Anna Marie "Patty" Duke (December 14, 1946 – March 29, 2016) was an America… Read Full Bio ↴Anna Marie "Patty" Duke (December 14, 1946 – March 29, 2016) was an American actress of stage, film and television. Patty Duke also had a successful singing career, including two Top 40 hits in 1965, "Don't Just Stand There" (#8) and "Say Something Funny" (#22). Another recording was "Dona Dona" in 1968, which she performed as the second song on The Ed Sullivan Show. Also during 1968, she had appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and after George Jessel's comic appearance, she was introduced and sang the Irish classic, "Danny Boy". She also sang songs on such shows as Shindig!, Kraft Music Hall, The Mike Douglas Show, and The Merv Griffin Show. She sang in the 1965 feature film Billie and sang on the soundtrack of the 1966 feature film, The Daydreamer, in which she voiced the character of Thumbelina. She has recorded a string of six LP's in her musical career.
She first became famous as a teen star, winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at age 16 for her role in The Miracle Worker, which she had originated on Broadway. She later starred in the sitcom, The Patty Duke Show. She progressed to more mature roles upon playing Neely O'Hara in the 1967 film Valley of the Dolls. She served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1985 to 1988, four years after her Patty Duke Show co-star William Schallert held the same office.
Duke was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1982, after which she devoted much of her time to advocating and educating the public on mental health issues.
In 1996, 30 years after The Patty Duke Show ended, Duke was ranked #40 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time.
Patty Duke died March 29, 2016.

Don't Just Stand There
Patty Duke Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Please don't just stand there
Come and kiss me like before
Please don't just stand there
Looking down at the floor

If something is wrong
Give me just one little sign
If there's someone else

Please tell me
Tell me what, what, what
What's on your mind?

Once when we'd meet
You'd run to hold me tight
Life was so sweet
Until tonight

Please don't just stand there
Get it over if we're through
Please don't just stand there
While my heart breaks in two
Knowing I care
How can you be so unkind?
Please stop hurting me
And help me
Tell me what, what, what
What's on your mind?

If it's a game
I don't want to play it
And if it's goodbye
Why can't you just say it?

Why make me cry like you do?
How can you be so unkind
Please start loving me
Or leave me
Tell me what, what, what
What's on your mind?

Don't just stand there
Tell me what, what, what
What's on your mind?

Don't just stand there
Tell me what, what, what
What's on your mind?

Don't just stand there
Tell me what

Overall Meaning

In Patty Duke's song "Don't Just Stand There," the singer pleads with her lover to communicate with her about their relationship. She urges him to take action and not simply stand there looking down at the floor. The singer expresses her confusion and frustration, asking for just one little sign if something is wrong or if there is someone else. She remembers a time when their relationship was sweet and loving, but now she is left with a broken heart and the certainty that something is amiss.

The lyrics convey a sense of both vulnerability and strength. The singer is willing to confront her lover and demand some answers, but at the same time, she is clearly hurting and in need of reassurance. The song captures the universal experience of feeling uncertain and lost in a relationship, but it also emphasizes the importance of open communication in resolving those issues.

Overall, "Don't Just Stand There" is a powerful expression of the complexities of love and the need for honesty and vulnerability in relationships.

Line by Line Meaning

Please don't just stand there
I need you to take action and show me affection like you used to

Come and kiss me like before
I want you to show me physical intimacy, just like the way you always did.

Looking down at the floor
If you’re avoiding my gaze then it’s an indication that something is bothering you or that something is wrong.

If something is wrong
I sense something is amiss, and I want you to tell me what it is.

Give me just one little sign
I need you to let me know what’s going on – any small indication would be enough.

If there's someone else, Please tell me
I’m sensing some distance, is there another woman in your life that’s causing this?

Once when we'd meet, You'd run to hold me tight
We were once so in love and would always just hug each other right away when we met each other.

