Diane Renay (born Renee Diane Kushner, 13 July 1945, South Philadelphia, Pe… Read Full Bio ↴Diane Renay (born Renee Diane Kushner, 13 July 1945, South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an American pop singer, best known for her 1964 hit song, "Navy Blue." Renay's only other single release to crack the national Billboard chart was "Kiss Me Sailor," which reached number 29 later in 1964.

Navy Blue
Diane Renay Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Blue, navy blue, I'm as blue as I can be
'Cause my steady boy said "Ship ahoy"
And joined the Nay-ee-ay-vee

He said he wanted to settle down
And let me be his girl
But first he had to do a little travelin' around
And see the whole wide world

That's why I'm blue, navy blue,
I'm as blue as I can be
'Cause my steady boy said "Ship ahoy"
And joined the Nay-ee-ay-vee

I got a letter yesterday from Tokyo
And a souvenir
A walky-talky wind-up little China doll
That says "Wish you were here"

Blue, navy blue, I'm as blue as I can be
'Cause my steady boy said "Ship ahoy"
And joined the Nay-ee-ay-vee

He's comin' home to see me on a weekend pass
A forty-eight hour day-ate
That boat he's sailin' on just better get here fast
'Cause I can hardly wait

Till then I'm blue, navy blue,
I'm as blue as I can be

'Cause my steady boy said "Ship ahoy"
And joined the Nay-ee-ay-vee

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Diane Renay's song Navy Blue are about a woman who is feeling blue and heartbroken because her steady boyfriend has joined the navy and left her behind. She expresses her disappointment and sadness, as she thought they were going the settle down and start a life together. However, her boyfriend wanted to travel the world and see new places before he could make that commitment. She is anxiously waiting for him to return on a weekend pass and expresses the intense emotions of loneliness and longing she is feeling in his absence.

The song is a reflection of the social and cultural norms of the time it was written, which was in the early 1960s during the height of the Cold War. Many young men were being drafted into the military for the Vietnam War, leaving their girlfriends or wives back home. The song therefore reflects the cultural anxiety and pain that war and military service could inflict upon individuals and communities. It is also a window into the gender norms of the era, where women were expected to be supportive and dedicated to their partners even in tough times, despite their own personal struggles and emotional needs.

Line by Line Meaning

Blue, navy blue, I'm as blue as I can be
I am feeling extremely sad and down in spirits.

'Cause my steady boy said "Ship ahoy" And joined the Nay-ee-ay-vee
My boyfriend has decided to join the Navy, which has made me feel all the more blue.

He said he wanted to settle down And let me be his girl But first he had to do a little travelin' around And see the whole wide world
My boyfriend wanted to eventually settle down and have me as his girlfriend, but before that he needed to see other parts of the world and travel.

That's why I'm blue, navy blue, I'm as blue as I can be
This is why I am feeling so sad and down in spirits.

I got a letter yesterday from Tokyo And a souvenir A walky-talky wind-up little China doll That says "Wish you were here"
I have received a letter and souvenir from my boyfriend who is currently deployed in Tokyo, which makes me feel a little better despite being sad about his absence.

He's comin' home to see me on a weekend pass A forty-eight hour day-ate That boat he's sailin' on just better get here fast 'Cause I can hardly wait
My boyfriend is coming home on a weekend pass to see me, but I am eager for his return and hope the boat he is on arrives soon.

Till then I'm blue, navy blue, I'm as blue as I can be 'Cause my steady boy said "Ship ahoy" And joined the Nay-ee-ay-vee
Until my boyfriend's return, I will continue to feel sad and down in spirits about his absence due to his enlistment in the Navy.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@user-us4dj9tv7j

3y↑90

I was born in early 63 and I remember this record playing on my mom's stereo cabinet furniture and the smell of lemon pledge on a Saturday house cleaning day.

@CJLinOHIO

2y↑1

one of our neighbors, back in the day had a jukebox in their living room and this song was on it. loved when it played. super Bass, sounded beautiful.
And the lemon pledge 👍🏻 my mom used to use that whenever she dusted.

