Del Shannon – For a Little While

About the song

“For a Little While” by Del Shannon is a poignant ballad that touches on the bittersweet emotions associated with fleeting love. Released in 1961, this song was part of Shannon’s album “Runaway with Del Shannon”, which also contained his iconic hit “Runaway.” Although “For a Little While” did not achieve the same level of commercial success as “Runaway,” it remains an enduring piece of Shannon’s catalog, showcasing his vocal vulnerability and storytelling ability.

The song’s lyrics tell the story of a love that was brief yet impactful, a theme that resonates with anyone who has experienced the temporary nature of certain relationships. With lines like “For a little while, you were mine,” Shannon expresses the longing and sorrow of knowing that something so beautiful was only meant to last for a short time. The song explores the complex emotions tied to love—joy, loss, and the lingering memories that remain even when the relationship fades away.

Musically, “For a Little While” has a gentle arrangement with lush orchestration, which complements Shannon’s distinctive falsetto and heartfelt delivery. His voice, known for its emotional depth, perfectly conveys the melancholy nature of the lyrics. The arrangement features a soft, tender melody, allowing Shannon’s vocal performance to take center stage. This combination of heartfelt lyrics and his expressive singing creates a captivating listening experience, drawing listeners into the emotional landscape of the song.

While “For a Little While” wasn’t a chart-topping hit, its introspective nature and relatable theme have allowed it to stand the test of time. The song captures the essence of early 1960s pop ballads, and its exploration of love’s transient nature continues to resonate with listeners. Del Shannon’s ability to express vulnerability and emotion in his performances made him one of the era’s most unique and beloved artists.

In terms of social impact, “For a Little While” is reflective of the emotional openness that became a hallmark of early rock and roll and pop music. The song’s introspective lyrics and haunting melody set it apart from the more upbeat, carefree hits of the time, offering a deeper, more introspective look at relationships. Del Shannon’s contribution to this era of music was significant, and “For a Little While” remains an emotional, timeless ballad that showcases his artistic depth.

Video

Lyrics

Baby, why do you listen to what they’re saying,
You know, the kind of game they’re playing,
You think it’s high-class,
They tell you that you got style,
But baby, it only lasts for a little while,
You go, with a different guy each night,
But soon, you’re gonna have to pay their price,
I know you’re young, yeah,
But you’re not a child,
And baby,
It only lasts for a little while,

They tell you everything, yeah,
How to act and how to swing,
But it won’t be long,
And they’ll all be gone,
Remember, all the things we used to say,
We talked about,
The way some people play,
Now you think it’s high-class,
But soon there’ll be no smiles,
‘Cause baby, it only lasts for a little while,

They’ll use you to have a ball, yeah,
They’ll build you up and then they’ll let you fall,
And it won’t be long,
Then they’ll all be gone,
‘Cause baby, it only lasts for a little while,
Come back, come back, come back,
Baby, it only lasts for a little while,
Come back, come back, come back,
Baby, it only lasts for a little while,