The Meaning Behind The Song: Go Away Little Girl by Steve Lawrence
Introduction
“Go Away Little Girl” is a classic song written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King in 1962, which has been covered by various artists throughout the years. The most famous version is by Steve Lawrence, who recorded the song in 1962 and topped the charts with it in 1963. The song became a hit not only in the United States but also in several other countries.
Many listeners may have felt the message behind the lyrics, but there is always more to understand beyond the melody and rhythm. To get a deeper view of the song, this article will examine the meaning behind the lyrics, its background, and its impact on the music industry.
The Lyrics of “Go Away Little Girl”
The song is about a man who is in love with a young girl, but he knows that she is too young for him. The lyrics depict the man’s struggle with his emotions as he tries to resist the temptation to act on his feelings and urges the girl to stay away from him for her own sake.
The lyrics are simple yet poignant, making the song relatable to many listeners. Here are the first two stanzas of the song:
“Go away little girl
Go away little girl
I’m not supposed to be alone with you
I know that your lips are sweet
But our lips must never meet
I belong to somebody else and I must be true”
The song’s use of repetition makes the message clear: the man wants the girl to stay away from him and resist the temptation to be with him. The lyrics also showcase the man’s hesitation to act on his feelings because he is committed to someone else, indicating a moral conflict within him.
Background of the Song
Gerry Goffin and Carole King, the songwriters of “Go Away Little Girl,” were a successful songwriting duo in the ’60s, composing hits for artists such as The Shirelles, The Chiffons, and The Drifters. They wrote the song for Bobby Vee, but Lawrence heard it and immediately knew it was perfect for him.
Steve Lawrence’s version of the song skyrocketed to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1963, making it one of his biggest hits. The song charted in several other countries including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, cementing its status as a timeless classic.
The Impact of “Go Away Little Girl”
The song remained on the charts for fifteen weeks, and its catchy tune and relatable lyrics earned it many awards and accolades. In addition to being a commercial success, “Go Away Little Girl” played a significant role in shaping the music of the ’60s. The song’s message of resisting temptation and staying true to one’s commitments was a reflection of the era’s moral values and influenced other songs with similar themes.
The song’s influence can still be felt today, as it has been covered by many artists, including Donny Osmond, who recorded it in 1971 and also topped the charts with it. The song has appeared on numerous anthologies and compilation albums, solidifying its place in the popular music canon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What inspired the song “Go Away Little Girl”?
The inspiration behind the song came from the moral dilemmas that teens and young adults faced during the ’60s. Gerry Goffin and Carole King wanted to create a song that reflected the era’s values and capture the essence of the struggles people faced at that time.
Q: Who was the song originally written for?
The song was originally written for Bobby Vee, but Steve Lawrence heard it and knew it would be perfect for him.
Q: What other versions of “Go Away Little Girl” are there?
Although Steve Lawrence’s version is the most famous, the song has been covered by many other artists, including Johnny Mathis, The Happenings, and Donny Osmond.
Q: How did the song impact Steve Lawrence’s career?
“Go Away Little Girl” was one of Steve Lawrence’s biggest hits and played a significant role in shaping his career. The song’s massive success opened many doors for him and helped establish his place in the music industry.
Q: What was the cultural impact of “Go Away Little Girl”?
The song’s message of resisting temptation and staying true to one’s commitments reflected the era’s moral values and influenced other songs with similar themes. The song played a significant role in shaping the music of the ’60s and remains relevant today.
Q: Was the song controversial when it was released?
The song’s lyrics were not particularly controversial, but the message of an older man rejecting a younger girl could be seen as a taboo topic. However, it was still a commercial success, and the song remains a classic to this day.
Q: Who are Gerry Goffin and Carole King?
Gerry Goffin and Carole King were a successful songwriting duo in the ’60s, composing hits for artists such as The Shirelles, The Chiffons, and The Drifters. They wrote several classic songs of the era, including “Up on the Roof,” “Chains,” “The Loco-Motion,” and “Will You Love Me Tomorrow.”
Q: Why did Steve Lawrence choose to record “Go Away Little Girl”?
Steve Lawrence heard the song while it was being pitched to Bobby Vee and immediately knew it would be a perfect fit for him. He recorded the song, and it became one of his biggest hits.
Q: What is the meaning behind the song’s title?
The song’s title is a message from the man to the girl, urging her to stay away from him for her own good.
Q: What was the reception to “Go Away Little Girl” when it was released?
The song was a massive commercial success, topping the charts in multiple countries and winning several awards. It also received generally positive reviews from music critics.
Q: How has “Go Away Little Girl” influenced music today?
The song’s message of staying true to one’s commitments and resisting temptation is still relevant today and has influenced many other songs with similar themes. The song continues to be popular and has been covered by many other artists over the years.
Q: What is Steve Lawrence’s legacy in the music industry?
Steve Lawrence is a highly respected artist in the music industry, having received numerous awards and accolades over a career that spans several decades. He is known for his smooth singing voice and ability to interpret classic songs. “Go Away Little Girl” remains one of his most famous hits.
Conclusion
“Go Away Little Girl” is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time and will continue to do so for decades to come. The song’s relatable lyrics, catchy tune, and influential message have cemented its place in the music canon, and it remains a beloved favorite among music lovers of all ages. Understanding the meaning behind the song’s lyrics, its background, and its impact on the music industry is essential to fully appreciate its significance and influence.
