About the song
The Ronettes’ version of “Chapel of Love” might be the most famous, but it has a twisty backstory:
- Songwriters: Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, a recently married couple, wrote it in 1963. The theme of marriage was fresh in their minds.
- First Recording: Darlene Love recorded it first with Phil Spector as co-writer and producer, but Spector wasn’t happy.
- The Ronettes’ Turn: Spector intended it for the Ronettes, but their version also didn’t meet his approval.
- Surprise Success: The song ended up with The Dixie Cups, a different girl group, becoming a #1 hit in 1964.
Themes in “Chapel of Love”
While the song doesn’t have the deepest lyrics, it captures the joyful anticipation of a wedding day:
- Excitement and Happiness: The narrator is thrilled to be getting married and spending their life with their love.
- Commitment and Security: The “chapel of love” signifies the couple’s commitment and the end of loneliness.
- Celebration: The upbeat tempo and call-and-response vocals create a celebratory atmosphere.
Even though it’s a simple theme, “Chapel of Love” became a classic because it perfectly captures the joyous emotions of a wedding day.
Here’s an additional point to consider:
- Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound”: While not the original version, The Ronettes’ recording eventually featured Spector’s signature production style, the “Wall of Sound,” with layered instruments and vocals creating a dramatic and dense sound.
Video
Lyrics
He’s goin’ to the chapel and we’re gonna get marriedGoin’ to the chapel and we’re gonna get marriedGee, I really love you and we’re gonna get marriedGoin’ to the chapel of love
Spring is here, the sky is blue (whoa, oh-oh)Birds, they all sing like they knewToday’s the day we’ll say, “I do” (we’ll say, “I do”)And we’ll never be lonely anymore
Bells will ring, the sun will shineI’ll be his and he’ll be mineWe’ll love until the end of timeAnd we’ll never be lonely anymore
Goin’ to the chapel and we’re gonna get marriedGoin’ to the chapel and we’re gonna get marriedGee, I really love you and we’re gonna get marriedGoin’ to the chapel of love
Goin’ to the chapel, and we’re going to get marriedGoin’ to the chapel, and we’re going to get marriedGee, I really love you and we’re going to get marriedGoin’ to the chapel of love (yeah, yeah)
Goin’ to the chapel of love (yeah, yeah)Goin’