The Ronettes – Paradise

About the song

In the mid-1960s, The Ronettes, renowned for their captivating harmonies and the iconic “Wall of Sound” production, recorded a track titled “Paradise.” This song, penned by Bunny Botkin, Gil Garfield, Harry Nilsson, and Phil Spector, encapsulates the essence of the era’s pop sensibilities.

“Paradise” was first recorded by The Ronettes featuring Veronica in 1965. However, this recording remained unreleased for over a decade until it appeared on the compilation album Phil Spector Wall of Sound Vol. 5: Rare Masters (Vol. 1) in May 1976.

The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of an idyllic love, with the narrator yearning for a utopian place where love remains untainted. Lines such as “Paradise, he’ll take me by the hand to” evoke a sense of longing for an idealized romantic escape. This theme of seeking a perfect love resonates with the youthful optimism prevalent in the 1960s.

Musically, “Paradise” showcases The Ronettes’ signature style, characterized by lush arrangements and Ronnie Spector’s emotive vocals. The production, attributed to Phil Spector, employs his famed “Wall of Sound” technique, creating a rich, layered auditory experience that immerses the listener in the song’s romantic narrative.

While “Paradise” may not have achieved the same commercial success as some of The Ronettes’ other hits, it remains a testament to the group’s enduring appeal and the timeless quality of their music. The song has been appreciated by fans and has been featured on various compilations, including Be My Baby: The Very Best of The Ronettes, released in 2011.

In the broader context of 1960s pop culture, “Paradise” reflects the era’s fascination with idealized love and the pursuit of happiness. The song’s dreamy lyrics and lush production encapsulate the sense of hope and aspiration that defined much of the music from this period.

In conclusion, “Paradise” by The Ronettes stands as a beautiful example of 1960s pop music, blending heartfelt lyrics with sophisticated production. Its themes of idealized love and yearning continue to resonate, offering listeners a nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era of musical innovation and emotional expression.

Video

Lyrics

There is a land I know where lovers go
And flowers grow forever more
Where time is standing still and lovers fill
The quiet places by the shore

We will cross the rainbow
To a place where we’ll be free
Where he’ll give his love to me
So I’ll wait for the day when he takes me away to

He’ll take me by the hand to
(Paradise)
We’ll walk along the sand in
(Paradise)
A never never land
(Paradise)
Wo wo wo

We’ll build a castle there so we can share
The happiness we’ve waited for
While white flamingos fly way up high
Way above the ocean’s roar

We will climb a mountain
To see our wonderland
Maybe now you’ll understand
Why I’ve waited for the day when he takes me away to

He’ll take me by the hand to
(Paradise)
We’ll walk along the sand in
(Paradise)
A never never land
(Paradise)
Wo wo wo

I’ll stand by him
(Do right by him)
Do right by him
And I swear that I would die for him, die for him

He’ll take me by the hand to
(Paradise)
We’ll walk along the sand in
(Paradise)
Oh oh oh
(Paradise)
Oh oh oh oh
Paradise