Paul Anka – Lonely Boy 1959

About the song

“Lonely Boy” is one of the most memorable songs from the late 1950s, written and recorded by the talented Paul Anka. Anka, already an established young star at the time, recorded this song in August 1958 with Don Costa’s orchestra in New York. However, it wasn’t until May 11, 1959, that “Lonely Boy” was officially released as a single. The timing proved perfect, as the song quickly resonated with audiences and became a massive hit.

“Lonely Boy” stands out not only for its catchy melody but also for its heartfelt lyrics, which capture the feelings of a young man grappling with loneliness and longing. Anka’s ability to convey such deep emotion in his voice made the song relatable to many, particularly the teenage audience of that era, who were navigating similar feelings of growing up and seeking connection. The song’s success was immediate and remarkable, as it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four consecutive weeks. This achievement marked a significant milestone in Anka’s career, as it was his first song to reach number one on this chart, though he had previously topped Billboard’s Best Sellers in Stores chart with his earlier hit, “Diana.”

“Lonely Boy” was more than just a hit single; it also played a role in popular culture at the time. Paul Anka performed the song in the film *Girls Town*, which was released later in 1959. The film appearance helped cement the song’s popularity, and by the end of the year, Billboard had ranked it as the number five song for 1959, underscoring its widespread appeal.

In addition to its success in the United States, “Lonely Boy” also found a receptive audience in Canada, reaching number two on the Canadian CHUM Charts. This cross-border appeal highlighted Anka’s status as an international star and demonstrated the universal appeal of his music.

Decades later, “Lonely Boy” continues to be celebrated as one of Paul Anka’s classic hits. In 2007, the song was included on the “Classic Songs” disc of Anka’s album *Classic Songs, My Way*, which featured some of his greatest hits, reintroduced to a new generation of listeners. The song’s enduring legacy was further recognized in 2018, when it was listed at number 235 on the 60th Anniversary of the Billboard Hot 100, a testament to its lasting impact on the music industry and its place in the hearts of music lovers around the world.

For older and educated audiences, “Lonely Boy” is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It represents a time when music was a primary means of expressing the universal emotions of youth—love, loneliness, and the search for identity. Paul Anka’s tender voice and the song’s timeless lyrics continue to resonate, making “Lonely Boy” a cherished piece of musical history.

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