About the song
Few songs capture the innocence, excitement, and sheer joy of young love quite like “Then He Kissed Me” by The Crystals. Released in 1963, this timeless classic remains one of the most endearing and instantly recognizable tracks of the early girl group era. It embodies the very essence of the Phil Spector “Wall of Sound” production style, blending rich orchestration with heartfelt lyrics to create a song that feels both grand and deeply personal.
Written by the legendary trio Phil Spector, Ellie Greenwich, and Jeff Barry, “Then He Kissed Me” tells the story of a romantic journey, narrated in a first-person perspective that resonates with anyone who has experienced the thrill of falling in love. The lyrics describe a budding romance, from the initial encounter to the moment of true commitment, culminating in the emotional climax: “So I gave him all the love that I had”. The narrative simplicity is its greatest strength, making it instantly relatable and universally understood.
Musically, the song is a masterpiece of early ’60s pop production. The opening guitar arpeggio sets an instantly recognizable tone before the full orchestration kicks in, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement. The driving rhythm, accented by castanets and lush string arrangements, gives the track a cinematic, almost dreamlike quality—a hallmark of Spector’s production genius. La La Brooks’ lead vocals soar with a mix of sweetness and urgency, perfectly capturing the emotions of a young woman swept away by love.
What truly sets “Then He Kissed Me” apart is its emotional sincerity. Unlike some of the more melodramatic love songs of the era, this track feels genuine and heartfelt, with an earnestness that has allowed it to stand the test of time. The song became a defining anthem for teenage romance in the 1960s and has continued to appear in countless films, television shows, and nostalgic playlists, further cementing its status as a pop music classic.
Beyond its commercial success, “Then He Kissed Me” represents a pivotal moment in music history—a time when female vocal groups were bringing their voices and emotions to the forefront, shaping the sound of pop music for generations to come. The song remains one of The Crystals’ most beloved recordings and an essential track in the golden age of rock and roll.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Well, he walked up to me and he asked me if I wanted to dance
He looked kind of nice and so I said I might take a chance
When he danced he held me tight
And when he walked me home that night
All the stars were shining bright and then he kissed me[Verse 2]
Each time I saw him I couldn’t wait to see him again
I wanted to let him know that he was more than a friend
I didn’t know just what to do
So I whispered, “I love you”
And he said that he loved me too and then he kissed me[Bridge]
He kissed me in a way that I’ve never been kissed before
He kissed me In a way that I want to be kissed forever more[Verse 3]
I knew that he was mine so I gave him all the love that I had
And one day, he took me home to meet his mom and his dad
Then he asked me to be his bride
And always be right by his side
I felt so happy I almost cried and then he kissed me[Instrumental Break]
[Refrain]
Then he asked me to be his bride
And always be right by his side
I felt so happy I almost cried and then he kissed me[Outro]
And then he kissed me
And then he kissed me