Buddy Holly

Lyrics

[Intro]
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)

[Chorus]
I'm a-going to tell you how it's going to be
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
You're gonna give your love to me
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
I want to love you night and day
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
You know my love will not fade away
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
A-well, you know my love will not fade away
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)

[Bridge]
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)

[Verse]
My love a-bigger than a Cadillac
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
I try to show it and you drive a-me back
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
Your love for me got to be real
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
For you to know just how I feel
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
A love for real, not fade away
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
[Bridge]
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)

[Chorus]
I'm a-going to tell you how it's going to be
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
You're gonna give your love to me
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
I want to love you night and day
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
You know my love will not fade away
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
A-well, you know my love will not fade away
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)

[Outro]
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)
(Ooo-bop, wop-bop-bop)

Not Fade Away is a classic rock and roll song that was originally written and performed by Buddy Holly in 1957. The song has since been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Rolling Stones, who had a hit with their cover in 1964. It remains a beloved and iconic song in the genre, known for its upbeat tempo and catchy beat.

About Not Fade Away

The song opens with a driving drum beat, played on a tom-tom with brushes, followed by Holly’s distinctive, almost hiccup-like vocal style. The lyrics are simple and repetitive, with the chorus consisting of the refrain “my love is bigger than a Cadillac,” and the famous lines “I wanna tell you how it’s gonna be, you’re gonna give your love to me.”

Not Fade Away is driven by a strong rhythm and blues influence, with Holly's guitar work featuring a rolling, hypnotic riff - initially inspired by the work of bluesman Bo Diddley - that serves to propel the song forward. This riff has subsequently been frequently imitated and borrowed by other artists, with some referring to it as ‘The Bo Diddley Beat’.

The song was released as the B-side to Holly’s hit single, ‘Oh Boy!’ in 1957 but has since come to stand on its own as one of the defining songs of the rock and roll era. It has been included on numerous compilations of Holly’s work, as well as on dozens of ‘best of’ lists from a variety of rock and roll and pop culture publications.

Buddy Holly’s version of Not Fade Away helped inspire countless artists and groups that followed in his footsteps, including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. In particular, the Stones’ cover of the song, released in 1964, propelled it to even greater heights of popularity and cultural relevance. Mick Jagger’s vocals, combined with the band’s signature tight and raw sound, make for an unforgettable rendition of the classic tune.

Not Fade Away has become a staple of any classic rock or oldies radio station, and for good reason. Its irresistible beat and catchy melody continue to capture the attention of new listeners, ensuring that the song will never truly fade away.

Perplexity and Burstiness

While the lyrics to Not Fade Away are fairly simple and repetitive, the song’s unique sound and infectious beat make it anything but boring. The rolling riff and driving drum beat are immediately recognizable to anyone who has ever heard the song, while the interplay between Holly’s vocals and guitar work shows a deep understanding and appreciation for rhythm and blues music.

This combination of simplicity and complexity has led to the song’s enduring appeal, making it a favorite among music fans of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock or simply appreciate a great pop song, there’s something about Not Fade Away that speaks to the listener and keeps them coming back for more.

In terms of burstiness, Not Fade Away has certainly had its fair share of moments in the spotlight. From Holly’s original recording to the Stones’ version, which helped cement the song’s place in the rock and roll canon, to countless other covers and homages over the years, the song has remained a cultural touchstone and a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll music.

Wrapping Up

Not Fade Away is a classic rock and roll song that has stood the test of time and remains a beloved fan favorite to this day. Its simple but driving melody, combined with Holly’s unique vocal style and iconic guitar riff, have made it one of the defining songs of the genre, inspiring countless artists and groups over the years and continuing to capture the hearts and minds of new listeners with each passing year.

• Release Date: October 27, 1957
• Artist: Buddy Holly