Lawrence had success on the record charts in the late 1950s and early 1960s with such hits as "Go Away Little Girl" (U.S. No. 1), "Pretty Blue Eyes" (U.S. No. 9), "Footsteps" (U.S. No. 7), "Portrait of My Love" (U.S. No. 9), and "Party Doll" (U.S. No. 5). "Go Away Little Girl" sold over one million copies and was awarded a Gold record. Much of Lawrence's musical career centered on nightclubs and the musical stage.
Go Away Little Girl
Steve Lawrence Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Go away little girl
I'm not supposed to be alone with you
I know that your lips are sweet
But our lips must never meet
I belong to someone else and I must be true
Go away little girl
It's hurting me more each minute that you delay
When you are near me like this
You're much too hard to resist
So, go away little girl before I beg you to stay
Go away
Please don't stay
It'll never work out when you are near me like this
You're much too hard to resist
So, go away little girl
Call it a day little girl
Oh, Please go away little girl before I beg you to stay
Go away
"Go Away Little Girl" is a song about a man who is in a relationship but becomes tempted by another girl. The man acknowledges the girl's beauty and sweetness, but reminds himself that he must remain loyal to his committed partner. He states his conflicting feelings and asks the girl to leave before he gives in to temptation.
The lyrics of the song focus on the internal struggle the man experiences while trying to maintain his fidelity. He recognizes the attraction and connection he shares with the girl, but also understands that he cannot betray his lover. Through the repetition of "go away little girl," the singer tries to convince the girl to leave before things become too difficult. The song's emotive lyrics and heartfelt delivery make it a classic.
Line by Line Meaning
Go away little girl
Please leave; I cannot be alone with you
Go away little girl
I insist that you depart
I'm not supposed to be alone with you
I am obligated to avoid intimate interaction with you
I know that your lips are sweet
I realize you're alluring
But our lips must never meet
However, we mustn't kiss
I belong to someone else and I must be true
I am committed to another person and should remain faithful to them
Hah, go away little girl
I'm trying to be light-hearted, but please go
It's hurting me more each minute that you delay
Your presence is causing me discomfort
When you are near me like this
Being in your proximity
You're much too hard to resist
You're very tempting, but it's not right
So, go away little girl before I beg you to stay
Please leave before I lose my resolve
Call it a day little girl
Let's call it quits for the day
Oh, Please go away little girl before I beg you to stay
I'm asking you again to leave before I change my mind
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Gerry Goffin, Carole King
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Paul Wilson
Steve Lawrence is my favourite singer. So smooth and his voice is truly unique. Wonderful
Cynthia's Channel
I LOVE THIS SONG!!! So many memories!! I sure was LUCKY to be in the 60's, being in school, going to all the teen clubs, just hanging out!! What a life we had in those day! Thanks for posting a BUNCH of memories Cynthia
Rob Chamberlin
Unfortunately I didn't experience all of this great era of music firsthand. Wish I did. I learned to appreciate it later on and still do.
J S Levenson
This song can get into dark and light thoughts. Better to keep thoughts pure light, peaceful and loving. ❤️
JOLENE Carlisle
This song is so soothing. I have loved it since 1959. As well as Steve's smooth beautiful voice, & Beautiful smile.
John J Smith
No other voice today like Steve Lawrence. With one note you know its Steve Lawrence. He is a great singer and with his wife Eydie Gormé the two of them knocked out the hits in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Both of them were incredible singers in their own right. So glad to have great memories of these two.
Rosemary Picciotti
Love This song reminds me when I was a teenage girl in New York great memories.🌹
maricle100
Isn't it just great? I mean, who would resist singing it and dancing to it at high school dance on friday night? Wonderful words, great singer and most tender meaning. Incredible time when everything seemed right, confortable and neverending. I, for one, believed it so! Miss it, though every time has its highlights. Thanks for uploading and sharing it.
Christine Mortensen
I was 13 years old when I first heard Steve Lawrence sing this song and I am nearly 70, and after a lifetime of listening to Steve Lawrence sing this timeless love song, I love it even more. I also was a BIG fan of the Nanny television series and he was perfect for the role of Morty Fine, Sylvia Fine’s, rarely seen husband. I am planning on downloading his music, as well as Eydie Gormé’s, once I figure out how to do it! Thank you Mr. Lawrence for enriching, not only my life, but so many others lives, with your music and incredible voice! I am deeply sorry for your personal losses. My heart feels for you.
musicandmovieguy55 reviewer
Great hit. Great singer! It's just too bad there is no video/film recording of Steve doing this great number, live. I remember seeing him decades ago in the 60's on Ed Sullivan and was immediately taken by his fabulous voice. What power and projection....and he made it look so easy. You just knew he was going to sell lots of records.....Girls loved him, and guys (some of us, anyway) wanted to be able to sing and look like him.....You could also easily tell that Ed Sullivan himself, thought a lot of him.