@hermanator74301

1y↑1

So, you recall that as a newborn? Lemon pledge did not exist in 1963.

@user-us4dj9tv7j

@@hermanator74301 No

@robertshapiron3217

48w

🎉

@josephshaffer6521

2y↑4

I went into the Air Force in 1964. In Basic Training in San Antonio June 64 myself and a couple of new friends went to the Joe Freeman Coliseum to see Ms Renay perform with the Rolling Stones. Passing thru San Antonio standing on a corner On our way back to the base a vehicle pass right by me with Ms Renay sitting in the driver side back window. It was a thrill of a life time something I have never forgotten. I hope she reads these comments. I want her to know she was adored from a far by a young Airman.

@tayninh69

6y↑139

I was 15 years old when this song hit the radio, great song. 4 years later I was doing a tour in Vietnam with the 1st Cav Div. I thought about this song every now and then when the Navy jets would provide air support for us. Best aviators in the entire world.

@BeachsideHank

4y↑7

Thanks grunt, I did fire support missions on a tin can in Quang Tri province; we'd get a call for help, let rip with our 5" 38 guns until a 'check fire', then it was over- almost never knew the outcome, just another day at the office.

@joselugo5391

3y↑4

Thank You For Your Service Sir.wish you n your family well. Stay Safe.👍🙏✌️💯

@J-Kabar

3y↑3

Thank you for your service, sir. Welcome home

@angelalim4638

3y↑3

so your born at 1948?

@philipnorris6542

3y↑2

Good for you, Jay (incidentally, I'm British).

8 More Replies...

@randyw.9916

2y↑30

I was 8 years old when this came out. I ended up going in the Air Force but love this song. They don’t make them like this anymore.

@peggyfigge1786

1y↑1

Thank you for your
Service in the
air force

@JayRoth-sb3nh

47w

Hey randy, you look like Elvis presley from your picture. Nice comment you made. It is a great song.

@oliannahm1748

5y↑81

I’m 14, it’s 2019, my dad showed me this song two years ago. Ever since it’s been stuck in my head

@jackdooley8732

5y↑1

The US Navy sucks ass. Any one that joins the Navy is a total loser.FTN.

@danor6812

4y↑8

Good for your dad.

@jorg8714

4y↑3

Tante @Jack - hast du Stuhlgang-Probleme ?

@maryguy9013

2y↑3

Olianna m such a pretty name you are on the right track enjoy the music of your parents day it was a good time for all in late 50's and early sixties have a great life enjoying good music

@johnconway9882

2y↑2

I bet the song was passed down from his parents. It's probably before his time unless he became a father at a later age.

5 More Replies...

@retiredyeti5555

1y↑17

I was 20 and serving on a US Navy fleet oiler in the Pacific, as a Radarman, mainly off the coast of Vietnam, refueling task forces on station. Listening to this tonight brought back lots of memories.

@maryjdavis2609

1y↑1

Thank you for your service!

@sandrakoehler6580

5y↑30

I love this song! I use to sing this song age 9, dad was in US Army we were stationed in Germany! Would swing on swing set and sing this one and Johnny Angel! Such fun memories. Life was so simple. Knew all the words to this song and a few others. Wish I could go back to those days!

@GdHr-oz5ph

2y↑6

Absolutely fabulous.💓💓💓

@williamdavenport9824

4y↑22

My Navy veteran dad enjoyed this song. One you could easily sing along with.

@samuelgriffin4167

3y↑3

Magical era for good music

@curtismcgill4250

2y↑3

That drummer is amazing. Makes the song for me.

@user-fr9og5bp4c

3y↑10

Now late, it was a favorite song of my brother. When I listen to this song, I think my brother and warm my heart. His brother was aiming for sailors, but became a banker to serve his father's trace.

@ghostrider-ek8gu

4y↑15

My mom really loved this song ... since I joined the Navy then. Brings back some beautiful memories

@Beagle56

51w↑4

The first time I heard this song was 1973 in Fremantle, Western Australia. I had joined the Royal Australian Navy 3 months prior to hearing it. A friend, also a Sailor had a girlfriend called Rita, and she had a portable record player and some old vinyl 45 rpm singles. This was my friend Danny's favourite song, and later became one of my favourites as well. Here it is 50 years later, and I still love the song. Thanks Diane.

