Neil Sedaka – Oh! Carol

 Neil Sedaka’s infectious and dramatic ballad, “Oh! Carol”, takes us back to a simpler time in pop music – the late 1950s. This song, released in 1959, wasn’t just a catchy tune that rocketed to the top of the charts, it marked the arrival of a new songwriting talent and a distinct doo-wop influenced sound.

Sedaka, a classically trained pianist from Brooklyn, had already been composing for several years. However, “Oh! Carol” was his first major success as a performer. The story behind the song adds another layer of intrigue. While details can be debated, it’s widely believed that Carol Klein, a high school classmate and songwriting partner of Sedaka’s, served as the inspiration. Klein, however, had already married lyricist Gerry Goffin by the time the song was written. Adding another twist, Goffin would later collaborate with his wife to write a playful response song titled “Oh! Neil”.

Let’s delve into the song itself. The opening piano chords set the stage for a tale of adolescent heartbreak. Sedaka’s powerful vocals, both pleading and vulnerable, immediately grab the listener’s attention. The lyrics paint a picture of a young man hopelessly devoted to Carol. He acknowledges her potential cruelty – “you treat me cruel, you hurt me and you make me cry” – but his love is so strong that the thought of losing her is unbearable – “but if you leave me I will surely die.” This desperate declaration is a hallmark of the teenage love song, a theme that would resonate with countless young listeners in the late 50s.

However, “Oh! Carol” offers more than just teenage angst. The doo-wop backing vocals, a signature sound of the era, add a layer of sweetness and youthful energy. The call and response pattern between Sedaka’s lead and the backing vocals creates a sense of urgency and emotional intensity. The song’s structure, with its clear verse-chorus format and memorable bridge, is both catchy and sophisticated. Sedaka’s classically trained background shines through in the piano flourishes and chord progressions, elevating the song beyond a simple pop tune.

The impact of “Oh! Carol” was undeniable. It reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, launching Sedaka’s career as a teen idol and pop star. The song’s influence can be heard in countless artists who followed, including Paul McCartney, who has cited it as an inspiration. “Oh! Carol” remains a timeless classic, a testament to the power of teenage love songs and the enduring talent of Neil Sedaka.

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Lyrics

“Oh! Carol”