Introduction
“Then He Kissed Me” is a timeless pop classic by the girl group The Crystals, released in 1963. The song’s infectious melody, innocent lyrics, and Phil Spector’s signature “Wall of Sound” production have made it an enduring favorite among fans of pop, rock, and R&B music for generations.
Did You Know?
- The song was written by Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry, and Phil Spector.
- It was originally intended for The Ronettes, but The Crystals’ version became the bigger hit.
- The song reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1963.
- It has been featured in numerous films and television shows, including Dirty Dancing (1987), Goodfellas (1990), and La La Land (2016).
Background
The Crystals were an American girl group active in the early 1960s. The group consisted of lead singer Darlene Love, her sister LaLa James, and their cousins Patsy Murray and Barbara Jean Gardner. They were signed to Phil Spector’s Philles Records and were one of the most successful girl groups of the era.
“Then He Kissed Me” was one of The Crystals’ biggest hits. The song was produced by Phil Spector, who is known for his “Wall of Sound” production style, which features a dense layering of instruments and sound effects. This production style gives the song a dramatic and emotional feel that is perfect for its lyrics of teenage love and excitement.
Musical Style
“Then He Kissed Me” is a pop song with elements of rock and R&B. The song is characterized by its infectious melody, catchy rhythm, and Darlene Love’s powerful vocals. The song’s instrumentation includes electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, piano, and strings. The use of sound effects, such as handclaps and castanets, adds to the song’s upbeat and playful atmosphere.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Then He Kissed Me” are about a young woman who is describing her first kiss with a boy. She is excited and happy, and she feels like she is in love. The lyrics are full of innocence and naivety, and they capture the feeling of teenage love perfectly.
Conclusion
“Then He Kissed Me” is a timeless pop classic that has stood the test of time. Its infectious melody, innocent lyrics, and Phil Spector’s signature “Wall of Sound” production have made it an enduring favorite among fans of pop, rock, and R&B music. The song is a true testament to the power of music to evoke emotion and connect with listeners on a deep level.
Additional Details
- The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2007.
- It was ranked number 372 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004.
- The song has been covered by numerous artists, including The Ronettes, Bruce Springsteen, and Billy Idol.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Well He walked up to me and asked me if I wanted to dance.He looked kinda nice so I said well I might take a chance.When he danced he held me tight,And when he walked me home that night,All the stars were shining bright,And then he kissed me. . .Each time I saw him I couldn’t wait to see him again.I wanted to let him know that he was more than a friend.I didn’t know just what to do,So I whispered I love you,He said that he loved me too,And then he kissed me. . .He kissed me in a way that I’ve never been kissed before.He kissed me in a way that I wanna be kissed forever more.I knew he wouldn’t mind so I gave him all the love that I have.And one day he took me home to meet his mom and his dad.Then he asked me to be his bride,And always be right by his side,I felt so happy I almost cried,And then he kissed me. . .Then he asked me to be his bride,And always be right by his side,I felt so happy I almost cried,And then he kissed me. . .And then he kissed me. . .And then he kissed me. . .