I bought this single in 1981 and I still have it somewhere. After the opening chord (Abm) is strummed Gary US Bonds kicks into a very good Springsteen penned song. It peaked at #11 on the Billboard 100, #15 in Canada, #43 in the UK, and #11 in New Zealand. It came off the album Dedication.
This song was one of my favorite early 80’s hits. You could easily hear Springsteen singing this as well.
Bruce Springsteen, a big fan of Bonds, played his songs at many of his concerts in the ’70s before and after his rise to stardom. Gary had a #1 hit in 1961 with the song Quarter To Three.
. This was a comeback for Bonds and he was backed by members of the E Street Band and The Asbury Jukes. Bonds influenced Springsteen and Steve Van Zandt musically growing up.
I liked this song the first time I heard it…This bouncy song fit’s Gary’s voice and style perfectly.
Here she comes
Walkin’ down the street
You know she’s walkin’ just like
She’s walkin’ to come and see me
Oh, she’s so young and she’s so fine
I know what’s on your mind
Know what you want to do
But if you mess with her
I’m gonna mess with you
You better watch your step
You better stay in line
This little girl is mine
Oh-oh, this little girl is mine
Oh-oh, this little girl
This little girl
This little girl is mine
Oh-oh, this little girl is mine
Oh-oh, this little girl is mine
Oh-oh, this little girl
This little girl
This little girl is mine
Well, if the world was mine to do with
What I want to do, sir
Well I’d wrap it up in a bow
And give it all to her, yeah
And all my love
All of the time
You know I’d hold her tight
I’d never let her go
And late at night
You know I’d love her so
Yeah, I’d treat her right
So she’d never mind
This little girl is mine
Oh-oh, this little girl is mine
Oh-oh, this little girl
This little girl
This little girl is mine
Oh-oh, this little girl is mine
Oh-oh, this little girl is mine
Oh-oh, this little girl
This little girl
This little girl is mine
Mine, mine, mine
[Instrumental Interlude]
Hey, you better watch out
I’m telling you the score
Are you going to be sweepin’ your
Broken heart up off the floor
Oh, and that ain’t all
I’m telling you my friend
I know what’s on your mind
Know what you wanna do
But if you mess with her
I’m gonna mess with you
You like the way she moves
You like to watch her walk
You better listen up
‘Cause man this ain’t just talk
You better watch yourself
You better stay in line
Now, mister I said
This little girl is mine
Oh-oh, this little girl is mine
This little girl
This little girl
This little girl is mine
Oh-oh, this little girl
This little girl
This little girl is mine
Oh-oh, this little girl
This little girl
This little girl is mine
Oh-oh, this little girl is mine
Oh-oh, this little girl
This little girl
This little girl is mine
Yeah, yeah, yeah
This little girl is mine
Oh-oh, this little girl is mine
Oh-oh this little girl
This little girl
This little girl
She’s mine all mine
Now, this little girl is mine
Oh-oh this little girl is mine
Oh-oh this little girl
This little girl
This little girl is mine, mine, mine, mine
…
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I knew some of his early sixties hits- New Orleans and Quarter to Three – but never knew he had a comeback. I like it, and it is very Springsteen
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There is a lot of energy in this song and the drumming is great. The horns also work well in it.
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One of those forgotten songs of the 80s
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Nice cover of a good tune.
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I like that song a lot! Had the single too back then. Wish oldies radio would rediscover it.
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Gary got a lot of airplay here in Canada. Best middle name ever. lol
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LOL yes it is…he sounds like Springsteen somewhat.
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Or is it the other way around. lol
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You are right!
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Never heard him before, even though I know about the Springsteen associations. Vocally, he’s very similar to Springsteen.
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He really is…It reminds me of Jack White and Loretta Lynn…I like when artists do this.
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Great soulful tune with a cool ’60s vibe! And, yes, I could totally picture Springsteen sing it.
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I really liked this song when it was released, and still do. Nice write-up Max.
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Thank you. I spent the afternoon listening to this one. The small guitar strum part hooked me back in 81 as now. Good rock/pop hit.
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Yes, great guitar work, and the sax is awesome as well.
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I remember this. Catchy tune. He had such a cool name.
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One of my favorite early 80s songs.
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Bruce doing Quarter To Three brought Bonds to me. I then got these records. They’re good. E Streeters backing him up didnt hurt. Bruce was always generous with his music and time.
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Some artists like Bruce looks back and brings the originals to us…I love how they pass it on.
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Never met the guy but I’m sure he’s not a bad dude.
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