He began singing as a child, first starting in the St Elijah Syrian Orthodox Church choir in Ottawa. As a student at Ottawa's Fisher Park High School he was part of a trio called the Bobby Soxers.
Encouraged by his parents, at age 14 he recorded his first single, I Confess. In 1957 he went to New York City where he auditioned for ABC, singing a lovestruck verse he had written to a former babysitter, Diana Ayoub. The song, Diana, brought Anka instant stardom as it rocketed to number one on the charts. Diana is one of the best selling 45s in music history. He followed up with four songs that made it into the Top 20 in 1958, making him one of the biggest teen idols of the time. He toured Britain and then, with Buddy Holly, toured Australia.
His talent went beyond singing, writing Buddy Holly's giant hit, It Doesn't Matter Anymore, the theme for Johnny Carson's Tonight Show, Tom Jones' biggest hit record, She's A Lady, and the English lyrics for My Way, Frank Sinatra's signature song and sung by many well known artists, including Greta Keller, for whom the words were very fitting.
In the 1960s, Anka would begin acting in motion pictures as well as writing songs for them, most notably the theme for the hit movie The Longest Day. From his movie work, he wrote and recorded his monster hit, Lonely Boy. He then went on to become one of the first pop singers to perform at the Las Vegas casinos.
After more than ten years without a hit record, in 1974 he teamed up with Odia Coates to record the number 1 hit, Having My Baby. They would record two more duets that both made it into the Top 10. In 1975, he wrote a jingle for Kodak called The Times of Your Life. The jingle became so popular, he recorded it as a full song, The Times of Your Life, and it became a hit a year later.
By the 1970s, Anka's career centered around adult contemporary and big-band standards, played regularly in Las Vegas. On September 6, 1990, he became a naturalized citizen of the United States. He returned to his home town to buy a part of the Ottawa Senators hockey team.
In 1999 he visited Lebanon for sell-out performances at the Forum de Beyrouth (The Beirut Forum).
Paul Anka was elected to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1980. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6840 Hollywood Blvd. In 1991, the Government of France honored him with the title "Chevalier in the Order of Arts and Letters". He was appointed an officer of the Order of Canada in 2005.
On the WB show Gilmore Girls, Lorelai named her new dog Paul Anka. He also made a guest appearance as himself in the episode "The Real Paul Anka", which aired April 11, 2006.
Paul Anka recently did a live session on Live @ The Orange Lounge playing songs from his new cover-CD Rock Swings.
Notable rap artist Jay-Z featured his vocals on the track I Did it my Way on The Blueprint 2: The Gift & the Curse in 2002.
He became infamous amongst musicians (and more recently to internet users) for a mid-70's after-show tirade which was secretly recorded by a "snake we later fired" (Anka: Fresh Air interview). The diatribe, in which Anka berates his crew and band members, has spawned a number of in-joke references and quotations, the main ones being: "The guys get shirts", "Where's Joe?", and "Slice like a hammer."
Do I Love You
Paul Anka Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As the mighty river flows
As the meadow gaily plays
With the wind on summer days
Bout as deep as deep can go
From the canyons to the sky
Like a mother as she cares
For the baby that she bears
Do I love you? Don't you know by now?
Do I love you? Must I show you how?
Do I love you? Must I always say?
Do I love you? Yes in every way!
About a s sacred as a hymn
And a Bible full of prayers
From a whisper, to a roar
Very much and even more
And I shall show it with my eyes
And share it with the night
If in death the good Lord is kind
You'll be the last thing on my mind
Do I love you? Don't you know by now?
Do I love you? Must I show you how?
Do I love you? Must do I have to say?
Do I love you? Yes in every way!
Do I love you? You should know by now.
Do I love you? Must I show you how?
Do I love you? Do I have to say?
Do I love you? Yes in every way!
Do I love you?
You should know by now.
Do I love you?
The lyrics to Paul Anka's song "Do I Love You" express the depth and intensity of the singer's love for someone. The opening lines reference natural elements such as rivers and meadows, suggesting that the love is as natural and unchanging as the world around them. The metaphor of a mother caring for her child also emphasizes the deep level of care and affection the singer feels.
The chorus repeatedly asks the question "Do I love you?" but it becomes clear that this is a rhetorical question because the singer goes on to assert their love in multiple ways: through their actions, through their eyes, and even in death. The second verse continues the religious imagery with references to a hymn and the Bible, further emphasizing the sacredness of this love.
Overall, the lyrics of "Do I Love You" convey a sense of unwavering devotion and commitment, with the singer expressing their love both in words and in actions.
Line by Line Meaning
Beyond the shadow of a doubt
With absolute certainty, without any lingering questions.
As the mighty river flows
Like the powerful, unstoppable movement of a great river.
As the meadow gaily plays
Similar to the joyful, vibrant life found in a blooming meadow.
With the wind on summer days
Just as the gentle breeze refreshes us during warm summer afternoons.
Bout as deep as deep can go
As profound and intense as love can possibly be.