Please don't just stand there, Get it over if we're through
If our relationship is over, let's make it official and get it over with.

While my heart breaks in two, Knowing I care
Seeing you act like this knowing how much I care about you is going to break my heart into two.

If it's a game, I don't want to play it
If you're not serious about our relationship, then let's not waste each other's time by playing games.

Why can't you just say it?
If you're planning to end things between us, why can't you just tell me directly instead of beating around the bush?

Please stop hurting me, And help me
I'm being hurt by your actions, so please tell me what's going on and let's work through it together.

How can you be so unkind?
Your behavior towards me is really unkind and hurtful, and I don't understand why you're acting this way.

Please start loving me, Or leave me, Tell me what, what, what, What's on your mind?
If you don't have feelings for me anymore, then it's better to leave me. But before that, please tell me what's on your mind?

Don't just stand there, Tell me what, what, what, What's on your mind?
I need you to communicate with me what’s going on in your mind and what you're feeling. So, please don’t avoid me and let's have honest and open communication.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Ernest Tubb, Jack Henley

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@Walt222

22w↑3

Loved Patty and the 60's RIP Patty

@user-kx2vu5us3w

9w↑1

Wow,wow,wow what a heck of a song by this beautiful actress and singer,(please dont just stand there)such a sad song and so true and real peace to you patty and RIP.

@user-zt5vy2cw3c

8w↑1

Patty duke was an amazing singer and actress! ❤

@lindafraser4169

Patty, when I heard this song over the TV years ago, I knew I wanted to get this record. You were a great little actress. I loved your performance on the Patty Duke Show. Cousins.

@user-zt5vy2cw3c

8w↑1

Love this song so much, stunning voice ❤🎉

@davidoverholt251

38w↑1

What a Queen was Patty Duke black in my Black in White Days on TV, and then we had color on TV!

@VinDcator

2y↑1

I certainly enjoyed your company back then, Patty. R.I.P.

@LadyMoondancer

14y↑9

in her autobiography Patty says she cringes when she's reminded of this. But we fans just loved everything she did. And we still love her.

@Grizzled444

32w↑2

This was her biggest hit, I believe.

@walknaftrmdnght1

33w↑2

I still have the 45 vinyl and have had it since it came out.

@davidoverholt251

38w↑1

I am old enough to tell you I saw this song on my Black and White TV!

@HollyPhi

14y↑3

Who doesn't love Patty Duke??!!!??!!! I love every tv show and movie she has been in.

@kimkochel8157

4y↑9

Patty Duke was a remarkable actress. I loved her TV show when she played her lookalike Cousin. Patty had her issues but conquered them with such grace. Glad to see her son's following in her footsteps. RIP Patty you were an inspiration to me. Love from Canada. ❤🇨🇦

@jeffreyjohnsonsr360

2y↑1

She was one of the greatest actresses of our time

@joanmorris3763

3y↑5

May she RIP!. She was a beautiful actress and singer!🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀

@MelliePonz

15y↑3

Love this song and this actress! What a talent! She was my adolescent role model when I was 13! This really pissed off my parents. Do you believe I wasn't allowed to watch her show? All that slang and rock anc roll and FREEDOM. I did anyway.

@sheilabrewster6810

3y↑11

Since The Valley of the Dolls Movie, and seeing how Patty Duke was such a Superb Actress and Singer I'd say she is my Favorite personality and Entertainer. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. I'm sure she's resting peacefully in Heaven. She certainly deserves a big 🌟 for all she did and contributed to the Mental Health Organization, as well as her many Gifted Talents she gave to the World. Thank you Patty💜

@monicacappetta7017

3y↑2

Patty Duke was such a talented child and woman. It is a shame she suffered throughout her life.

@sheilabrewster6810

3y↑4

Patty Duke had her Own Sound. A really good voice that tells the story of the Song so well with so much feelings, I wish she would've made more songs like "Don't Just Stand There" Rest in Peace, beautiful Patty. You are a One of Kind."

