About The Song
Background
- Songwriters: Roger Greenaway and Roger Cook, a prolific British songwriting duo responsible for numerous hits in the 1960s and 70s.
- Year Released: 1974
- Album: Love Games
- Lead Singer: Johnny Moore
- Interesting Fact: According to songwriter Roger Greenaway, he had to convince Johnny Moore to record the song. Moore initially felt awkward about singing lyrics like “When I pick her up at school” due to his age. Greenaway assured him that fans wouldn’t find the lyrics problematic and that the song would be a hit.
Themes
- Teenage Romance: The song is a nostalgic look back at the innocent thrills of young love, sneaking kisses, and the excitement of going to the movies.
- Puppy Love Intensity: The lyrics portray youthful infatuation where the couple believes their love will last forever.
- Nostalgia: The song evokes a sense of wistful nostalgia for simpler times and the pure joy of young romance.
Lyrics Analysis
Here’s a look at some key lyrical passages:
-
“When I pick her up from school, yeah, you know we can’t have too much fun, when the teacher knows where we will go…”
- Sets the scene for a classic teenage date and hints at the need for secrecy.
-
“Kissin’ in the back row of the movies… It ain’t much, but it’s all we got…”
- Emphasizes the simple pleasures of young love and the importance of sharing special moments, even if they aren’t grand.
-
“We stay forever you know, we stay forever you know…”
- This youthful declaration speaks to the overwhelming, all-consuming feeling of first love and the belief that it might last forever.
Overall
“Kissin’ in the Back Row of the Movies” is a sweet, nostalgic tune that captures the carefree spirit of teenage romance. While a bit saccharine for some tastes, it offers a heartwarming and relatable look back at young love. The song’s success proved Roger Greenaway right in his assessment—the simple charm of the song outweighed any concerns over the lyrics’ suitability for an older singer.
Video
Lyric
🎶Let’s sing along with the lyrics!🎤
Your mama says that through the weekYou can’t go out with meBut when the weekend comes aroundShe knows where we will be
Kissin’ in the back rowOf the movies on a Saturday night with youHoldin’ hands together, you and IHoldin’ hands together
Smoochin’ in the back rowOf the movies on a Saturday night with youWe could stay forever, you and IWe could stay forever, you and IHuggin’ and a kissin’ in the back row of the movies
Every night, I pick you up from schoolCause you’re my steady dateBut Monday to the Friday nightI leave you at the gate, yeah
You know, we can’t have too much fun‘Til all your homework’s doneBut when the weekend comesShe knows where we will be, oh
Kissin’ in the back rowOf the movies on a Saturday night with youHoldin’ hands together, you and IHoldin’ hands together, baby
Smoochin’ in the back rowOf the movies on a Saturday night with youWe could stay forever, you and IWe could stay forever, you and IHuggin’ and a kissin’ in the back row of the movies
Oh, I sit at home at night and watch TVI still think of youBut Monday to the Friday nightWe share a joke of two, yeah
You know, they don’t knock on my doorAt the Friday night for sureBut when the weekend comesShe knows where we will be, yeah
Kissin’ in the back rowOf the movies on a Saturday night with youHoldin’ hands together, you and IHoldin’ hands together, baby
Smoochin’ in the back rowOf the movies on a Saturday night with you, yeahWe could stay forever, you and IWe could stay forever, you and IHuggin’ and a kissin’ in the back row of the movies, yeah
Kissin’ in the back rowOf the movies on a Saturday night with youHoldin’ hands together, you and IHoldin’ hands together, baby
Smoochin’ in the back rowOf the movies on a Saturday night with youWhere we could stay forever, you and I