Rydell's performance in Bye Bye Birdie, and his recordings "Wild One" and "Volare", made him a famous show business performer of the '60s. Rydell used his talents as an impersonator and drummer mostly in pursuing a musical career rather than an acting career.
Born in Philadelphia, it was his father who encouraged him to pursue a career in show business. At the age of four, Rydell would sit in front of the TV and impersonate such performers as Milton Berle, Louis Prima and Johnny Ray. He also admired drummer Gene Krupa and began playing the drums at the age of six. At the age of seven and with his father's encouragement, Rydell began performing in nightclubs in Philadelphia.
In 1950, Rydell entered the amateur show of Paul Whiteman; his first-place win gained him a regular part on the show. He stayed with the Whiteman show for three years and then went to join several local bands in Philadelphia. It was here too that Bobby Ridarelli became the easier-to-pronounce Bobby Rydell. At 16 he began playing with local groups, landing a spot as a drummer for Rocco and the Saints. (Frankie Avalon, another Philadelphia-born musician, played trumpet for the group.) While with the band, Rydell signed a recording contract with Cameo/Parkway Records in Philadelphia. His hit "Kissin' Time," recorded in the summer of 1959, launched his musical career and made him a teen idol at the age of 17.
After making his first hit recording, he pursued a solo career, performing at the Copacabana in New York in 1961, where he was an instant hit. Rydell made his acting debut in 1962 on the television show Combat! One year later, he starred as Hugh Peabody in the famous musical Bye Bye Birdie. It was only after his acting debut that he fervently began playing the nightclub circuit.
With records like We Got Love, Wildwood Days and Sway, Rydell made himself a hit. Along with Frankie Avalon and Fabian, Bobby Rydell is known as a Philadelphia-born teen idol, known not only for his musical genius but also his handsome looks.
I've Got Bonnie
Bobby Rydell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Ah-ooh ah-oop)
(Doop doop, doop doo doop doo doop)
(Ah-ooh ah-oop)
[Chorus:]
I've got Bonnie
Sweet, sweet Bonnie
Now, now, now I've got Bonnie
Sweet, sweet Bonnie
Made all my dreams come true
(Doop doop, doop doo doop doo doop)
(Ah-ooh ah-oop)
Once I used to cry
Nobody cared if I would live or die
But then one lucky day
I met a girl that heaven sent my way, now
[Chorus]
(Doop doop, doop doo doop doo doop)
(Ah-ooh ah-oop)
I don't drive a car
I'll never be a famous movie star, but
Still I wouldn't switch with someone else
If he was twice as rich
[Chorus]
The song I've Got Bonnie by Bobby Rydell is a love song celebrating the profound impact that a special person can have on one's life. The opening lines of the song comprise of nonsensical sounds that are meant to set the upbeat and cheerful tone of the song. The chorus boasts of how Bonnie, the singer's girlfriend, made all of his hopes and dreams come true, replacing his formerly lonely existence with one full of love and happiness. The singer rejoices in Bonnie's presence and celebrates how his life changed for the better when he met her.
The second verse of the song talks about how the singer used to be a lonely and depressed soul, crying and feeling neglected by those around him. He felt like no one cared if he lived or died, and this made him feel hopeless at times. However, it all turned around when he met Bonnie, who he calls a girl sent by heaven. Her love and presence brought an end to his lonely, desolate life.
The final verse of the song speaks to contentment and happiness that comes from true love. Although the singer admits he may never attain fame or fortune, he would never trade his life with someone else if they were twice as rich. This is evidence of how much Bonnie means to him, and how much her love and companionship are enough to make his life fulfilling and satisfying.
Line by Line Meaning
Doop doop, doop doo doop doo doop
The singer is making a melody sound which means happiness and is usually associated with dancing or moving around.
Ah-ooh ah-oop
The singer is making a sound that accompanies the melody and gives it a more interesting flavor.
I've got Bonnie
The singer has a girl named Bonnie in his life, indicating that he is in a romantic relationship with her.
Sweet, sweet Bonnie
The artist feels that Bonnie is a delightful person to be with and enjoys her company immensely.
And all my lonely days are through
The artist no longer feels alone or isolated because Bonnie is by his side, bringing joy and companionship into his life.
Now, now, now I've got Bonnie
The singer is emphasizing that he has Bonnie and is extremely grateful for her presence in his life.
Made all my dreams come true
The singer feels that Bonnie is the key to his happiness and that she has fulfilled all of his romantic dreams.
Once I used to cry
The artist experienced a period in his life when he was unhappy, probably because he was alone or struggling with personal issues.
Nobody cared if I would live or die
The artist felt abandoned or ignored by others during this unhappy time and didn't feel like he mattered.
But then one lucky day
The artist experienced a stroke of good fortune that changed his life for the better.
I met a girl that heaven sent my way, now
The singer feels that Bonnie was sent to him from the heavens or by some higher power, indicating that he believes their relationship is meant to be.
I don't drive a car
The artist doesn't have a vehicle and probably doesn't place much emphasis on material possessions.
I'll never be a famous movie star, but
The singer is aware that he doesn't have a chance of becoming a movie star, but doesn't seem to mind.
Still I wouldn't switch with someone else
The singer is content with his life and wouldn't trade places with anyone else, even if they were more successful or wealthy than he is.
If he was twice as rich
The singer is comparing himself to someone who is richer or more successful than he is, but indicates that he still wouldn't switch places with them even if they had twice as much wealth or success.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CAROLE KING, GERRY GOFFIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jack Spry
RIP and long live Bobby Rydell (April 26, 1942 – April 5, 2022), aged 79
You will always be remembered as a legend.
Rin Eric
God! I love that song so much! I bought this with my own scant money when I first started listening to radio. I had a crush on a beautiful neighbor named Bonnie, of course. But, Bobby made me sing along! Bless you, Bobby! RIP
Robert VanDerClock
This always reminded me of my first real girlfriend (actually Barbara) but the commonality was so sweet. Love ya, Bobby, for your whole life's musical output.
BONNIE PASBRIG
Nobody ever believes me that this song exists 🤣
John in Poughkeepsie
and a King/Goffin song to boot !
Jack Goldstein
I do too!
chesterescoto
I certainly Do!
Bonnie Speeg
I thought he wrote it for me! Age 13.
robert szvetics
my first girlfriend was bonnie