@petereddinger3249

2y↑1

I came aboard in 53 under Ike. Joined the Navy in 82 at age 28. This song and a TV show. Mchales Navy were the reasons I joined. Retired USN 2002.

@PopLife-hb3ks

36w

I was born in ‘79, but I associate this song with my childhood because my mom played the oldies station all of the time.

@SteveonLI

1y↑4

catchy. it holds up 60 years =later! the writer, bob crewe, also wrote many of the four seasons' biggest hits. her birth name was renee diane kushner.

@diamondtenorio3029

4y↑15

Im 14 almost 15 and I love old school music like it's nothing like today's music ts so soothing. So when my nana showed me this song, I couldn't get it out of my head I love it!!

@rhondabrogdon9526

2y↑2

I wish my kids would listen to this music

@ABfromWindsor

2y↑1

Just love them old songs with background singer and all about love.

@briancorriveau5134

2y↑1

I remember this from the summer of '64 when I was 6 years old.

@philstall6262

1y↑1

I got this in my record collection a beautiful song from 1963

@Kingyeddy1

2y↑1

I was negative 16 when this song came out it's a good song

@izzylee5275

5y↑17

Playing this music since i was 10 and still listen to it today at 55 years old

@douglasb.1238

3y↑2

A great song from the past back in the day....wish we still had music like this today.:(

@waynesobolik4350

1y↑1

Served 22 years 05 months and 29 days in the US Navy - and would do it all over again today

@ciAMkia

3y↑2

My Cherokee Grandfather was a Gunner's Mate is World War II in the Pacific Theater. So, when this song came out in 1963, my Pikani Grandmother had to get a copy of the 45. It was always on her long playing record player, stacked up with about an 1 1/2' of other 45s she'd play during the day while my Grandfather was either working at his refrigeration job, training his hunting dogs, hunting, fishing or working on the house. The man was always in constant motion. Her other favorite, aside from songs that just struck her right were Eddy Arnold, the Ink Spots, and Perry Como. She liked a pretty diverse list of artists and there a lot more I can't think of the names of right now. But she just loved this song so much. She would tell us kids stories about when they met and he'd take her dancing and sing to her as they danced and he could really sing too. He had a great voice and could whistle like no one I've ever heard who wasn't on a record. He was a helluva man and she was a helluva woman. Being Native, they went through so much crap growing up away from their tribes, but that's what the government wanted, to break up the tribes and give their lands away, either for oil exploration, like in Oklahoma, mining like in Arizona where they were looking for uranium and other projects. My Grandparents were both born at the time the feds were looking to kill the tribal units and it almost killed our culture, but we fought back and are now thriving, though we could use some help on the rezes to help deal with COVID.

@geoffreyswan7866

3y↑7

Some of the greatest songs of all time and musical tune love it

@davidschmidt6013

2y↑2

I was 6 or 7 when this came out but back then songs lasted longer. I heard this for several years growing up, and I just brought it up to get rid of the earwig it had made in my head. Great old song. Back when girls were girls, guys were guys and people SANG.

@guyphoto9437

I was in the Navy in 1963 (63-67) and remember this song well. I liked it then and like it now. I was on a ship homeported in Pearl Harbor.

@bettygordon3773

2y↑3

i have always loved this song! thx for posting it. heard it when i was 14 & love it as much today as then. betty gordon, ames, iowa fan

@paulbini7488

4y↑20

Made me tear up to think where I was at then. What a different world!! Loved the songs with all the harmony. I'll bet the singer tears up when she listens too!!

@helenehelentz7998

2y↑3

Yes. A better world

@Antiquetractorsetc

Listening in 2022. I’m only 29. Good old music. Better than todays

@rhondabrogdon9526

2y↑1

I was 2 years old when this song was out That's a good Oldie been listening to the Oldies since I was a teenager in the 1970s

@mariokent4934

3y↑1

I am almost 69 .I remember the day it first played on AM radio.Keep your radio on AM.The emergency Broadcast system is sure to go on sooner than you think

@RonnieMclassics

3y↑3

Holy potatoes, forgot about this song. I had the 45 😄. Thanks so much for sharing this.

