About the song
**”Sugar, Sugar”** is a quintessential example of the bubblegum pop genre, captivating audiences with its catchy melody and sweet lyrics. Released on May 24, 1969, as the third single by The Archies—a fictional band created from the Archie Comics universe—this song quickly became a defining hit of the era. Written by Jeff Barry and Andy Kim, and produced by Barry, “Sugar, Sugar” was an immediate success, resonating with listeners through its infectious charm.
The song was first issued on Calendar Records and then re-released on Kirshner Records in July 1969, becoming a massive hit across multiple charts. It topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart, achieving a remarkable four-week run at number one in the US and eight weeks at the top in the UK. Notably, it ended the year as the number one single in both countries, cementing its status as the most successful bubblegum pop single of all time.
The recording of “Sugar, Sugar” was a studio creation, featuring lead vocals by Ron Dante, with backing vocals from Toni Wine and songwriter Andy Kim. The song’s success was propelled by a savvy marketing strategy; Kirshner’s promotion team played the track for radio stations without revealing the band’s name, creating a sense of mystery around the song’s origins. This tactic proved effective, as the song quickly gained traction and became a major hit.
The song’s appeal was further enhanced by its inclusion on The Archies’ second album, *Everything’s Archie*, released in November 1969. It was also creatively marketed through various promotional tie-ins, including being packaged with Post breakfast cereal Super Sugar Crisp.
“Sugar, Sugar” not only dominated the charts but also received critical acclaim. It was certified gold by the RIAA for selling over one million copies and remains a staple of pop music history. The song was honored with a gold disc in the UK and inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006, reflecting its lasting impact and enduring popularity. In addition to its commercial success, “Sugar, Sugar” was ranked 81 on Billboard’s Hot 100 60th Anniversary chart, further highlighting its significance in the annals of music.
With its delightful tune and memorable lyrics, **”Sugar, Sugar”** continues to be celebrated as a hallmark of late-1960s pop culture, representing the peak of the bubblegum pop movement and the whimsical charm of The Archies.
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Lyrics
Sugar
Oh, honey, honey
You are my candy girl
And you got me wanting you
Honey
Oh, sugar, sugar
You are my candy girl
And you got me wanting you
I just can’t believe
The loveliness of loving you
I just can’t believe it’s true
I just can’t believe
The wonder of this feeling, too
I just can’t believe it’s true
Ah, sugar
Oh, honey, honey
You are my candy girl
And you got me wanting you
Oh, honey
Oh, sugar, sugar
You are my candy girl
And you got me f- wanting you
When I kissed you, girl
I knew how sweet a kiss could be
(I know how sweet a kiss can be)
Like the summer sunshine
Pour your sweetness over me
(Pour your sweetness over me)
Oh-oh-oh-oh, sugar
Pour a little sugar on it, honey
Pour a little sugar on it, baby
Make your life so sweet, yeah, yeah, yeah
Pour a little sugar on it, oh yeah
Pour a little sugar on it, honey
Pour a little sugar on it, baby
I’m gonna make your life so sweet, yeah, yeah, yeah
Pour a little sugar on it, honey
Ah, sugar
Ah-ah-ah, honey, honey
You are my candy girl
And you got me wanting you
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Honey (honey, sugar, sugar)
Sugar sugar (honey, honey, sugar, sugar)
You are my candy girl