Diana – Paul Anka

About the Song

In the realm of 1950s rock and roll, Paul Anka stands as a towering figure, a songwriter and performer who crafted timeless hits that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Among his vast repertoire, “Diana” holds a special place, a poignant ballad that has become synonymous with teenage love and the pangs of heartbreak.

Released in 1957, “Diana” reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, cementing its status as a pop culture phenomenon. Anka’s youthful vocals, imbued with both tenderness and vulnerability, perfectly convey the song’s emotional core. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young man deeply smitten with a girl named Diana, but their love is unrequited.

The song’s opening lines, “Oh, Diana, oh, Diana / You’re the girl of my dreams / I’m so happy when you’re near / But so sad when you’re not here,” establish the protagonist’s infatuation and the bittersweet nature of his unrequited love. The repetition of “Diana” creates a sense of longing and obsession, as if the narrator is unable to escape his thoughts of her.

As the song progresses, the narrator’s desperation grows. He pleads with Diana to “give him a sign” and “tell him what to do,” revealing his helplessness in the face of her indifference. The lines, “I’m so lost without you, Diana / I don’t know what to do,” capture the profound sadness and confusion of a young man grappling with unrequited love.

Despite the heartbreak, “Diana” retains a glimmer of hope. The narrator clings to the possibility that Diana’s feelings might change, singing, “I’ll wait for you, Diana / As long as it takes.” This hopeful note adds a touch of poignancy to the song, suggesting that even in the face of rejection, love can endure.

Paul Anka’s “Diana” has become an enduring classic, a song that has resonated with generations of listeners. Its relatable themes of teenage love, unrequited feelings, and the hope for reciprocation have made it a staple of oldies radio stations and a popular choice for karaoke nights. The song’s simple yet powerful lyrics and Anka’s heartfelt performance have ensured its place in the pantheon of pop music history.

So, the next time you hear the strains of “Diana,” take a moment to appreciate the emotional depth and timeless appeal of this classic ballad. Remember the pangs of teenage love, the longing for unrequited affection, and the enduring hope that love can find its way. And let Paul Anka’s melancholic yet hopeful melody transport you back to a time of youthful dreams and the bittersweet lessons of first love.

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Lyrics: “Diana”

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 treesOh, 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

Only you can-a take my heart
Only you can-a tear it apart
When you hold me in your loving arms
I can feel you givin’ all your charms
Hold me, darling, hold me tight
Squeeze me baby with all your might

Oh, please stay with me, Diana

Oh, please, Diana
Oh, please, Diana
Oh, please, Diana