Introduction
Introduction to “A Teenager’s Romance” by Ricky Nelson
Released on April 27, 1957, “A Teenager’s Romance” marked a significant milestone in Ricky Nelson’s burgeoning music career. Written by David Stewart Gillam, a tennis professional at the Palm Springs Racquet Club, the song was featured as the B-side to Nelson’s debut single, “I’m Walkin’,” under Verve Records . Despite being the B-side, “A Teenager’s Romance” resonated deeply with the youth of the era, propelling it to No. 2 on the Billboard Top 100 chart in 1957 .
The song’s lyrics delve into the complexities of young love, capturing the emotional highs and lows that teenagers often experience. Lines such as “You’re either in misery or high on a crest” encapsulate the intense emotional swings characteristic of adolescent relationships . Furthermore, the song addresses the societal skepticism faced by young lovers, with lyrics highlighting how adults often dismiss teenage emotions as trivial .
Nelson’s smooth vocals and the song’s catchy melody contributed to its widespread appeal, making it a defining track of the rock and roll era. The success of “A Teenager’s Romance” not only established Nelson as a prominent figure in the music industry but also underscored the emerging influence of teenage audiences in shaping popular culture. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its authentic portrayal of youthful passion and the universal challenges of young love.
In the broader context of 1950s America, “A Teenager’s Romance” reflects the evolving dynamics of youth culture, where teenagers began to assert their identities and preferences more prominently. Nelson’s ability to articulate the sentiments of his generation through music played a pivotal role in his rise to fame and the song’s lasting legacy in the annals of rock and roll history.
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Lyrics: A Teenager’s Romance
Bah, bah, bah, but
Bah, bah, bah, but
Bah, bah, bah, bah. bah. bah, but
Do do do do do do
Bah, bah, bah, but
Bah, bah, bah, but
Bah, bah, bah, bah. bah. bah, but
A teenager’s romance is fickled or true
A teenager’s romance is red hot or blue
You’re either in misery or high on a crest
A teenager’s romance is like all the restThey tell us we’re different
We haven’t the right
To decide for ourselves, dear
What’s black and what’s whiteKeep saying you love me
And they’ll look upon
A teenager’s romance
That goes on and on
[Instrumental Interlude]
They tell us we’re different
We haven’t the right
To decide for ourselves, dear
What’s black and what’s white
Keep saying you love me
And they’ll look upon
A teenager’s romance
That goes on and on
A teenager’s romance
That goes on and on