@robertchesnosky5427

3y↑2

SHOWS A LESLEY GORE INFLUENCE BUT MS DUKE RIDES IT INTO THE WINNERS CIRCLE WITH STYLE. RIP PATTY.

@tiner27

13y↑1

I adore Patty Duke. I was very fortunate enough to meet and speak with her when I was 15 (in 1975) in my hometown when she was in a play called "My Fat Friend," with her then husband, John Astin. What an absolute sweetheart she is. SO friendly and down to earth. Knowing all she's been through and how she triumphed over much adversity makes me appreciate her even more. AND I will ALWAYS have a crush on her no matter how old either of us get!

@patrickryan1515

1y↑3

Very memorable 1965 hit, charting at Number EIGHT on Billboard's Top 40. Patty did a great job here.

@GaryWattsWorks

4y↑1

Wow beautiful song...

@Suzi64grad

13y↑2

Wow....this song sure takes me back to the day.....she was part of that 60s girl group era...loved it then...love it now!!

@THECARS7879

10y↑33

Patty Duke was quite the actress and singer, wow

@roberleedodson

5y↑1

So was Benjamin Orr

@stp88661

14y↑1

I listen to all kinds of music (Rock, Alternative, New Age etc.), but this one is really so special because they don't play this type of music anymore on mainstream, just the same ol, same ol. Thanks You Tube & Brent441!

@CJFrosty410

8y↑66

Rest in Peace, beautiful lady! Deepest sympathies to family and friends...

@freeguy77

@Ron Rossmore "Big-R" Mar. 29, 2016. Could not make it to 70 (Dec. 14, 1946). Shocked when I heard the news, still am that she couldn't live into her 70s.

@MsShirleyD

13y↑6

She really had a very nice voice. Good song. I remember this and loved her show.

@idavega-landow7821

I loved Patty Duke playing herself and her cousin on The Patty Duke Show. I remember hearing this on the Floyd (Loyd?) Thaxton Show, a cutrate version of American Bandstand with a goofy host who made teenagers lipsync to songs like this. Ah, memories!

@norskbente

17y

Wouldn't it be cool if she read these comments and replied. Just in case she does....WE LOVE YOU!!!!

@4511yuukei

10y

中学２年生の頃ラジオでよくこの曲を聴いていました。当時と比べ自分から見て、この曲とても素晴らしいと思います。良き時代のアメリカの女の子という感じですね。

@BobbyCharlie222

13y

Great song. Had a crush on Patty way back in junior high school.

@lildude77504

14y

I watched the Patty Duke Show growing up. It was neat.

@fleurmartin

1y↑2

I love Patty Duke. I have her music saved on Spotify. But let me just say, I'm glad she kept acting.

@rhondaboncutter5812

6y↑8

I watched the Patty Duke show religious many years ago! Remember all the words!

@jackieobrien-murphy320

4y↑1

Wow. Great song. Fantastic singer. 👏🍀

@0424mjm

8y↑35

This was one of the first records I ever got. I was in nursery school in the Beverly neighborhood in Chicago.Brought it to school for show & tell. The teacher put it on the record player, & I sang along with it ,including hand gestures:like the Supremes. the kids loved it!! The teachers just stood there with their mouths hanging open! Not long after I was kicked out,because the teachers thought I was a disrupitve inflence!!!

@joyhenley9999

6y↑2

Love the comment!

@UNOwen1

They did that to me; my mum said I was '…sensitive' 😉 (hee-hee). Truth of the matter - we both gad really cool taste - even then. Luckily, for me, I really didn't care what anyone thought, because, I knew - and to those who's opinion meant something to me - I was a nice, good person, Never a 'herd-follower' (hope it didn't get to you) - and as an only child, I learnt how to keep myself company, listening to my records, which others (yawn) might've thought...'odd'.

