About the song
Del Shannon, the American rock and roll singer-songwriter, gifted us with a charming and uplifting track titled “Hey! Little Girl” in 1961. This song, recorded in October of that year and released shortly after, showcases Shannon’s ability to pen heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies.
In “Hey! Little Girl,” Shannon paints a picture of a young man who has taken a keen interest in a girl he’s just met. The girl is feeling down after a recent breakup, and the narrator offers her comfort and companionship. The song’s optimistic tone is a departure from Shannon’s more melancholic tracks like “Runaway” and “Keep Searchin’ (We’ll Follow the Sun),” as he proposes a new beginning for the girl.
The musical arrangement of “Hey! Little Girl” is both rich and vibrant. The background features a blend of strings and brass instruments, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that complements the song’s uplifting theme. Shannon’s vocals are smooth and expressive, conveying the sincerity and genuine affection he feels for the girl.
While the song didn’t chart as high in the United States as some of Shannon’s other hits, it resonated deeply with audiences in the United Kingdom, reaching a peak position of No. 2 on the charts. This international success solidified Shannon’s status as a beloved and respected musician.
“Hey! Little Girl” remains a timeless classic, capturing the essence of youthful optimism and the hope of a new beginning. Del Shannon’s heartfelt performance and the song’s infectious melody continue to charm listeners of all ages.
Video
Lyrics
Last night I walked through the streets of my town
I saw the shadow of a girl I had known
And through the shadows I could see many tears
And so I walked up and I said“Hey, little girl
Let me fix your broken heart
I’ll replace each broken part that’s gone
Because I know I could try
Hey, little girl, my heart’s been broken too.”“Do you remember last September
When I met you at a dance?
You were with a guy named Joe
And all at once he said you had to go
I never even caught your name!”“Hey, little girl
I’ve been searching everywhere
Here, there, everywhere for you
Because I have cried for you
Hey, little girl, I’m so in love with you!”“Hey, little girl
I can see that he was mean
He shattered all the dreams you had
So come with me and see
Hey, little girl, I’ll make all your dreams come true!
Come, little girl, I’ll make all your dreams come true!”