About the song
“He’s So Shy” is a memorable song by the American girl group, the Pointer Sisters, from their seventh studio album, *Special Things* (1980). Written by Tom Snow and Cynthia Weil, the song was initially conceived as “She’s So Shy” and was meant for Leo Sayer. However, by the time of its release as the lead single from *Special Things* on July 23, 1980, through the Planet label, it had evolved into “He’s So Shy,” and it became an iconic track for the group.
The song’s success lies in its blend of classic girl group pop, new wave dance music, and R&B. This unique fusion helped the Pointer Sisters return to the spotlight, as “He’s So Shy” reached the number three position on the US Billboard Hot 100 in October 1980. It stayed in that position for three weeks, at the same time that Barbra Streisand’s “Woman in Love” held the number one spot. The song also laid the foundation for the signature Pointer Sisters sound that would propel them to their career peak with the *Break Out* album in 1983–1984.
Record World magazine praised the song, highlighting June Pointer’s lead vocals and the “irresistible keyboard riff and snappy percussion” that drove the hit. The success of “He’s So Shy” was not only in its sound but also in its promotion. The Pointer Sisters made their music video debut with a promotional clip for the song, which Ruth Pointer described as “a primitive affair.” The video featured the three sisters dancing and lip-synching inside the Bradbury Building in Downtown Los Angeles, making use of stairs and elevators to add visual interest.
The song’s popularity even extended to television, where the Pointer Sisters performed it on an episode of *The Love Boat* that aired on February 7, 1981. In the episode, they portrayed members of the ship’s housekeeping staff who get discovered by a record executive and are offered a record deal after performing “He’s So Shy.”
“He’s So Shy” stands out not only as a successful single but also as a pivotal moment in the Pointer Sisters’ career. It signaled a new era for the group, one that would lead to even greater achievements in the years to come.
Video
Lyrics
When I first saw him standin’ there
I longed to speak but did not dare
Something inside whispered to me
You’d better move in carefully
And then he smiled and turned away
That told me all he could not say
That’s when I knew he wanted me too
But I had to do some breakin’ through
He’s so shy
He’s so shy
That sweet little boy who caught my eye
He’s so shy
He’s so shy
And he’s much too good to let get by,
Oh yes he is
Now holding him gently through the night
Nothin’ has ever felt so right
And I’m so glad I took the time
That I had to take to make him mine
He can still do things to my heart
Just like he did right from the start
Each time I see that quality
That never stops attracting me
He’s so shy (so good looking)
He’s so shy (he really got me going)
That sweet little boy who caught my eye
He’s so shy (I’m so glad I got to know him)
He’s so shy (’cause he’s one in a million)
And I’ll love him until the day I die
Oh, yes I will
He’s so shy (that’s why I love my baby)
He’s so shy (you know he’s driving me crazy)
That sweet little boy who caught my eye
He’s so shy (I’ve got a long time to know him)
He’s so shy (I’m so glad I got to show him)
That I’ll love him until the day I die, oh yeah
He’s so shy
Oooh-wee, oooh-wee, baby
He’s so shy
Oooh-wee, oooh-wee, baby
He’s so shy
Oooh-wee, oooh-wee, baby
He’s so shy