“Diana,” penned and performed by Paul Anka in 1957, remains a timeless classic that captures the essence of youthful infatuation and romantic longing. Recorded at Don Costa studio in New York City, the song draws its inspiration from Anka’s adolescent friendship with a girl named Diana Ayoub, although Anka himself has mentioned in interviews that the song was also influenced by another girl he noticed at church, whose identity remains a mystery to him.
Musically, “Diana” features a lineup of talented musicians including Bucky Pizzarelli on guitar, Irving Wexler on piano, Jerry Bruno on bass, and Panama Francis on drums. The recording session took place in May 1957 at RCA studio, with Artie Ripp providing background vocals—a precursor to his later success as the first person to sign and produce Billy Joel’s songs.
Upon its release, Paul Anka’s rendition of “Diana” swiftly ascended to the top of the Billboard “Best Sellers In Stores” chart, solidifying its popularity across the United States. Although it reached number two on the comprehensive “Top 100” chart, “Diana” achieved remarkable commercial success, selling over nine million copies worldwide. In addition to its pop chart dominance, the song also topped the R&B Best Sellers chart, showcasing its broad appeal across different musical genres.
Internationally, “Diana” made a significant impact, topping the UK Singles Chart and selling 1.25 million copies in the United Kingdom alone. Its universal theme of unrequited love struck a chord with listeners worldwide, cementing its status as a transatlantic hit that resonated across cultures and generations.
Beyond its chart success, “Diana” endures as a cultural touchstone of the late 1950s, embodying the era’s innocence and romantic yearning through Anka’s heartfelt vocals and the song’s timeless melody. Its legacy continues to influence popular music, reaffirming its place in the annals of music history as a classic ode to teenage romance and longing.
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Lyrics
I’m so young and you’re so old
This, my darling, I’ve been told
I don’t care just what they say
‘Cause forever I will pray
You and I will be as free
As the birds up in the trees
Oh, please stay by me, Diana
Thrills I get when you hold me close
Oh, my darling, you’re the most
I love you but do you love me
Oh, Diana, can’t you see
I love you with all my heart
And I hope we will never part
Oh, please stay with me, Diana
Oh, my darlin’, oh, my lover
Tell me that there is no other
I love you with my heart
Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Only you can take my heart
Only you can tear it apart
When you hold me in your loving arms
I can feel you giving all your charms
Hold me, darling, ho-ho hold me tight
Squeeze me baby with all your might
Oh, please stay by me, Diana
Oh, please, Diana
Oh, please, Diana
