About the song
“Lightnin’ Strikes,” a song penned by Lou Christie and Twyla Herbert, became a defining hit of 1966 and remains a quintessential example of mid-60s pop. Recorded by Christie for the MGM label, the track made a notable impact on the music charts across several countries. Its infectious melody and memorable lyrics captured the public’s imagination, propelling it to the top of the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart in January 1966 and subsequently reaching No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in February of the same year. The song also enjoyed international success, peaking at No. 3 on the New Zealand Listener chart and No. 11 on the UK Record Retailer chart. Its commercial success was solidified with RIAA gold certification on March 3, 1966, for selling over one million copies.
“Lightnin’ Strikes” was produced, arranged, and conducted by Charles Calello, who brought a polished, orchestrated sound to the track. The recording session, held on September 3, 1965, featured a talented roster of musicians. Backing vocals were provided by Bernadette Carroll, Peggy Santiglia, and Denise Ferri of The Delicates, adding depth and harmony to the song. The instrumental arrangement included Joe Farrell and George Young on baritone saxophones, Ray DeSio on trombone, and Stan Free on piano. The bass line was delivered by Lou Mauro, while the guitar work featured contributions from Charlie Macy, Ralph Casale, and Vinnie Bell. Notably, Ralph Casale’s “stuttering” guitar solo was an overdub that added a distinctive touch to the song’s sound.
The song’s catchy rhythm and Christie’s compelling vocal performance combined to make “Lightnin’ Strikes” an enduring classic. Its success on the charts and its continued popularity demonstrate the timeless appeal of its composition and production. The song remains a celebrated part of Lou Christie’s musical legacy and an iconic representation of the vibrant pop sound of the 1960s.
Video
Lyrics
Listen to me, baby, you gotta understand (ma-me-aah, ooh)
You’re old enough to know the makings of a man (ma-me-aah, ooh)
Listen to me, baby, it’s hard to settle down (ma-me-aah, ooh)
Am I asking too much for you to stick around (ma-me-aah, ooh)
Every boy wants a girl
He can trust to the very end
Baby, that’s you
Won’t you wait but ’til then?
When I see lips beggin’ to be kissed (stop)
I can’t stop (stop) I can’t stop myself (stop, stop)
Lightning is striking again
Lightning is striking again
Nature’s takin’ over my one-track mind (ma-me-aah, ooh)
Believe it or not, you’re in my heart all the time (ma-me-aah, ooh)
All the girls are sayin’ that you’ll end up a fool (ma-me-aah, ooh)
For the time being, baby, live by my rules (ma-me-aah, ooh)
When I settle down
I want one baby on my mind
Forgive and forget
And I’ll make up for all lost time
If she’s put together fine and she’s readin’ my mind (stop)
I can’t stop (stop) I can’t stop myself (stop, stop)
Lightning is striking again
Lightning is striking again and again and again and again
Lightning is striking again
Lightning is striking again
There’s a chapel in the pines
Waiting for us around the bend
Picture in your mind
Love forever, but ’til then
If she gives me a sign that she wants to make time (stop)
I can’t stop (stop) I can’t stop myself (stop, stop)
Lightning is striking again
Lightning is striking again and again and again and again
Lightning is striking again and again and again and again