The Diary
Paul Anka & Neil Sedaka Lyrics


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(Ah, ah, ah, ah)
(Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh)

How I'd like to look into that little book
The one that has the lock and key
And know the boy that you care for
The boy who's in your diary
When it's late at night what is the name you write?
Oh, what I'd give if I could see
Am I the boy that you care for?
The boy who's in your diary

Do you recall and make note of all
The little things I say and do?
The name you underline, I'm hoping that it's mine
Darling, I'm so in love with you

Please don't leave me blue, make all my dreams come true
You know how much you mean to me
Say I'm the boy that you care for
The boy who's in your diary

(Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh)




(Whoa-oh-oh-whoo-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)
(Whoo-ooh-ooh-ooh)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Paul Anka and Neil Sedaka’s song “The Diary” speak about a sense of longing to know who the person in the diary cares for. The singer expresses a desire to unlock the little book and discover the boy that she writes about - is it him? The lyrics suggest that this is a secret kept hidden by the girl, something that the singer would cherish knowing late at night. He hopes to be the one she underlines, signifying her true feelings towards him. He pleads with her not to leave him feeling blue, to make his dreams come true and to declare that he is the boy she cares for, the boy who's in her diary.


The song speaks to the theme of curiosity and wanting to know if the person one is interested in feels the same way. It's about hopefulness and the desire to be seen and acknowledged. The diary is a symbol for a secret and hidden world and the person writing in it is making a declaration of her feelings even if only in her private thoughts. The singer tries to get closer to her by asking to see what's inside, but ultimately it's up to her to tell him.


Line by Line Meaning

How I'd like to look into that little book
I really want to know what's in that diary of yours


The one that has the lock and key
I know it's private and personal, but I'm curious anyway


And know the boy that you care for
I want to know who you're in love with


The boy who's in your diary
The person you write about in your diary


When it's late at night what is the name you write?
I wonder who's on your mind when you're alone at night


Oh, what I'd give if I could see
I'd pay anything to see who you're writing about


Am I the boy that you care for?
Am I the guy who's captured your heart?


Do you recall and make note of all
Do you remember every little thing I do and write it down?


The little things I say and do?
The things I do and say that may seem insignificant


The name you underline, I'm hoping that it's mine
I hope that when you write a name, it's mine that you underline


Darling, I'm so in love with you
I'm head over heels for you


Please don't leave me blue, make all my dreams come true
Please don't make me sad, make all my wishes a reality


You know how much you mean to me
You know how much I love you and care for you


Say I'm the boy that you care for
Tell me I'm the one you write about and care for


The boy who's in your diary
The guy who's always on your mind and in your thoughts




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Howard Greenfield, Neil Sedaka

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@ronaldherrera3479

How I'd like to look - into that little book ....
The one that has the lock and key !!
And know the boy that you care .... for
The boy who is in your diary ....

When it's late at night -
What is the name you write ¿¿??
Oh - what I'd give if I could see .....
Am I the boy that you care for?
The boy who is in your diary ......

Do you recall and make note of all ¡¡!!
The little things I say and do -
The name you underline -
I'm hoping that it's mine ....
Darling - !!I'm so in love with you ....

Please don't leave me blue .....
Make all my dreams come true
You know how much you mean to me ¡¡!!

Say I'm the boy that you care for ....
The boy who is in - your ... diary ....



All comments from YouTube:

@kenhatchett7645

My late wife and I first met in 1958 and this song was one of the first we listen to together,great memories.

@napoleonmendoza4502

One of my favorite singers of the 50's

@juliereminiec4937

And early sixties

@WendyKS93

I've always loved Neil Sedaka's music. I grew up listening to it because I loved his voice and he recorded so many wonderful songs. I also know that he often wrote songs for other artists as well. Of all the songs he recorded, this one is my personal favorite. I just love this song.

@colingraham8360

Absolutely wonderful as are all his songs ,a great singer too and very attractive. Verity 1960

@ma.victoriavargas4268

My Papa sings this to me when I was around 4 or 5. Now he's passed away, our songs comfort me. But I still really miss him everyday.

I love you so much, Papa.

@venteaven

Listening today. Wanna go back during 90s when i was born. Played during afternoon. Memories with my grannys.

@patmillspaugh5176

He’s fantastic! Love this song!!

@reyza9240

My mom used to played this songs when i was about 4-7 years old, now i can speak English because of him, thank you ma love you 😘

@AloysiusEmanuel-.-

Powerful voice has this singer. The 50's were a romantic time, the songs sound so artificial today! Bravo, Neil Sedaka!

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