Diana – PAUL ANKA

Introduction

“Diana” is a song written and initially performed by Paul Anka. Anka recorded the song in May 1957 at Don Costa’s studio in New York City. The inspiration for the song came from a girl named Diana Ayoub, whom Anka had met at church and community events and developed a crush on. The recording session included session musicians like George Barnes, Bucky Pizzarelli, Irving Wexler, Jerry Bruno, and Panama Francis. Anka’s original recording reached number 1 on the Billboard “R&B Best Sellers In Stores” chart for two weeks and reached number 2 on the composite “Top 100” chart. It has reportedly sold over nine million copies.

“Diana” also achieved the number 1 position on the UK’s New Musical Express chart, remaining there for nine weeks and selling 1.25 million copies in the UK. After signing with RCA Records, Anka re-recorded “Diana” and many other hits in 1963 for the album “Paul Anka’s 21 Golden Hits.” The song’s success contributed to Anka’s rise as a prominent figure in the music industry.

Video

Lyrics

I’m so young and you’re so old
This, my darling, I’ve been told
I don’t care just what they say
‘Cause forever I will pray
You and I will be as free
As the birds up in the trees

Oh, please stay by me, Diana

Thrills I get when you hold me close
Oh, my darling, you’re the most
I love you but do you love me?
Oh, Diana, can’t you see?
I love you with all my heart
And I hope we will never part

Oh, please stay with me, Diana

Oh, my darlin’, oh, my lover
Tell me that there is no other
I love you with my heart
Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Only you can-a take my heart
Only you can-a tear it apart
When you hold me in your loving arms
I can feel you givin’ all your charms
Hold me, darling, hold me tight
Squeeze me baby with all your might

Oh, please stay with me, Diana

Oh, please, Diana
Oh, please, Diana
Oh, please, Diana