About the Song
Take a trip back to the world of 1960s teenage crushes with “Give Him a Great Big Kiss” by the legendary girl group, The Shangri-Las. This upbeat song isn’t your typical love ballad; it’s a burst of pure, unadulterated teenage infatuation, delivered with the raw energy and signature vocal style that made The Shangri-Las famous.
Composed by George “Shadow” Morton, Ellie Greenwich, and Lee Pockriss, “Give Him a Great Big Kiss” doesn’t dwell on the complexities of love. Instead, it celebrates the innocent excitement and butterflies of a new crush. The song perfectly captures the heady mix of shyness, boldness, and daydreams that consume a teenager with a newfound object of affection.
The song explodes with energy from the very first line, sung with infectious enthusiasm by Mary Weiss: “When I say I’m in love, you best believe I’m in love – L-U-V!” The driving beat and the Shangri-Las’ signature “shouting” vocals create a sense of youthful urgency that perfectly complements the song’s message.
The lyrics paint a picture of a young girl completely smitten with a boy. She describes his physical features – his thick wavy hair, his tight tapered pants – but with a charming naivety. “What color are his eyes? I don’t know, he’s always wearing shades,” she confesses with a playful innocence.
Despite her lack of knowledge about the boy, her infatuation is clear. She fantasizes about walking right up to him, showering him with affection – a “great big kiss” – and declaring her love and devotion. “Tell him that I’ll always be there,” she sings, her voice a mix of shyness and determination.
“Give Him a Great Big Kiss” isn’t a song about deep emotional connection or long-term commitment. It’s a snapshot of a fleeting teenage crush, a celebration of the simple joy of infatuation. The song doesn’t delve into the complexities of relationships or potential heartbreak; it lives purely in the moment, basking in the giddy excitement of a new possibility.
Musically, the song is a perfect example of the Shangri-Las’ sound. The driving beat, the prominent handclaps, and the raw, unpolished vocals create a vibrant sonic experience that perfectly captures the frenetic energy of a teenager in love.
“Give Him a Great Big Kiss” may not be a timeless ballad, but it remains a fun and relatable song. It reminds us of the innocent excitement of first crushes and the carefree optimism of youth. It’s a song that will bring a smile to anyone who remembers the thrill of a new infatuation.
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Lyrics: “Give Him A Great Big Kiss”
Here comes my guy walking down the street
Look how he walks with a dancing beat
Thick wavy hair, a little too long
All day long he’s singing his song
And when I see him in the street
My heart takes a leap and skips a beat
Gonna walk right up to him
Give him a great big kiss
Tell him that I love him
Tell him that I care
Tell him that I’ll always be thereTell me more, tell me more
Big bulky sweaters to match his eyes
Tight tapered pants, high button shoes
He’s always looking like he’s got the blues
And when I see him in the street
My heart takes a leap and skips a beat
Gonna walk right up to him
Give him a great big kiss
Tell him that I love him
Tell him that I care
Tell him that I’ll always be there