Paul Anka – Lonely Boy (1959)

About the song

“Lonely Boy,” performed by the talented Paul Anka, is a classic hit that has resonated with audiences since its release in 1959. This song, with its catchy melody and poignant lyrics, captures the essence of teenage heartache and yearning. It was featured on Anka’s album *Paul Anka Sings His Big 15*, a collection of his greatest hits that showcases his exceptional songwriting and vocal talents.

Paul Anka, born in 1941 in Ottawa, Canada, emerged as a teenage heartthrob in the late 1950s. He quickly gained fame for his smooth voice, boyish charm, and ability to write songs that perfectly encapsulated the emotions of young love and heartbreak. Anka’s career took off with his debut single “Diana,” which became an international hit, and he continued to build on this success with a series of chart-topping songs.

“Lonely Boy” was one of Anka’s most successful singles, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s success was fueled by its relatable lyrics and Anka’s heartfelt performance. It tells the story of a young man who feels abandoned and lonely after being left by his love, a theme that resonated deeply with the teenage audience of the time. The song’s catchy, upbeat melody contrasts with its melancholic lyrics, creating a compelling and memorable listening experience.

The recording of “Lonely Boy” features a lush orchestration that complements Anka’s expressive vocals. The production, typical of the late 1950s pop sound, includes a full orchestra with prominent strings and brass, adding a rich, dynamic quality to the track. Anka’s vocal delivery is both earnest and emotive, capturing the vulnerability and longing expressed in the lyrics.

“Paul Anka Sings His Big 15,” the album on which “Lonely Boy” appears, is a testament to Anka’s early success and his ability to craft songs that stand the test of time. The album includes other notable hits like “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” and “You Are My Destiny,” further solidifying Anka’s status as a prominent figure in the music industry.

Anka’s influence extends beyond his own recordings; he is also known for writing hits for other artists, including the iconic “My Way” for Frank Sinatra. His versatility as a songwriter and performer has earned him a lasting legacy in the world of pop music.

In summary, Paul Anka’s “Lonely Boy” is a quintessential 1950s pop song that continues to evoke the timeless emotions of young love and heartache. Anka’s sincere vocal performance and the song’s memorable melody have ensured its enduring popularity. As part of Anka’s impressive body of work, “Lonely Boy” remains a beloved classic, capturing the spirit of an era and the universal experience of youthful longing.

Video

Lyrics

I’m just a lonely boy
Lonely and blue
I’m all alone
With nothin’ to do

I’ve got everything
You could think of
But all I want
Is someone to love

Someone, yes, someone to love
Someone to kiss
Someone to hold
At a moment like this

I’d like to hear
Somebody say
I’ll give you my love
Each night and day

I’m just a lonely boy
Lonely and blue
I’m all alone
With nothin’ to do

I’ve got everything
You could think of
But all I want
Is someone to love

Somebody, somebody
Somebody, please
Send her to me
I’ll make her happy
Just wait and see

I prayed so hard
To the heavens above
That I might find
Someone to love

I’m just a lonely boy
lonely and blue
I’m all alone
With nothin’ to do

I’ve got everything
You could think of
But all I want
Is someone to love