As for Ms Duke, here, a terrific bit of teen-star-pop - they got everyone, anyone who was popular to record. Even for some of them who didn't have the vocal talent, it could still be memorable. Heck; give me a bunch of fun, cool records like this, over sitting and listening to the dreck they were (I still have my records from then - many were rare, and that's been my lifelong habit - collecting music).

Another track of Ms Duke's I love - I don't think was ever released, 'properly (if someone DOES have it, please; post it!) was the bit used in the terrific Nick-at-Nite spots; 'Patty asks the musical question; 'tell me, mama what to do, if a boy makes eyes at you, tell me, mama, what to say - when he looks at me that way? Should I let him hold my hand? Tell him that I think he's really grand. Tell me mama, tell me mama, tell me what to do...'; (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl8FNQxC3N8 0:31, and the full-length number; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4BXRvrbhNU - from The Wedding Caper).

Tell ME, mama!

@debrarowley4447

Mark: Oh, you were a bad little boy! I loved this song when I was a child too.

@toddlear9073

Nice story

@joeljack1

4y↑1

Hilarious because I was in kindergarten and this was the first record I bought also.

1 More Replies...

@anthonyduarte395

1y↑1

I would listen to this as a young teen , still have the album 💕

@VinDcator

16y↑3

I remember watching her do this on the Dick Clark Show. She looked great! Thank you for this RARE hard-to-find song!

@354ever

13y↑6

When I was 8 I had the biggest crush on Patty Duke! seeing these photos it takes me back. Thanks! Remember the movie Billie?

@branchanthony4575

8y↑31

I love this song and she is one of my favorite actresses

@ruthy418

15y↑2

I never know Patty Duke can sing. Wonderful!1 seems like a new discovery to me.

@VinDcator

15y↑1

Looked for this for years until it was finally on CD.

@sauquoit13456

11y↑1

On this day in 1959 {October 19th} the play 'The Miracle Worker' opened on Broadway at the Playhouse Theater in N.Y.C. {it ran for 719 performances}. And in New York City three years later on May 23rd, 1962 the movie premiered... Patty Duke won the Academy Award for 'Best Supporting Actress'. Then three more years later on June 26th, 1965 Patty's "Don't Just Stand There" entered the Top 100 {it eventually peaked at #8}. Ms. Duke will celebrated her 67th birthday in two months on December 14th.

@donnyvango

17y↑2

Beauty, brains and talent in one package! I have been a Patty Duke fan ever since I can remember. Thanks for posting this great song.

@christheone8773

14y↑1

When I first heard this, I assumed it was Lesley Gore !!!!! What a surprise when I learned that it was Patty Duke - such a great tune, and it even made into the Top 10 back in 1965!!

@stp88661

13y↑4

Love Patty Duke, & though there are some similarities of this song to the Leslie Gore classic "You Don't Own Me," after the intro it just takes on a whole different melodic perspective & stands on it's own....This really is a very pretty tune, just like Patty!

@dancingbear86

15y↑2

Great song!Great voice!Wish all of Patty's 1960s recordings were available on cd.

@Sargethemedic1

9y↑16

Shelley Fabares said se didn't want to sing "Johnny Angel" but went on to say back then when the producer said you will do something you simply did it.

Patty has a rather strong vibrato on this song - I have always liked it, but then, I have always had a spot in my heart for Patty and Shelley.

@lajas46

Record or off the Donna Reed show she chose to record Johnny Angel.

@ronniebishop2496

I really liked both songs.

@ronniebishop2496

@@lajas46 Was it that serious?

@robertchesnosky4689

6y↑6

HAD A HUGE CRUSH ON HER. HER SINGING SHOWS A LESLEY GORE INFLUENCE

@rocketchef1967

7y↑5

Will never forget. Thanks for posting.

