Paul Anka FanSite

The story of Paul Anka and Diana Ayoub is a singular event in pop music history. Diana Ayoub in the infamous “Diana”, from which the Paul Anka hit gets its name.

In 1956, shortly before Paul would sign with Paramount Records, he had developed an affection for Diana, which inspired him to write the song. “It was the only time I saw Paul blush,” Diana said of Paul’s response to her request to play the song for her. However, she would certainly hear that music several times over the next few years. “Diana” was an absolute smash hit.

The almost unprecendented success of Paul Anka’s tribute to her brought swaths of reporters and photographers to their hometown of Ottawa. “I had reporters waiting for me when I graduated from high school,” Diana recalled, “People were showing up at my house all the time. One time my father found a stepladder rising to my bedroom.” Diana Ayoub now runs Devine Liquidation, a woman’s clothing retailer.

Paul Anka has, of course, gone on to enjoy a massively successful career, writing over 900 songs. “Diana” is available on Paul Anka’s 21 Golden Hits, from RCA records.

Below is Paul Anka’s Diane with lyrics:

Diane’s Lyrics

I’m so young and you’re so old
This, my darling I’ve been told
I don’t care just what they say
‘Cause forever I will pray
You and I will be as free
As the birds up in the trees
Oh, please, stay by me, Diana

Thrills I get when you hold me close
Oh, my darling, you’re the most
I love you but do you love me
Oh Diana, can’t you see
I love you with all my heart
And I hope we will never part
Oh, please, stay with me, Diana

Oh my darlin’, oh my lover
Tell me that there is no other
I love you with my heart
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Only you can take my heart
Only you can tear it apart
When you hold me in your loving arms
I can feel you giving all your charms
Hold me darling, ho-ho-hold me tight
Squeeze me baby with a-all your might
Oh, please, stay by me Diana
Oh, please, Diana
Oh, please, Diana
Oh, please, Diana