@agyvonne

4y↑9

I loved this song since i heard it when i was 13...and i still know almost all the words!

@user-ki6hl2uu6g

21w↑1

I grew up with this song

@raymondhoagland8602

4y↑3

My sister used to play this over and over, i was about 5 years old at the time. Her boy friend at the time was in the Navy stationed in Groton Connecticut. She didn't even know who sang it. Great song,love it !

@arthurleino

10y↑215

Joined the Navy September 8, 1971 and retired November 30,1992. People would sing this to me every time I went home on leave.

@Oshkoshtruckfan

9y↑11

Thank you for your service. Happy Veterans Day. God Bless

@CJ-dw8gv

8y↑6

+The Kid Ditto...... BRO.

@arthurleino

7y↑7

John Halstead I was in Aviation squadrons so was on 3 different Aircraft Carriers.

@CJ-dw8gv

7y↑9

I was on 5 Aircraft Carriers The USS Midway,, The USS Ranger The USS Kitty
Hawk The USS Enterprise, The USS Carl Vinson and 2 Amphibious Assault Ships
The USS Okinawa and The USS TARAWA..... I was an AO Aviation
Ordnanceman.72-93. .

@arthurleino

7y↑6

Joe Varca I made 2 cruises on Saratoga 1972-75. 1 cruise on America 1979. Midway 1981-83 and 1987-89. All in VA - SQUADRON. Retired AME1AW.

24 More Replies...

@carroyo911

10y↑138

I sang this song on stage by myself, at first grade auditorium.....LOL....that was almost 50! years ago!!!

@vintagesavoiur

6y↑2

Awesome

@laurao8099

4y↑1

Amazing!

@nitacruise9993

3y↑1

Me to!

@nitacruise9993

3y↑5

I waz in 1st grade and the teacher was playing I want to hold your hand She waz going to take a vote which song was the best. The 2nd song woz blue navy! And in the Middle of the song a teacher ran in the classroom with her face covered crying saying that John F. Kennedy was killed in Dallas.

@glaggieforever8277

3y↑1

@@nitacruise9993 oh my goodness

1 More Replies...

@davidmoore6112

2y↑1

One of my influences to join United States Navy 1988 and pay my dues serve my country you can't explain nowadays to these youngsters they just don't get it you have to pay your dues I try to talk to them but it's a whole different era now baby boomers we would raise into serving our country respecting the service man that came before us protecting our country it's like talking to a wall nowadays but time goes on my respect goes out to the enlisted men deserve the country God bless them and their families thank you

@KIZERVONZINGER

7y↑5

My aunt made my sister and I a navy dress and we would put them on and sing this song. We were just little girls but we loved this song. Thanks for the Memories.

@fazbell

Diane Renay. I was 13 that year. Loved this song.

@Topper954

6y↑6

Great tune baffled why it never charted in the UK

@reeree9742

3y↑6

My dad and his twin brother was in the Navy for 1942 ww2. They had a blast fooling their captain as to which one was suppose to stand guard.

@whatsthat163

8y↑4

It's good to relive the 60s music - the period when I was growing up

@avisswope6495

I AM 73 BORN IN 1949 GREW UP WITH THE ROCK N ROLL ERA

@DiabolosDuck

34w

I could listen to the percussion all by itself. Couldn’t appreciate the details on AM radio years ago. But now with headphones? AHHHH…

@ftsjr

10y↑20

In the spring of 1976, I enlisted in the US Navy. When a female friend of mine heard about it, she started singing me this song. I served only 4 years, but this song brings back a nice memory.

@Oshkoshtruckfan

9y↑2

Thank you for your service. Happy Veterans Day. God bless.

@ftsjr

9y↑3

The Kid
Thank you for your kind words.

@bobmccord7389

7y↑4

Thank you for choosing the right branch. I,m a three tour Vietnam Navy vet.

@bubbaclinton1105

7y↑1

Bob, you NEED a avatar!

