You're Sixteen
Burnette Johnny Lyrics


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Ooh, you come on like a dream
Peaches and cream
Lips like strawberry wine
You're sixteen

You're beautiful and you're mine
You're all ribbons and curls
Oh, what a girl!
Eyes that twinkle and shine

You're sixteen
You're beautiful and you're mine
You're my baby, you're my pet
We fell in love on the night we met

You touched my hand, my heart went "pop"
And ooh, when we kissed we could not stop
You walked out of my dream
Into my arms

Now you're my angel divine
You're sixteen
You're beautiful and you're mine
You're sixteen
You're beautiful and you're mine
You're sixteen
You're beautiful and you're mine

Well,you're my baby, you're my pet
We fell in love on the night we met

You touched my hand, my heart went "pop"
And ooh, when we kissed we could not stop
You walked out of my dream
Into my arms
Now you're my angel divine




You're sixteen, you're beautiful, and you're mine
Well, you're sixteen, you're beautiful, and you're mine

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Burnette Johnny's song You're Sixteen are about a dreamy love story of a 16-year-old girl. The singer compares her to a dream, describing her as sweet and with lips like strawberry wine. He finds her beautiful and is smitten with her, and she becomes his girlfriend after they meet one night. He describes the experience of falling in love as a pop in his heart, an unforgettable kiss, and finally finding her in his arms.


On one hand, the lyrics of the song are a reflection of the sweeping naivety of teenage love, and it speaks to the utter enchantment that can come with that energy. On the other hand, the song does come under scrutiny because the focus is on a child, with lyrics that could easily apply to someone completely pre-pubescent. There is a level of discomfort, especially considering the age of the person singing the song, and the imagery he uses, which may be interpreted as objectifying of the girl it describes.


According to the history of the song, recorded in 1960 by Burnette Johnny, it was a cover of a 1959 song by Barbara Feldon. The song gained immense popularity, peaking at number eight in the UK and number five in the US. You're Sixteen was also covered by Ringo Starr in 1973, reaching number one in both the UK and US charts. Other musicians that covered the song include The Beach Boys, The Shadows, and Kim Fowley.


Some facts about the song include that it was co-written by Richard M. Sherman and his brother Robert B. Sherman, who were known for their work on many Disney films such as Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and The Jungle Book. Also, the song was one of several featuring Burnett Johnny that contributed to the early development of rock and roll music. In addition, the song was featured in the films "American Graffiti" and "The Stray Cats."


Chords: G, C, D (key of G major)


Line by Line Meaning

Ooh, you come on like a dream
You are absolutely enchanting and captivating


Peaches and cream
Your complexion is flawless and smooth


Lips like strawberry wine
Your lips are sweet and delicious, like a fine wine


You're sixteen
You are young and full of life


You're beautiful and you're mine
You are stunningly gorgeous and you belong to me


You're all ribbons and curls
You are dressed up nicely, with your hair styled in pretty curls


Oh, what a girl!
You are the epitome of femininity


Eyes that twinkle and shine
Your eyes are bright and full of joy


You're my baby, you're my pet
I love and cherish you like a precious little one


We fell in love on the night we met
We knew, from the very beginning, that we were meant to be together


You touched my hand, my heart went "pop"
Your touch ignited a passion within me that I had never felt before


And ooh, when we kissed we could not stop
Our love was so intense that we could not resist each other


You walked out of my dream into my arms
Meeting you felt like a dream come true, and now you are here with me


Now you're my angel divine
You are like an angel sent from above, pure and lovely


You're sixteen, you're beautiful, and you're mine
You may be young, but you are perfect for me, and I am yours


Well, you're my baby, you're my pet
I adore you and cherish you above all others


You touched my hand, my heart went "pop"
Your touch sets off fireworks in my heart, making me feel alive and in love


And ooh, when we kissed we could not stop
Our love and passion are so strong that nothing can keep us apart


You walked out of my dream into my arms
I had been dreaming of someone like you, and now you are here with me in the flesh


Now you're my angel divine
You are my perfect angel on earth, my true love


You're sixteen, you're beautiful, and you're mine
You may be young, but you are perfect for me, and I am yours


Well, you're sixteen, you're beautiful, and you're mine
You are the love of my life, and I will always be here for you




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RICHARD SHERMAN, ROBERT SHERMAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@jackspry9736

RIP Johnny Burnette (March 25, 1934 – August 14, 1964), aged 30
You will be remembered as a legend.

@jasonirelan-ig5fl

So it's hard to say if he ever recorded anything in color.

@leojobes

He will be remembered as a nonce

@rickrick5041

racist @@jasonirelan-ig5fl

@imessential8107

I was 16 my future hubby was 19.
He sang to me all the time.

@trueblue374

Couldn't get away with lyrics like that in todays world. An older man singing about a 16 year old girl he loves. In todays world You're sixteen sounds like if it's a pedophile song.

@Valientlink

@@trueblue374 Because it is a pedophile song.

@Joe-ym6bw

​@@trueblue374 u probably right but those were innocent times much different than today

@jondunmore4268

So he raped you

@hazelshoemaker4389

He sang this song to me on my 16th at a BBC show London. Yes, a very handsome guy.

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