About the song
The Penguins and their timeless hit, “Earth Angel”. Now there’s a song that can transport you straight back to the innocence and yearning of the 1950s. If you’re of a certain age, just hearing those opening chords can conjure up images of sock hops, soda fountains, and the sweet agony of first love. But even if you weren’t around when it first hit the airwaves, this song has a way of seeping into your soul.
Released in 1954, “Earth Angel” became a cornerstone of doo-wop, that uniquely American vocal harmony style with its roots in African American communities. The Penguins, a group of young men from Los Angeles, weren’t the first to record the song, but their version became the definitive one. It topped the R&B charts for a phenomenal 11 weeks and even crossed over to the pop charts, a significant achievement at a time when racial segregation was still prevalent in the US.
What is it about “Earth Angel” that makes it so enduring? For one thing, the melody is simply gorgeous. It’s a perfect example of doo-wop’s signature blend of sweet harmonies and heartfelt emotion. The lead vocal, sung by Cleveland Duncan, is full of yearning and vulnerability, while the backing vocals provide a rich, supportive tapestry. And those lyrics! “Earth angel, earth angel, will you be mine? My darling dear, love you all the time…” Pure poetry, expressing the universal longing for love and connection.
But “Earth Angel” is more than just a pretty song. It captured a cultural moment, a time of burgeoning teenage identity and the rise of rock and roll. It spoke to the hopes and dreams of a generation, and its influence can be heard in countless songs that followed. From the soaring falsettos of The Temptations to the heartfelt ballads of Boyz II Men, the legacy of “Earth Angel” is undeniable.
So settle back, dear reader, and let’s take a closer look at this iconic song. We’ll explore its origins, its impact, and its enduring appeal. And perhaps, just perhaps, it will rekindle some fond memories or ignite a newfound appreciation for the magic of doo-wop.
Video
Lyrics
Earth angel, earth angel
Will you be mine?
My darling dear
Love you all the time
I’m just a fool
A fool in love with you
Earth angel, earth angel
The one I adore
Love you forever and ever more
I’m just a fool
A fool in love with you
I fell for you and I knew
The vision of your love, loveliness
I hope and I pray that someday
I’ll be the vision of your hap-happiness, oh, oh
Earth angel, earth angel
Please, be mine
My darling dear
Love you all the time
I’m just a fool
A fool in love with you
I fell for you and I knew
The vision of your loveliness
I hope and pray that someday
That I’ll be the vision of your happiness, oh
Earth angel, earth angel
Please, be mine
My darling dear
Love you all the time
I’m just a fool
A fool in love with you (you, you, you)
