About The Song
“Then He Kissed Me,” a timeless song by The Crystals, is more than just a catchy tune. It’s a snapshot of youthful innocence, blossoming love, and the giddy excitement of a new relationship. This song, released in 1963, continues to resonate with listeners across generations, making it a classic of the girl group era.
Background
The Crystals, a prominent girl group of the 1960s, were formed in Brooklyn, New York. The original line-up consisted of LaVerne Glover, Barbara Alston, Mary Richards, Shirley Alston (no relation to Barbara), and Jeanette Beard. Under the guidance of legendary producer Phil Spector, The Crystals rose to fame with their signature sound – a blend of powerful vocals, tight harmonies, and Spector’s innovative “Wall of Sound” production technique. This technique layered multiple instruments and vocals, creating a dense and dramatic soundscape.
“Then He Kissed Me” was written by Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector. Greenwich, a talented songwriter, co-wrote many hits of the era, including “Be My Baby” by The Ronettes and “Leader of the Pack” by The Shangri-Las. Spector, known for his meticulous production style, crafted the song’s arrangement and iconic sound.
The song was originally intended for The Ronettes, another Spector-produced girl group. However, when The Crystals delivered a powerful rendition during a recording session, Spector knew he had found the perfect voice for the song. “Then He Kissed Me” was released in 1963 as a single with “Brother Julius” on the B-side. It quickly became a hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Musical Style
“Then He Kissed Me” is a prime example of the “Wall of Sound” production style. The song opens with a dramatic drumbeat and a flourish of strings. Spector layers multiple instruments, including pianos, guitars, tambourines, and handclaps, creating a dense and textured soundscape. The Crystals’ soaring vocals, delivered in their signature tight harmonies, become another instrument in the mix.
The song has a moderate tempo with a driving beat that keeps the energy high. The melody is catchy and memorable, with a simple yet effective verse-chorus structure. The use of call and response between the lead and backing vocals adds a playful element to the song.
One of the song’s most recognizable features is the prominent “oomph” sound punctuating certain lines in the verses. This sound, created by Spector using background singers or studio effects, became a signature element of his productions.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Then He Kissed Me” are simple and straightforward, yet they effectively capture the innocent excitement of young love. The song tells the story of a young woman who encounters a boy at a dance. Hesitant at first, she takes a chance and dances with him. The connection is immediate, and the song builds to the pivotal moment – the kiss.
The lyrics use vivid imagery to describe the emotions and atmosphere. Lines like “All the stars were shining bright” and “He kissed me in a way that I’ve never been kissed before” paint a picture of a magical moment. The song progresses from initial shyness to the blossoming of love, culminating in a future filled with commitment (“Then he asked me to be his bride / And always be right by his side”).
While the lyrics are seemingly simple, they resonate with anyone who has experienced the thrill of a new romance. The song captures the universal themes of first love, nervous anticipation, and the joy of finding connection.
Cultural Impact
“Then He Kissed Me” became an instant classic, solidifying The Crystals’ place as one of the leading girl groups of the era. The song’s infectious energy and relatable story resonated with teenagers and young adults alike. It appeared on numerous charts and was featured in several films and television shows, further expanding its reach.
The song’s influence can be heard across various musical genres. Girl groups of the 1960s, such as The Shangri-Las and Martha and the Vandellas, drew inspiration from The Crystals’ sound and songwriting. Later artists, from The Ronettes to Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, have cited “Then He Kissed Me” as a source of inspiration.
Beyond music, “Then He Kissed Me” has become a cultural touchstone. The song’s title is often used to describe a pivotal moment in a budding romance. Its themes of innocent love and teenage dreams continue to resonate with audiences today.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
He looked kinda nice and so I said I might take a chance
When he danced he held me tight
And when he walked me home that night
All the stars were shining bright
And then he kissed meEach time I saw him I couldn’t wait to see him again
I wanted to let him know that he was more than a friend
I didn’t know just what to do
So I whispered “I love you”
And he said that he loved me too
And then he kissed meHe kissed me in a way that I’ve never been kissed before
He kissed me in a way that I wanna be kissed forever moreI knew that he was mine so I gave him all the love that I had
And one day he took me home to meet his mom and his dad
Then he asked me to be his bride
And always be right by his side
I felt so happy I almost cried
And then he kissed meThen he asked me to be his bride
And always be right by his side
I felt so happy I almost cried
And then he kissed me
And then he kissed me
And then he kissed me