Introduction

Few songs capture the essence of teenage romance and defiance as vividly as “My Boyfriend’s Back” by The Angels. Released in 1963, this iconic track remains a beloved staple in the annals of pop music history. Let’s delve deeper into the story behind the song and the talented artists who brought it to life.

Did You Know?

1. Origin of the Song:

“My Boyfriend’s Back” was written by the songwriting duo of Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein, and Richard Gottehrer, who were also responsible for penning several other notable hits. The song was initially intended for The Shirelles but ended up being recorded by The Angels.

2. Chart-Topping Success:

Upon its release, “My Boyfriend’s Back” skyrocketed to the top of the charts, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. Its catchy melody and playful lyrics resonated with audiences, solidifying its place as a pop music classic.

3. The Angels:

The Angels, an American girl group hailing from New Jersey, consisted of members Barbara Allbut, Phyllis Allbut, and Linda Jansen. Known for their harmonious vocals and infectious energy, they became synonymous with the vibrant sound of the 1960s.

4. Enduring Legacy:

Decades after its initial release, “My Boyfriend’s Back” continues to captivate listeners worldwide. Its timeless appeal has led to numerous cover versions and appearances in various forms of media, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon.

5. Cultural Impact:

Beyond its musical acclaim, “My Boyfriend’s Back” has left an indelible mark on popular culture, inspiring films, TV shows, and even stage productions. Its catchy refrain and empowering message of loyalty have made it a perennial favorite among audiences of all ages.

Video

Lyrics: My Boyfriend’s Back 

He went away and you hung around
And bothered me, every night
And when I wouldn’t go out with you
You said things that weren’t very nice

My boyfriend’s back and you’re gonna be in trouble
(Hey-la-day-la my boyfriend’s back)
You see him comin’ better cut out on the double
(Hey-la-day-la my boyfriend’s back)
You been spreading lies that I was untrue
(Hey-la-day-la my boyfriend’s back)
So look out now cause he’s comin’ after you
(Hey-la-day-la my boyfriend’s back)
(Hey, he knows that you been tryin’)
(And he knows that you been lyin’)
He’s been gone for such a long time
(Hey-la-day-la my boyfriend’s back)
Now he’s back and things’ll be fine
(Hey-la-day-la my boyfriend’s back)
You’re gonna be sorry you were ever born
(Hey-la-day-la my boyfriend’s back)
Cause he’s kinda big and he’s awful strong
(Hey-la-day-la my boyfriend’s back)

(Hey he knows I wasn’t cheatin’!)
(Now you’re gonna get a beatin’!)
(What made you think he’d believe all your lies?)
(Wah-ooo, wah-ooo)
(You’re a big man now but he’ll cut you down to size
(Wah-ooo, wait and see)

My boyfriend’s back he’s gonna save my reputation
(Hey-la-day-la my boyfriend’s back)
If I were you I’d take a permanent vacation
(Hey-la, hey-la, my boyfriend’s back)
Yeah, my boyfriend’s back
(La-day-la, my boyfriend’s back)
Look out now, yeah, my boyfriend’s back
(La-day-la, my boyfriend’s back)
I could see him comin’
(La-day-la, my boyfriend’s back)
So you better get a runnin’
(La-day-la, my boyfriend’s back)
Alright now
(La-day-la, my boyfriend’s back)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
(La-day-la, my boyfriends’s back)
My boyfriend’s back now
(La-day-la, my boyfriend’s back)

Know he’s comin’ after you
(La-day-la, my boyfriend’s back)
Because he knows I’ve been true now…

You Missed

SOME FRIENDSHIPS ARE WRITTEN IN SONGS… BUT ONLY A FEW BECOME FOREVER. There was something truly magical about the friendship between Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton — a bond that went far beyond the stage, the spotlight, and the music. In country music history, few duos ever captured the beauty of genuine connection the way they did. Their voices blended perfectly, but it was their friendship, respect, and love for each other that made every performance unforgettable. In 2013, they gave the world one final reminder of that special bond with “You Can’t Make Old Friends.” Nearly three decades after “Islands in the Stream” became a timeless classic, Kenny and Dolly returned together to create a song that felt less like a performance and more like a heartfelt conversation between two lifelong friends. Now, that song carries an even deeper meaning. Kenny Rogers left us in 2020… and today, the world says goodbye to Dolly Parton — two extraordinary souls who brought warmth, comfort, and joy to millions through their music. They were more than country music legends. They were storytellers, dreamers, and reminders that the greatest treasures in life are the friendships we build along the way. You can create many songs. You can create many memories. But **you can’t make old friends.** Some friendships are too special to disappear. They live forever in the melodies, the memories, and the hearts of everyone who was lucky enough to witness them. Rest peacefully, Kenny. Rest peacefully, Dolly. Thank you for giving us a lifetime of music, love, and unforgettable moments. The harmony you created together will continue to play forever.

Before he ever stepped up to center stage under his own name, Cal Smith spent years standing quietly in the shadows as a sideman, playing guitar behind country legend Ernest Tubb. Born Calvin Shofner in Oklahoma and raised in California, he paid his dues in clubs and on radio before joining the Texas Troubadours in the early 1960s, watching other stars soak up the applause while his own solo ambitions moved at a crawl. By 1972, Smith was well into his late thirties with little more than modest chart placings to show for his efforts. Everything flipped when fellow songwriter Bill Anderson handed him “The Lord Knows I’m Drinking,” a sharp track about a man taking heat from a churchgoer whose own hands weren’t exactly clean. The single struck a nerve, shooting straight to No. 1. The true lightning strike arrived soon after. In December 1973, Smith walked into Bradley’s Barn to lay down Don Wayne’s “Country Bumpkin.” Tracing an ordinary man’s journey through marriage, children, and the devastating loss of his wife, the song packed an entire lifetime into a few poignant verses and climbed to the top of the charts in 1974. The accolades poured in, sweeping Single Record and Song of the Year at the ACM Awards, alongside a CMA Song of the Year honor for the writing. Smith quickly proved he wasn’t a one-hit wonder by following up with another chart-topper, “It’s Time to Pay the Fiddler.” After more than a decade of holding down the rhythm section for everyone else, Cal Smith’s long-delayed moment in the sun finally arrived—forever stamping his voice onto one of the defining country anthems of the 1970s.