Mark Dinning: „Teen Angel”

„Teen Angel” is a teenage tragedy song written by Jean Dinning (1924-2011) and her husband, Red Surrey, and performed by both Jean’s brother, Mark Dinning, and Alex Murray in 1959. „Teen Angel” was released in October 1959.

The song is about a girl who is out on a ride with her boyfriend. Their car is stalled on a railroad track when he pulls her to safety. But when she runs back, she gets hit by a train. When they find her body, the narrator’s high school class ring is in her hand, apparently the reason that she ran back. The last verse ends with the lyrics: „I’ll never kiss your lips again/ They buried you today.” The final time in the coda asks the Teen Angel to: „Answer me, Please?”

„Teen Angel” lyrics

(Jean Surrey & Red Surrey)
Teen angel, teen angel, teen angel, ooh, ooh

That fateful night the car was stalled
upon the railroad track
I pulled you out and we were safe
but you went running back

Teen angel, can you hear me
Teen angel, can you see me
Are you somewhere up above
And I am still your own true love

What was it you were looking for
that took your life that night
They said they found my high school ring
clutched in your fingers tight

Teen angel, can you hear me
Teen angel, can you see me
Are you somewhere up above
And I am still your own true love

Just sweet sixteen, and now you’re gone
They’ve taken you away.
I’ll never kiss your lips again
They buried you today

Teen angel, can you hear me
Teen angel, can you see me
Are you somewhere up above
And I am still your own true love
Teen angel, teen angel, answer me, please