From the canyons to the sky
Encompassing everything, from the depths of canyons to the expanse of the sky.
Like a mother as she cares
Similar to a nurturing mother tending to her child.
For the baby that she bears
Focusing on the unconditional love felt for the child she has brought into the world.
Do I love you? Don't you know by now?
Isn't it clear by this point how profound my feelings for you are?
Do I love you? Must I show you how?
Do my actions need to explicitly demonstrate the love I feel for you?
Do I love you? Must I always say?
Is it necessary for me to repeatedly voice my love for you?
Do I love you? Yes in every way!
Absolutely, my love encompasses every aspect and expression.
About as sacred as a hymn
My love is as revered and significant as a spiritual song.
And a Bible full of prayers
It holds the same level of importance as the sacred texts filled with heartfelt supplications.
From a whisper, to a roar
My feelings range from quiet affection to overwhelming passion.
Very much and even more
My love extends beyond what words can convey.
And I shall show it with my eyes
I will express my love through my gaze and the emotions reflected in my eyes.
And share it with the night
I am willing to reveal my love throughout the quiet hours of the night.
If in death the good Lord is kind
If fate allows, even in death my love will endure.
You'll be the last thing on my mind
You will be the final thought I hold as I leave this world.
Do I love you? Don't you know by now?
Isn't it already apparent the extent of my love for you?
Do I love you? Must I show you how?
Do you need demonstrations to fully grasp my love?
Do I love you? Must I have to say?
Is it necessary for me to articulate my feelings consistently?
Do I love you? Yes in every way!
Indeed, my love manifests in countless forms.
Do I love you? You should know by now.
By now, you should have a clear understanding of my feelings.
Do I love you? Must I show you how?
Is it required for me to illustrate my love in various ways?
Do I love you? Do I have to say?
Is it obligatory for me to verbalize my feelings repeatedly?
Do I love you? Yes in every way!
Absolutely, my love expresses itself in every possible manner.
Do I love you?
The question still stands, despite everything.
You should know by now.
By this stage in our relationship, awareness of my love should be evident.
Do I love you?
Yet again, I'm compelled to affirm my deepest feelings.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sentric Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@moneeb1959
Beyond the shadow of a doubt
As the mighty river flows
As the meadow gaily plays
With the wind on summer days
Bout as deep as deep can go
From the canyons to the sky
Like a mother as she cares
For the baby that she bears
Do I love you? Don't you know by now?
Do I love you? Must I show you how?
Do I love you? Must I always say?
Do I love you? Yes in every way!
About a s sacred as a hymn
And a Bible full of prayers
From a whisper, to a roar
Very much and even more
And I shall show it with my eyes
And share it with the night
If in death the good Lord is kind
You'll be the last thing on my mind
Do I love you? Don't you know by now?
Do I love you? Must I show you how?
Do I love you? Must do I have to say?
Do I love you? Yes in every way!
Do I love you? You should know by now.
Do I love you? Must I show you how?
Do I love you? Do I have to say?
Do I love you? Yes in every way!
Do I love you?
You should know by now.
Do I love you?
@angelakosar1003
I’ve seen Paul perform this live several times. Each performance is perfection. The ability to bring a 1500+ seat arena to pin drop silence hanging on every note and feeling like he’s singing right to you is a rare talent. He conveys so much emotion in his voice, his piano, and the overall arrangement. I’m a forever fan. Thank you for sharing your gift.
@hubertdevillers420
he really is the best singer on hearth since ever ! his live is a good real sweet dream !
@sandigabriele8860
Saw paul last night at flag star westbury music theater on Long Island / perfection!
@cathyk5230
I was born to this song in 1971 ❤ My mom may she rest in peace was Paul Anka's biggest fan
@pbeck7334
Heard this song for first time today. My 80 yr old Dad was listening to it on PBS this afternoon. Mr. Anka was one of my parents' favorite. Tomorrow would have been my Mom's 83rd birthday and their 58th anniversary. Much ❤ to them and Mr. Anka.
@hubertdevillers420
best gift from France (with My Way, 1967-69) DO I LOVE YOU musique written by French teen idol ALAIN CHAMFORT (1971, Le Govic / Pelay).+ very great lyrics / Best regards.
@robstammers7149
Paul you have brought me to uncontrollable tears, a deeply emotional song that just melts me to my core. So beautiful, thank you.
@karenbaumgartner3601
One of the most beautiful love songs I’ve ever heard
@YenneyRossi
🌱🌼 Meravigliosa canzone che hai interpretato in modo stupendo caro Paul Anka TV 🎶✨👍 Eccellente video 👌 Grazie infinite per la condivisione 🙏 Complimenti ed un meritato applauso 👏 Buona giornata 🌞☕🌱🌼🌱 A presto 🇮🇹✔️💙 🤗🌱🌼🌱
@barbarabova3857
Loved your version of "Do I Love You". Have chills running thru my body and soul. Can't stop crying. Paul Anka a true legend with a most beautiful voice. Thank you for all the years of happiness you have brought me with your lovely voice.