@doughall6660

2y↑1

I was 15 years old when this came out and went in the Navy two years later!!!

@agent8145

1y↑1

You must worked so hard in this time 😣

@larryburton9369

36w

Such a beautiful song thank you so much

@Nancy-px7hn

46w

I worked for awhile on a Navy base. This song brings back memories.

@christinevicker9017

23w

Still.listening first heard this on 4bh Brisbane radio station which is now 882 ❤❤😊😊

@latoshawhite8495

2y↑2

I love this song in the 60s and this is my first time hearing this song right here

@TangoEliott

19w

I was 11. 63 was a horrific year, but music helped save me. But the next year the Beatles made me feel alive again. I love this song.

@ghostrider-ek8gu

30w

Still holds some beautiful memories.

@jonnndoe8538

5y↑2

Diane and the Mermaids each made such beautiful songs. I love them both so much, I listen to them a lot. From Jerry Bast

@colleenmiller7616

Thank you for your service 🇺🇸

@caretaker158

5y↑2

My mom was 12 when this came out..... and she married a sailor 6 years later, then 10 months later I came along..... heard this song a LOT when I was younger.

@tonytrotta9322

4y↑8

Great song! Makes me think of my dad who passed at 92 in 2017 and was in WW2 on USS Louisville CA 28 Heavy Cruiser and after (2) kamikaze hits in the Pacific - Jan. 5 & 6, 1945 heading to Mare Island. (1) 8 inch 55 caliber gun turret knocked out of commission. Louisville repaired and back in service by April 1945 to return to Pacific. Turret found in 2016 in Nevada Test site.

@Millen52

7y↑21

Belíssima música onde traduz a alegria e a juventude a bordo de uma nave.

@weylguy

At 14 I saw Diane on the old Lloyd Thaxton Show in 1963 and fell in love with her.

@flashfolds1

7y↑6

I was in the US Navy Radio "A" school when this song came out. Sure made a lot of guys miss home.

@American-Motors-Corporation

4y↑1

35 here, I remember this song in the mid to late 90's... Reminds me of a girl from the 6th grade!! Well I never went into the Navy and I don't know what happened to her!!

But silly memories right? They capture the heart none the less!!

@johnnypruitt4117

1y↑1

Bless P.Carter!!4/ever.

@bustyrandit

6y↑1

Hearing this song always made me smile. USN 1993-97, USS Phillippine Sea CG-58.

@CairineTheElfHearted

10y↑3

This was one of my favorites when I was little...speaking as a teenager.

@danmichaud580

2y↑2

I love this song. Beautiful voice, wonder why she was not the Doo Wop shows. I am sure many people remember the song but not the singer.

@richardfisher671

Love this song by our girl from Northeast Philly.

@annamaedevlin1713

I wish every day FOR BETTER TIMES!

@reeree9742

5y↑1

A salute to all of our service men and women out there. May god bless you all.

@williamgreenwoodTHEVEGASRABBIT

WE LISTEN TO THIS SONG OVER AND OVER TO MY GIRLFRIEND AND HER TO ME 1964 1965 IN MY 1964 FORD XL CONVERTIBLE CAR TWO DOOR PASSED EVERYTHING 390 MOTOR 4 SPEED CHROME SPEAKER IN THE CENTRE OF THE BACK SEAT .. KISSING IN THE ROSE BOWL ON A FRIDAY NIGHT WATCHING A MOVIE .wHAT DAYS THOSE WHERE !!

@ellensstory4429

3y↑2

I was 6 when this song was popular. I loved to listen to it on my transistor in bed at night. The DJ was Dwain The Brain, WDXR Paducah, KY.

@custodianfile

2y↑1

this is a happy song.

@waynedunn1108

I discovered diane on youtube glad i did i have since bought her best of great music

@brianaa.273

6y↑3

this was the catalyst of all the great Navy songs that continue today ;)

@John-hx7oi

I loved hearing this song when it was playing on WCBS FM 101.1

@mikedollinger6132

37w

i was 10 years old & that was a very cold winter, radio station KJR Seattle played Navy Blue every hour. Diane Renay's vocal's are Solid Gold !!!

