Heaven Only Knows
The Shangri-Las Lyrics


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I dream about you all the time, yes I do
And I can't sleep at night
(Heaven only Knows, mm hmm)
I dream about makin' you mine, yes I do
And of holding you tight
(Heaven only knows, mm hmm)

I've never been sure 'bout a boy before
But I want you to know...(Heaven only Knows, mm hmm)
Given you my heart and my soul and my love
Cause I trust you so
(Heaven only Knows, mm hmm)

Heaven only knows that I want you Baby
Everytime I see you it drives me crazy
You're the only boy that my heart wants to know
Whoah yeah

Tell me what you want and I'll do it for you
Baby let me show you that I adore you
Baby let me go everywhere you go
Whoah yeah

Never been sure 'bout a boy before
But I want you to know...(Heaven only Knows, mm hmm)
Given you my heart and my soul and my love
Cause I trust you so
(Heaven only Knows, mm hmm)





Heaven only knows that I want you (Baby)
Heaven only knows that I need you (Baby)

Overall Meaning

The Shangri-Las's song "Heaven Only Knows" is a poignant declaration of love and longing. The lyrics express the singer's intense desire for her beloved, whom she dreams about frequently, and her willingness to give her all to this person. The opening lines create a sense of yearning and restlessness, as the singer confesses that she can't sleep at night due to her obsessive thoughts. The phrase "Heaven only knows" is used repeatedly throughout the song, emphasizing the uncertainty and complexity of human emotions.


The singer's uncertainty is further underscored by the repetition of the phrase "I've never been sure 'bout a boy before." Despite her lack of experience, however, she is willing to risk everything for her beloved. The lines "Given you my heart and my soul and my love/Cause I trust you so" express her deep commitment and trust.


The chorus, with its upbeat rhythm and catchy melody, is a great contrast to the emotional weight of the verses. The use of the word "baby" throughout the chorus is a nod to the youthfulness and innocence of the song's subject matter.


Overall, "Heaven Only Knows" is a classic example of The Shangri-Las's ability to convey raw emotion through their music, and a testament to the timeless appeal of teenage love.


Line by Line Meaning

I dream about you all the time, yes I do
I constantly daydream about you


And I can't sleep at night
My thoughts about you keep me up at night


(Heaven only Knows, mm hmm)
It's beyond my understanding


I dream about makin' you mine, yes I do
I fantasize about being in a relationship with you


And of holding you tight
I long to hold you in my arms


I've never been sure 'bout a boy before
I've never been certain about a romantic relationship with a boy


But I want you to know...(Heaven only Knows, mm hmm)
But I need you to understand, even if I don't fully comprehend it myself


Given you my heart and my soul and my love
I've offered you all of myself, my emotions and feelings


Cause I trust you so
Because I have utmost faith in you


Heaven only knows that I want you Baby
I want you more than anything, heaven only knows


Everytime I see you it drives me crazy
Seeing you fills me with intense emotions


You're the only boy that my heart wants to know
My heart desires only you


Tell me what you want and I'll do it for you
Just tell me what you need and I'll do anything for you


Baby let me show you that I adore you
Let me express how much I love you


Baby let me go everywhere you go
I want to be with you all the time


Heaven only knows that I want you (Baby)
All I know is that I want you, nothing else matters


Heaven only knows that I need you (Baby)
I need you in my life more than anything, beyond any comprehension




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ELLIE GREENWICH, JEFF BARRY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@jamesbrent2504

The music world sustained a tremendous loss with the passing of Mary Weiss on 1-19-2024. A fabulous lead singer and solo artist. Saw her perform in Atlanta back in 2008. R.I.P.

@somchitrwright6749

I have this single on Red Bird records. Love you Mary ! We will miss you. Now that you are in heaven. The “bad” girl is an angel now.

@crapstermcduck6593

RIP Mary Weiss

@ailurophile17

I have a 20 year old college student of mine who lately has become enamoured of "girl groups." He asked me for some recommendations that aren't too obvious and I came here first. I've loved this song for 55 years now and it sounds as good in 2020 as it did in 1965!

@alonsoc7672

nunca había escuchado o leído el término "enamoured" , pero lo entiendo, sé que nace del latin. saludos, gran y bella anécdota contada en 3 parrafos, sería un placer que mis hermanos y yo fuésemos tus alumnos y compartir esta gran música, saludos desde la bella ciudad de los aztecas.

@boomerreb4997

It sounds great in 2024 as well! Can't believe it was a B side.

@michaelnicholson5648

One of those groups that I would buy their records even if I hadn't heard it. Marvelous!

@michaelnicholson5648

Me too❤

@michaelparanormal

How can music get any better than this!!!!!!

@theoutsider4066

Incredible vocal harmony ….. the finest, but very sadly much under rated group of their time.

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