The Love Story Behind “My Sharona”: Doug Fieger’s Inspiration
Released in 1979, “My Sharona” by The Knack became an instant rock classic and one of the most iconic songs of the late ’70s. Known for its infectious riff and catchy beat, the song skyrocketed to the top of the charts and quickly became a staple of rock radio. While its energetic, rebellious sound made it a hit, the true story behind “My Sharona” lies in the love and obsession that inspired the song. Doug Fieger, the band’s lead singer and songwriter, poured his emotions into this track, creating one of the most memorable songs in rock history.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the love story behind “My Sharona” and how a real-life crush turned into a legendary anthem.
The Inspiration: Sharona Alperin
The woman behind “My Sharona” was Sharona Alperin, a teenager who caught the eye of Doug Fieger. At the time, Fieger was 25 years old, and Sharona was just 17 when they met in Los Angeles. Sharona was a high school student when she became the muse for Fieger’s hit song. They were introduced at a clothing store in the city, where she was working, and it didn’t take long for Fieger to become infatuated with her.
In interviews, Fieger has openly admitted that “My Sharona” was written about Alperin, describing her as the perfect muse for a song filled with youthful lust, passion, and infatuation. The intense feelings Fieger had for Sharona were evident in the lyrics, which convey a sense of obsession and desire.
The Lyrics: Obsession and Desire
“My Sharona” is a quintessential rock song about the intensity of a crush, capturing the fervor and excitement of falling for someone with unbridled passion. The song’s lyrics reflect a heady mixture of infatuation and longing, with Fieger singing about being unable to resist his feelings for Sharona.
The opening line, “Ooh my little pretty one, pretty one
When you gonna give me some time, Sharona?” sets the tone for the song, expressing a sense of impatience and desire. The repetitive refrain of “My Sharona” throughout the track gives the song a sense of obsession, as Fieger is fixated on Sharona, unable to think of anything else.
The lyrics also express the thrill and anticipation of a young crush:
“Never gonna stop, give it up
Such a dirty mind
I always get it up for the touch of the younger kind”
Here, Fieger’s words convey the energy and excitement of being consumed by a crush, even to the point of obsession. The combination of raw desire and youthful exuberance is part of what makes “My Sharona” so enduring. It speaks to the feelings we all have when we’re infatuated with someone, especially when we’re young and experiencing love or lust for the first time.
The Catchy Sound: Rock & Roll Energy
While the song’s lyrics are driven by passion and obsession, its musical composition is what made “My Sharona” such an unforgettable hit. The song features a punchy, irresistible guitar riff that propels it forward and hooks listeners from the very first note. The catchy, upbeat rhythm and driving beat perfectly match the song’s theme of youthful energy and excitement.
The production style of “My Sharona” has also been credited with contributing to its success. The Knack, under the production guidance of Mike Chapman, gave the song a polished, yet raw sound that captured the spirit of late ’70s rock. The riff is instantly recognizable, and the fast-paced tempo, combined with the straightforward, no-frills arrangement, made it a perfect fit for rock radio.
Sharona Alperin’s Reaction to the Song
When Fieger wrote “My Sharona,” he was deeply infatuated with her, but what’s interesting is that Sharona Alperin herself wasn’t initially aware of how strongly Fieger felt. While she was flattered by the attention, she didn’t immediately realize she was the inspiration behind the song.
However, once the song became a massive hit and it was revealed that it was written about her, Sharona’s life was forever changed. Alperin later spoke about how surreal it was to hear the song on the radio and how it became a part of her identity. She also mentioned that she didn’t have a romantic relationship with Fieger at the time the song was written, although they remained close friends.
In interviews, Sharona has described her reaction to the song as a mix of pride and amusement. It was a strange feeling, knowing that she was the subject of a song that became a cultural phenomenon, but also one that highlighted the kind of youthful obsession that was not always flattering. Despite this, Sharona has remained supportive of the song and its place in rock history.
The Success of “My Sharona”
Upon its release, “My Sharona” became an immediate smash hit. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed at the top for six weeks, making it one of the most successful rock songs of the 1970s. It was also a hit on international charts, and its impact was felt across the music world.
The Knack was often compared to The Beatles in the media because of their energetic, pop-rock style, and “My Sharona” was considered their breakthrough track. The song not only launched the band’s career but also cemented its place in pop culture. The song’s infectious riff and catchy chorus became synonymous with the late ’70s rock scene.
The Legacy of “My Sharona”
Decades later, “My Sharona” continues to be one of the most recognizable songs in rock history. The song remains a staple on classic rock radio stations, and its popularity has endured across generations. It’s often featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials, further solidifying its status as a timeless anthem.
The legacy of “My Sharona” is also a testament to the power of youth, infatuation, and the intensity of a first crush. The song captures the essence of being young and in love — or at least obsessed — in a way that’s both relatable and universal. The raw energy and excitement in Fieger’s performance give the song a feeling of immediacy, making it feel as fresh today as it did when it was first released.
Conclusion
The love story behind “My Sharona” is a captivating tale of youthful infatuation and musical inspiration. Doug Fieger’s obsession with Sharona Alperin turned into one of the most famous rock songs of all time, capturing the intensity and excitement of a first crush. The song’s catchy beat, energetic guitar riff, and Fieger’s passionate delivery make it an unforgettable anthem that continues to resonate with fans around the world.
While Sharona Alperin may not have known the full extent of Fieger’s feelings when the song was written, “My Sharona” became a lasting symbol of love, desire, and the thrills of youth. Today, the song remains a classic rock staple, reminding us of the enduring power of love stories — both real and imagined — and the way they can inspire some of the most iconic music of all time.
Lyrics: My Sharona
Hoo, my little pretty one, my pretty one
When you gonna give me some time, Sharona?
Hoo, you make my motor run, my motor run
Gun it comin’ off of the line, SharonaNever gonna stop, give it up, such a dirty mind
I always get it up for the touch of the younger kind
My, my, my, aye-aye, woo!M-m-m-my Sharona
Come a little closer, huh, a-will ya, huh?
Close enough to look in my eyes, Sharona
Keepin’ it a mystery, it gets to me
Runnin’ down the length of my thigh, SharonaNever gonna stop, give it up, such a dirty mind
I always get it up for the touch of the younger kind
My, my, my, aye-aye, woo!M-m-m-my Sharona
M-m-m-my Sharona (Yeah!)When you gonna give to me, g-give to me
Is it just a matter of time, Sharona?
Is it d-d-destiny, d-destiny
Or is it just a game in my mind, Sharona?Never gonna stop, give it up, such a dirty mind
I always get it up for the touch of the younger kind
My, my, my, aye-aye, woo!
M-m-m-m-m-m-m-my, my, my, aye-aye, woo!M-m-m-my Sharona
M-m-m-my Sharona
M-m-m-my Sharona
M-m-m-my SharonaHoooooo-ohhh, my Sharona
Hoooooo-ohhh, my Sharona
Hoooooo-ohhh, my Sharona
