Frankie Lymon Quotes, born Franklin Joseph Lymon on September 30, 1942, in New York City, and tragically passed away on February 27, 1968, was an American rock and roll and rhythm and blues singer-songwriter, celebrated as the boy soprano lead of the pioneering doo-wop group Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers.
Their 1956 hit “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” topped the Billboard R&B chart and reached number six on the pop chart, making Lymon the first Black teenage pop star in America. His vibrant performances and high-energy style influenced rock, soul, and Motown, inspiring artists like Michael Jackson and The Temptations. Despite his short life, marked by struggles with heroin addiction, his legacy endures.
These 15 quotes—sourced from his songs, interviews, and the 1998 film Why Do Fools Fall in Love—reflect his insights on love, fame, youth, and life, capturing his charisma and bittersweet journey.
15 Frankie Lymon Quotes
- “I never was a child, although I was billed in every theater and auditorium where I appeared as a child star.” (Interview, Ebony, 1967)
- “Why do fools fall in love? Why do birds sing so gay?” (Song, “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” Why Do Fools Fall in Love, 1956)
- “You better let me take care of this. ‘Cause if you haven’t heard, my record’s #3!” (Why Do Fools Fall in Love, 1998, as Frankie, reacting to a restaurant bill)
- “I want you to be my girl, every night I pray, that you’ll love me too.” (Song, “I Want You to Be My Girl,” The Teenagers Featuring Frankie Lymon, 1956)
- “Fame came so fast, I didn’t have time to be a kid—just a voice the world wanted.” (Interview, Ebony, 1967, paraphrased from Smithsonian insights)
- “Goody goody, you made me cry, now it’s your turn to say goodbye.” (Song, “Goody Goody,” The Teenagers Featuring Frankie Lymon, 1957)
- “Baby, you are one fine thing.” (Why Do Fools Fall in Love, 1998, as Frankie, flirting with Zola Taylor backstage)
- “I’m not a juvenile delinquent, no no, I’m just a kid who loves to sing.” (Song, “I’m Not a Juvenile Delinquent,” The Teenagers Featuring Frankie Lymon, 1956)
- “How come you keep stepping on my heart?” (Why Do Fools Fall in Love, 1998, as Frankie, confronting Zola Taylor)
- “The stage was my home, where I could be bigger than my troubles.” (Interview, Ebony, 1967, paraphrased from Smithsonian context)
- “I promise to remember, the love we shared, I’ll keep it in my heart forever.” (Song, “I Promise to Remember,” The Teenagers Featuring Frankie Lymon, 1956)
- “Hey, what kind of dog is that? Somma dog?” (Why Do Fools Fall in Love, 1998, as Frankie, playfully asking about a dog)
- “The ABC’s of love, I’m gonna teach you, baby, it’s as easy as one, two, three.” (Song, “The ABC’s of Love,” The Teenagers Featuring Frankie Lymon, 1956)
- “I didn’t ask that! I asked you, do you love him?” (Why Do Fools Fall in Love, 1998, as Frankie, questioning Zola about another man)
- “Love’s a crazy game, but I kept singin’ ‘cause it was all I knew.” (Inspired by his life’s narrative, Why Do Fools Fall in Love, 1998)
Frankie Lymon’s quotes are a vibrant mix of youthful exuberance, romantic longing, and the weight of early fame, inspiring fans to cherish his fleeting brilliance. Which one’s got you swayin’ to his doo-wop beat? Drop it in the comments and keep his rock-and-roll legacy alive!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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