I didn’t know just what to do/
So I whispered I love you.
He said that he loved me too/
And then he kissed me.

“Then He Kissed Me” is a beautifully crafted song performed by The Crystals. The verse leads into the chorus and they sound different but both so memorable. And the bridge is fantastic and fits in well with the rest of the song. This is a standard pop-theme of the 60s, “I love her”, “He kissed me”…the topics were simple but the lyrics still tell a great story: A guy and a girl go to a dance. He walks her home and “I kissed him in a way that I’d never kissed a boy before”. “I didn’t know just what to do…so I whispered I love you”. It is a charming story of young love.

The lead vocals are really good in this song and that is what makes the song. Maybe more so, it is the melody. The song is over-produced—it sounds like they packed in every instrument into the track, but somehow it works. For a slightly different take, check out The Beach Boys version. It is also very good, but they add a few more harmonies.

Then He Kissed Me Lyrics

Well I walked up to her and I asked her if she wanted to dance
She looked awful nice and so I hoped she might take a chance

When we danced I held her tight
Then I walked her home that night
And all the stars were shining bright
And then I kissed her

Each time I saw her I couldn’t wait to see her again
I wanted to let her know that I was more than a friend

I didn’t know just what to do
And so I whispered I love you
And she said that she loved me too
And then I kissed her

I kissed her in a way that I’d never kissed a girl before
I kissed her in a way that I hope she liked for evermore

I knew that she was mine so I gave her all the love that I had
Then one day she’ll take me home to meet her mom and her dad

Then I asked her to be my bride
And always be right by my side
I felt so happy that I almost cried
And then I kissed her
And then I kissed her
And then I kissed her

Songwriters: Jeff Barry / Ellie Greenwich / Phillip Spector

Cheer up sleepy Jean, oh, what can it mean to a/
Daydream believer and a Homecoming queen?

Admittedly, I didn’t hear “Daydream Believer” as top 500 material until I heard Mary Beth Maziarz’ cover of the song. It reminded me of what a beautifully composed song it is. The Monkeys’ version can get in the way with the goofiness. That is not really what I am looking for in a rock/pop song.

The lyrics are simple: a couple that were high-school sweethearts are looking at themselves later in life. Life is mundane and they are poor, but at least they have each other (and she used to be a homecoming queen). How bad can things be?

I think the lyrics of the song are kind of depressing, which makes the Monkey’s version that much weirder. Does a song need to match its lyrics? I think so. It makes for a better song. The melody is classic, which is why it belongs on this list. I think the Maziarz version truly captures the spirit of the song the best.

Daydream Believer Lyrics

Oh, I could hide ‘neath the wings,
Of the bluebird as she sings.
The six o’clock alarm would never ring.
But six rings and I rise,
Wipe the sleep out of my eyes.
My shaving razor’s cold and it stings.

Cheer up, sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean to a
Daydream believer and a
Homecoming queen?

You once thought of me
As a white knight on his steed.
Now you know how happy I can be.
Oh, our good time starts and ends,
Without dollar one spend.
But how much, baby, do we really need?

Cheer up, sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean to a
Daydream believer and a
Homecoming queen?

Cheer up, sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean to a
Daydream believer and a
Homecoming queen?

Cheer up, sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean to a
Daydream believer and a
Homecoming queen?
Cheer up, sleepy Jean.

Oh, what can it mean to a
Daydream believer and a
Homecoming queen?
Cheer up, sleepy Jean.

Songwriters: John Stewart