Put Your Head On My Shoulder – Paul Anka

About the song

“Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” a timeless classic penned by Canadian singer-songwriter Paul Anka, epitomizes the romantic ballad genre with its soothing melody and heartfelt lyrics. Recorded in August 1958 at Bell Sound Studios in New York City, just weeks before Anka’s chart-topping hit “Lonely Boy,” this song was released as a single on August 17, 1959, under ABC-Paramount.

Arranged and conducted by Don Costa, “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” swiftly climbed the charts, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its popularity soared, becoming Anka’s third top-five hit of the year, although it was famously edged out of the No. 1 spot by Bobby Darin’s iconic “Mack the Knife.” In Canada, the song also enjoyed success, reaching No. 4 on the CHUM Charts, solidifying its appeal across North America.

The song’s charm transcended decades, inspiring numerous covers and adaptations across different languages and musical styles. In 1968, The Lettermen revitalized its allure with their rendition, achieving moderate success on the charts, particularly in the Easy Listening category where it peaked at No. 8. Beyond English-speaking markets, Mexican singer Enrique Guzmán’s Spanish version, “Tu cabeza en mi hombro,” became immensely popular in Latin America, underscoring the song’s global reach and enduring appeal.

Across the years, “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” continued to resonate in popular culture. It was featured in diverse contexts, from being played on a gramophone in a mission of the video game Hitman: Contracts to its recent resurgence in influence through its sampled use in Doja Cat’s “Freak,” which sparked a viral TikTok challenge known as the “Silhouette Challenge.”

Paul Anka’s masterpiece remains a poignant testament to love and intimacy, celebrated for its melodic simplicity and evocative lyrics. Its ability to evoke emotions and create lasting memories underscores its status as a beloved classic, cherished by generations of listeners worldwide. Whether experienced through Anka’s original recording or through its myriad covers and adaptations, “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” continues to captivate audiences, reaffirming its place as a timeless gem in the annals of popular music history.

Video

Lyrics

Put your head on my shoulder
Hold me in your arms, baby
Squeeze me oh so tight
Show me that you love me too

Put your lips next to mine, dear
Won’t you kiss me once, baby
Just a kiss goodnight, maybe
You and I will fall in love
(You and I will fall in love)

People say that love’s a game
A game you just can’t win
If there’s a way
I’ll find it someday
And then this fool will rush in

Put your head on my shoulder
Whisper in my ear, baby
Words I want to hear
Tell me, tell me that you love me too
(Tell me that you love me too)

Put your head on my shoulder
Whisper in my ear, baby
Words I want to hear, baby
Put your head on my shoulder