@BigDuckKetterer

14y

TenStarsplus !!!!! One of my favorite songs, along with Shelly Fabares "Johnny Angel"!!! I remember when both songs came out!! Ah teenage angst, but we had to grow up and grow old!!! Patty was so HOTT!!!! Everyguy's dream girl !!!!!! Thank you for posting this !! My copy got destroyed in a fire at my brother's house about 25 years ago, and you can't find this song anywhere !!!!

@darriondavis

14y↑1

I'm only 14, and this is one of my favorite songs. I wish that I could've lived through the good old days...

@anthonydenicola7995

This song was what I am Charlie B. Tony D and pattie listen to 1974.

@AtlantaGymFan

7y↑4

I bought this single and still enjoy it - RIP Anna!

@allaseful

14y

I know Patti Duke's a superstar.

@debrarowley4447

I just ran into this song - I haven't listened to it for at least 50 years. I had forgotten what a good song it was.

@viewingut

16y

Had a terrible crush on her when she released this song. Thanks Brent441.

@roaringthunder174

Miss you Patty!

@ralphedds1

16y↑4

this brings back memories.

@Soapking1965

15y↑1

THE MIRACLE WORKER.

@dianefiske-foy4717

5y↑5

Haven't heard this one in ... forever 👏🏻❤️‼️

@robertchesnosky3508

36w↑1

WE ALREADY KNEW SHE WAS A GREAT ACTRESS AND THEN WE FOUND OUT SHE WAS A GREAT SINGER AS WELL !!!!

@oldermuscleguy

8y↑12

RIP Patty Duke 69 🙏😪

@annalieseruthberg4113

4y↑2

I actually heard this for the first time yesterday as I drove through the ash in my city (we are suffering from the wildfires). Very dystopian

@ishmael802

Rip

@kathyfox4345

Miss you sooooo much!!!!!!!!!!!!

@herasmarket

15y

Patty had it all. I wish she worked with her voice more. It's there I can hear it. She wants to just bello it out! I love Patty Duke she is my idol. I saw her and her husband Astin when they did a play here in Seattle I waited for them to leave and asked to take a picture and they said sure. I remember this like it was just yesterday. Very radiant!

@sonnywestfan1

14y

OMG what memories this brings back. To have those days back again!

@KraneAudra

8y↑40

RIP Patty Duke 3-29-2016

@goyeabuddy

8y↑4

i didn't know she passed away this year....RIP

@rhondaboncutter5812

6y↑2

She passed 15 days after my husband!

@evelynbarris6875

R.I.P. Patty Duke you shall be missed

@robertbondar9526

11y↑2

I loved watching the Patty Duke show when she played a dual role as her cousin. And I agree that she was totally under ratedat that time.

@kathyfox4345

Miss you soooo much!!!!

@LLcoolDel

Wow this song is no joke. What a bonus thanks Patty.

@OctoberOhio

15y↑3

First record I ever bought. The 45 cost about 49 cents and I had to wait two weeks to listen to it because I was visiting grandma and she didn't have a record player!!

@IAmTheRealBagLady

13y↑1

I need a time machine too! I loooove Patty!

@sampson1959

15y

very versatile woman.she can do it all.what a talent.hope she lives long and happy!

@Johnnralph

9y↑156

Sounds a lot like Lesley gores hit "You don't own me" ,

@janedoe3209

8y↑14

+Johnnralph mhmm intentionally for sure. when that song became a smash hit producers all over scrambled to copy the sound. you'll find a few other songs from this time period trying to mimic the sound - what is polar opposites about the 2 songs are gores was a declaration of independence, duke's is a declaration of submission to another's will for love

@RonaldVaughan

8y↑4

+Johnnralph Funny,I thought that,too!

Anyway,RIP Patty Duke....

@oniemosely662

8y↑7

To Anna Marie (patty) duke. Rest in peace.

@ThePaulster22

7y↑5

I often get the two confused.

