It was written by Maurice… Read Full Bio ↴"Little Darlin'" is a popular Top 40 song.
It was written by Maurice Williams with both melody and doo-wop accompaniment strongly emphasizing the clave rhythm. It was first recorded by Excello Records in January 1957 and quickly released as a rhythm-and-blues song by Williams's R&B group The Gladiolas. The song is noted for its spoken recitation by the lead singer. ("Oh Darlin' I need you...").
It was soon covered successfully by The Diamonds, a pop group that had been performing the song as an encore. The Diamonds' version was number two by sales for eight weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was later recorded by Elvis Presley for his final album Moody Blue (1977).
Little Darlin'
The Diamonds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
ya ya ya ya ya ya ah
Little Darlin' Oh Little Darlin'
Oh ,oh,oh where a-are you
My Lover I was wrong-a
To try to love two.
A-hoopa,a-hoopa,hoopa.
Kno-ow well-a,
That my love-a
wa-as just fo-or you
O-only you.
Bridge
(Spoken)
My darlin' I need you
To call my own
and never do wrong
To hold in mine your little hand
I'll know too soon that all is so grand
Please, hold my hand
(Sung)
My-y dear-a
I-Iwas wrong-a
Too-oo-oo try to lo-ove two.
A-hoopa, a-hoopa,hoopa.
Know well-a
That my-ylove-a
wa-as just fo-or you
O-only you
The Diamonds' hit song "Little Darlin'" tells the story of a regretful lover who realizes the error of his ways in trying to love two people at once. The opening lines, "Ah, ya ya ya ya, ya ya ya ya, ya ya ya ya," set a playful and upbeat tone for the song. The lyrics continue with the singer expressing his longing for his "little darling" while admitting his mistake in attempting to divide his affections.
As the song continues, the singer pleads with his lover to forgive him and give him another chance. He vows to be faithful and never do wrong, and he asks her to hold his hand so they can face the future together. Once again, he acknowledges that his lover was always meant to be the only one for him.
The song is a classic example of the doo-wop genre, with its catchy melody, simple harmonies, and playful lyrics. It was released in 1957 and quickly became a hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Over the years, it has remained a beloved classic, appearing in movies, TV shows, and commercials.
Line by Line Meaning
Ah, ya ya ya ya, ya ya ya ya, ya ya ya ya
The singer is expressing excitement and anticipation for what's to come.
Little darling oh little darling
The singer is expressing affection towards someone they care for deeply.
O-oh where a-are you?
The singer is expressing their longing for the person they care for and searching for their whereabouts.
My lover I was wronger
The singer admits their mistake of trying to love someone else while they had feelings for their little darling.
To try to love two
The singer acknowledges that it's difficult and wrong to have feelings for more than one person at the same time.
Ahh uha uha uha uha
The singer is expressing their feelings of sadness and regret.
Knowing well that my lover
The singer is aware that their previous attempt at love was not genuine and true.
Was just for you uh only you
The singer affirms that they have feelings only for their little darling and no one else.
My darling I need you
The singer is expressing their dependency on their little darling and how much they mean to them.
To call my own
The singer wants to possess their little darling and have them all to themselves.
And never do wrong
The singer promises to do everything right and never hurt their little darling.
To hold in mine
The singer desires physical contact with their little darling and wants to hold their hand.
Your little hand
The singer expresses their affection for their little darling's hands and wants to hold it.
I'll know too soon
The singer realizes that time is running out and they need to act fast.
That I'll so pray
The singer will pray and hope for the best for their relationship with their little darling.
Please hold my hand
The singer is pleading with their little darling to hold onto them and stay with them.
My dear I was wronger
The singer admits their mistake once again and apologizes for their past actions.
Knowing well that my lover
The singer is reaffirming their previous statement, acknowledging that their previous lover was not meant to be.
Was just for you
The singer reiterates that their little darling is the only one they have feelings for and no one else.
Uh only you
The singer emphasizes their commitment and loyalty to their little darling and nobody else.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@babylowen
My dad was born in 1943 and when I was a kid in the 90s, he would pick me up from school and as soon as I opened the car door, he BLASTED this song, making sure to sing the first line as loud as he could. I was so embarrassed! But he loved it. He passed in 2017, and now every time I hear this song my eyes are instantly stung with tears. I miss him so much. Wonderful song that I will love forever and tell my kids one day, "hey, this was your grandpa's favorite song"
@julianacoelho3245
So sweet❤️ I enjoyed reading this. I was born in '96 and I just love this song so much.
@asuntosatratar8508
My little darlin you're a diamond..
@jimjoslyn7222
1947
@kulditbeme
In the late 80s , my wife and I was at a laundry mat, I always liked the tune but didn't know the lyrics. I asked her if she knew this one song, all I could think was sounded like," hoopa hoopa hoopa".
I asked if it sounded familiar.
She responded, "I don't know, so far all I've heard is Hoopa Hoopa Hoopa". We both started laughing, the people at the laundry mat smiled at us as a happy young married couple.
@robnbeats2403
Nice
@swelshy
I was born in 1995 ... Wish this music would come back.. i was definitely born in the wrong era
@cjc206mix
You were not born in the wrong generation, this music simply passes the test of time; something not easily done.
@viscountslappy5085
My wife and I are 436 years old. I can't believe you kids are still listening to this music!
@harrycooke6349
Have a great day, if you are listening to this you are, thanks for posting 📫😊