Paul Anka’s “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” Will Absolutely Make Your Heart Flutter
by
- Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
- Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
- Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.
“Put Your Head on My Shoulder” is one of the most cherished love songs of all time. Paul Anka wrote and recorded it in 1959, at the height of his fame – being the most successful teenage-singer of the ’50s who wrote his own song. He had been a star for two years, having a No. 1 hit with “Diana” in 1957.
Like his previous hits, “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” captured the coy tenderness of the 1950’s teenage popular culture. Anka’s inspiration came from his fans, whom he would notice in the audience during his performances.
“I was very much aware of the ambiance of these record hops…that was a room full of kids, and a lot of ballads and everyone was holding each other, and I am up there singing along to all of these teenagers, and everybody’s head was on each other’s shoulders,” Anka said. “It was kind of important back in the ’50s, a time of innocence and romance…”
However, he never heard a song that expressed such feeling, “so one night I went back to my hotel room and wrote ‘Put Your Head on My Shoulder.'”
“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,” the song goes.
Trending
Up Next
Latest Stories
No, Chris Stapleton Did Not Object to Beyoncé’s Grammy Win
Rumor has spread that Chris Stapleton filed an “official objection” after Beyoncé won Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammys for Cowboy Carter. A supposed quote attributed to him suggests ...
Blake Shelton Set to Host Grand Ole Opry’s 100th Celebration
Country music’s most legendary stage is set for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Blake Shelton is taking the reins. The Grand Ole Opry will mark its 100th anniversary with a star-studded NBC ...
Dolly Parton Fights to Save Imagination Library in Indiana
Dolly Parton has always stood up for what she believes in—lifting people’s spirits with her music, funding major charitable efforts, and ensuring children have access to books, no matter their ...
Is Billy Currington Gay? What We Know About the Country Star
Billy Currington has spent decades serenading country music fans with hits like “People Are Cr𝐚zy” and “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right.” His smooth vocals, laid-back charm, and undeniable talent have ...
Post Malone’s Road to Country Music Started Long Ago
Post Malone didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to go country—he’s been headed down this dirt road for a long time. From his Texas roots to his early ...
Is Drake the Next Artist to Take Over Country Music?
Country music has been through a wave of change lately, and not everyone is convinced it’s for the better. Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter shook the industry, bringing country into the mainstream ...
Riley Green Turns Up the Heat in Worst Way Music Video
Riley Green isn’t holding back in his latest music video for “Worst Way,” and fans are feeling some kind of way about it. Known for his rugged country charm and ...
Who Is Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges? Meet Lainey Wilson’s Fiancé
Lainey Wilson is one of the biggest stars in country music right now. Still, behind the scenes, she has a steady and supportive partner in her fiancé, Devlin “Duck” Hodges. ...
Lainey Wilson Is Engaged to Former NFL Star Duck Hodges
Lainey Wilson has a lot to celebrate—her career is on fire, she’s gearing up for a massive world tour, and now, she’s engaged to her longtime boyfriend, former NFL quarterback ...
George Strait and Chris Stapleton Announce 2025 Stadium Tour
Country music fans, get ready—George Strait and Chris Stapleton are hitting the road again for another epic stadium tour. After a wildly successful run in 2023, the two country powerhouses ...