@egbertsouce3895

7y↑6

Jane Doe........Its an obvious, shameless rip off of L.G.--all three of you are correct. Wonder if there was any lawsuit over it? But its really a lot simpler than your philosophical analysis, IMHO: the polar opposites are that this is pretty dull & just plain lousy, while "You Don't Own Me" was passionate, evocative, and sounded great. If this didn't sound like a funeral dirge and had some better production, it might have been a bigger hit, whether or not its a declaration of submission, considering Patty Duke's popularity and goddess status at the time, among teenage girls !

19 More Replies...

@MDzVQPln

17y

Brent441 Awesome post, thank you! A wonderful way to honor an incredible person,---- Patty Duke! She is to be greatly admired, not only for her multi-talents but especially for all she has overcome in the many adversities in her life! It is easy to see where her son, Sean Astin gets much of his great talent!

@billchambers1456

9y↑32

I was into the music of the 60s big time; yet I totally forgot Patty Duke and her song. It may be a rewrite of another song, but it is a good song in its own right. And Patty is a better singer than she is given credit for being. I like this song.

@sandyscott1315

I totally agree!

@braydenhayes6698

3y↑1

Yeah me too! In fact, she is so underrated by most people commenting. Others just want to bring it down bc it happens to shame men who just stand there, watching as his girlfriend is heart broken bc she feels like he can't tell her anything anymore.

@norskbente

17y

I was just thinking to myself today how I miss seeing Patty on TV. Please come back, Sally Field did!!!

@debrarowley4447

5y↑1

When I was a little girl, I loved Patty Duke. I loved Haley Miles too!

@TheLadyjazzy1

8y↑1

RIP. Great voice too.

@jmohan23

14y

"Once when we'd meet, you'd run to hold me tight...." My baton was my microphone back then; I'll bet I sang this song into my mirror a thousand times!...............Thanks, Jan

@theJetta1995

12y

Wow! I remember this song. I just love the girl singers from the 60's. Brings back lots of memories.

@rfjohns4452

40w

Brilliant and at same time out of control.
Bipolar people I've known for decades and they don't change much from all the advice they're given suddenly they revert to uncontrolled anger.

Patty had so much talent and warmth but with depression like her Mother.

@flipsyboy

15y↑6

"Tell me HWAT, HWAT, HWAT, HWAT'S on your mind!" Hilariously crisp enunciation.

@UNOwen1

A terrific track - that 'what, what, what' adds great drama, then doing a ShangrI La's-type spoken bit. Dramatic, and fun.

Thank you, +Brent 1441, and, of course...Ms Patty Duke.

@stp88661

14y↑1

Very pretty song from a very pretty & talented lady. Yeah, she's all grown up!

@sumeyya007

14y

this is wonderful and full of meaning, not to mention the tempo is very moving.

@stellaercolani3810

6y↑2

Love her one of my favourite actresses as well...

@joeljack1

16y

The very first 45 rpm single I ever bought. I was about 5 years old. My rabid obsession with buying music started with Patti. lol

@justinhurst1521

8y↑1

RIP Patty! 😢

@Starrman69

15y

Wow!! I haven't heard this in years!! Thanks for the post!

@tyronequin2981

THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING FOR PATTY DUKE ASTIN. MORE LOVED BY HER CREATOR THAN ANYONE KNOWS. ~ Tyrone Quin.

@tyroneepps3018

2y↑1

Hi I have your new ! Channel I like this song I wi put it in my library so keep the song a coming your no.1 fan

@VinDcator

15y

I remember her performance as a pleading, desperate, teenager waiting for an answer. She was perfect for this!

@will89687

8y↑3

RIP Patty Duke

@maryannellsworth1715

My favorite actress I used to wear my hair like hers and her tv show loved it and I still have the 45 record of this song 👼

@wolfeshadow1313

7y↑2

A nice song from a great tv personality.

@southernlady488

Great Song

@happydragon5077

13y

Wow.....she have such a tender voice.

@stp88661

10y↑1

@VinDcator

Thanks for keeping it up here!

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