Ever catch yourself tapping your foot to The Knack’s iconic “My Sharona”? It’s more than just a catchy tune; it’s a snapshot of youthful infatuation. The song is about Sharona, a real person who caught the songwriter’s eye. With lines like “Ooh, you make my motor run,” the song perfectly captures that restless, almost obsessive feeling that comes with young love. It also hints at the tension between destiny and choice, asking whether love is a matter of time or a game of the mind. Overall, “My Sharona” is a musical journey through the intricacies and agonies of desire and youthful energy.
Tempted to know the story behind the song that once ruled the airwaves? Stay tuned as we break down the lyrics and the untold tale behind The Knack’s “My Sharona.”
“My Sharona” Lyrics Meaning
“Ooh, my little pretty one, pretty one. When you gonna give me some time, Sharona?” Here, the sense of urgency and yearning sets the stage. You get the vibe of someone who’s impatient, almost craving attention.
“Ooh, you make my motor run, my motor run. Gun it coming off of the line, Sharona.” Now, here’s where it’s more than just about attention. The “motor run” part? That’s the heart racing, the adrenaline flowing; it’s lust and infatuation rolled into one.
And then, “Never gonna stop, give it up, such a dirty mind. I always get it up for the touch of the younger kind.” The restless nature of youth is evident here, the idea of ‘never gonna stop’ taps into that limitless energy. The phrase “such a dirty mind” echoes the edginess and rebellious streak often linked with youth. The idea of being attracted to the “younger kind” adds another layer to this youthful obsession, perhaps teetering on the edge of taboo.
As the song progresses, “Come a little closer, huh, ah, will ya, huh? Close enough to look in my eyes, Sharona.” There’s a sense of intimacy hinted at here. It’s more than just a physical attraction; it’s a desire to connect on a deeper level.
“When you gonna give to me, g-g-give to me? Is it just a matter of time, Sharona?” This part amplifies the tension between destiny and choice. It raises the question without asking it—Is love a matter of time or just a trick of the mind?
The Story Behind “My Sharona”
The song was written by Doug Fieger and Berton Averre, members of The Knack. Fieger was deeply infatuated with a woman named Sharona Alperin, and guess what? She was a real person, not just a muse. Fieger met Sharona when she was just 17, and he was 25. The song captures the magnetic pull he felt toward her, full of both the impatience and the excitement that characterize young love.
During the time when “My Sharona” was written, The Knack was relatively new on the music scene. Fieger and Averre were grappling with the challenges that come with breaking into the industry, balancing professional aspirations with personal passions. Writing this song was almost like a release of that pent-up youthful energy, as well as a tribute to the object of Fieger’s infatuation.
In a sense, the song became a self-fulfilling prophecy. Once it became a hit, Sharona Alperin, the song’s inspiration, and Fieger did indeed have a relationship. However, the relationship didn’t last, much like the fleeting feelings the song encapsulates.
“My Sharona” is not just a catchy tune; it’s a lyrical time capsule. It captures the essence of youthful desire, the kind that makes your heart race and your mind wander. It reminds us of the exhilarating, sometimes confusing feelings of infatuation that we’ve all felt at one point or another. After all, who hasn’t had their own “Sharona”?