@kathywright6853

Had forgot this ,loved hearing it after all this time🤣🤣

@joyciejd9673

6y↑2

Loved this song!

@galemurphy285

6y↑13

I love this song, joined the Navy 1967 to 1971. Go Navy

@doseofcyanide3014

8y↑11

My boss forces us to listen to this type of music at work. There's about fifteen songs on loop. This is the only one I really like

@charmq777

8y↑3

lol...I do that to my girls 😊

@donguess4380

6y↑2

Just quit and show him your a big man

@rickcudog8886

Against your will? lmao

@markladenheim5352

What are the other songs?

@jeromecabral7464

4y↑2

I'll be 42 on Saturday still one of my favorite

@dailycoffee8533

5y↑1

They don't play this great song on the radio anymore. Cute ❤️ singer and song.

@robtyjay

8y↑70

I love it ! U.S. Navy 1965-1969

@michaellehman1455

8y↑10

me too dece 65-oct69

@alanfrankel155

6y↑2

Some of the best years of my life. December 1964 to September 1969, last year in Nam. Discharged as SK2.

@sharonramone7186

5y↑1

@@alanfrankel155 Thank you for your service

@sharonramone7186

5y↑3

@@backiniowaswab4106 Thank you for your service

@sharonramone7186

5y↑1

@@michaellehman1455 Thank you for your service

@joeseibert5165

9y↑2

Good song, and nicely done.

@timothywright4841

7y↑71

for the girls in blue..we love our women too!

@jorg8714

Besonders, wenn'se BLAU sind ....
(dann geiht dat abber rund, kann ich dir flüstern)

@williamspencer8800

4y↑2

I dedicate this to the crew of the Tunny SS 282 and SSN 682, this goes out to them, reunion October 27-31 2019.

@CJ-dw8gv

8y↑32

Navy Retired . 21 years was the best years of my life..... I found out that my Nephew wants to Join the NAVY.....

@CJ-dw8gv

8y↑2

Change Alfa......Now it's the Air Force. He said that he doesn't want to spend "That much time at sea."

@Nobody-ss7ks

Joe Varca army

@comababe

@@CJ-dw8gv Hey what did your nephew end up doing?

@CJ-dw8gv

@@comababe Becoming an electrician...he wasn't happy about all the sea time..

@Ornmaneeyardpha

10y↑2

ตอนนี้ติดเพลงนี้มาก...ต้องฟังเกือบทุกวัน....

@SuperLoveandfaith

4y↑1

Beautiful voice!

@richardfox5236

Love that song

@bluiis2003

I was 10 yrs old and heard this on a radio and started to jam away

@phillipungerer4880

10y↑7

What a good catchy tune this was three things made this song Diane could sing and the lyrics and the melody married into each other. does not always happen in this case yeah a song that has lived with me for nearly 60 years

@nestaa49

7y↑57

had 2 brothers in Navy 2 in Air Force hubby Army Vietnam Vet son Marines and nieces and nephews served!!!!

@kernriver1967

God bless them and you...

199th L.I.B. 1970

@robertmartin9549

5y↑3

Nesta Abbott god bless em.. 101st airborne ranger Viet Nam 1968. We are survivors. Hug em for me.

@reeree9742

God bless them all.

@eddieparker5114

Eddie Parker this was a fantastic and awesome tune music was so awesome back in the 50s and 60s believe me I was there miss those days life was good 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🌹❤️💕💐😍🇺🇸

@user-gj2ml1pk3x

College boyfriend joined the Navy because his draft number was up in 1971. I think of him whenever I hear this song.

@keithorr6878

5y↑2

Just a great old tune from a beautiful lady

@lakewoodil

4y↑1

I was just getting out of the Navy when it came out. Heard it first on WAPE in JAx.

@47Grits

10y↑40

This song still sounds as cool to me now, as it did when it first came out! (Come to think of it so am I )

@eliseh.7474

Ho Jo ☺️

@SteveonLI

1y↑1

yes it holds up

@glennystt918

5y↑1

Greatperformers1 thanks for the upload and the history of singer song and writer. 👍for sure.

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