall in love

People say that love’s a game,
A game you just can’t win
If there’s a way,
I’ll find it someday
And then, this fool will rush in

Put your head on my shoulder
Whisper in my ear, baby,
Words I wanna hear
Tell me, tell me that you love me too

INSTRUMENTAL BRIDGE

People say that love’s a game,
A game you just can’t win
If there’s a way,
I’ll find it someday
And then, this fool will rush in

Put your head on my shoulder
Whisper in my ear, baby,
Words I wanna hear
Oh, tell me, tell me that you love me too

Put your head on my shoulder
Tell me that you love me too