Heaven
Recording Artist: Paul Anka
Writers: Jim Vallance
Bryan Adams
Date Written: 1983 / Vancouver Canada
Albums: Classic Songs, My Way: Swings and Strings (Decca, 2007)
Audio:
Cover Versions:
Also recorded by Bryan Adams, Jose Andrea, Brandi Carlile, DJ Sammy, Bert Heerink, Dystopia One, Emilia, Eyra Gail, Nick Carter, Do, Hanna Pakarinen
Comments:
Paul Anka >
When I first heard Paul Anka's version of Heaven I thought it was "cheesy" ... but a few more listens and it started to grow on me.

The track has an excellent arrangement, the musicians are superb, and if Paul's vocal is the weakest element, at least he delivers an honest and believable performance in the style originally made famous by Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, and more recently championed by Michael Buble and Harry Connick Junior.

Paul Anka has popped in and out of my life, in a small way, for the past 25 years.  In 1980, when I was working as Tom Jones' drummer, Anka appeared as a guest on Tom's television show. He was very entertaining, both as a singer and a comedian. 

My wife spent several months working as a backing vocalist for Anka when he filmed his own television series in Vancouver in the mid-1980's.  Suffice to say, she has lots of stories. 

One of the highlights, according to my wife, was the opportunity to work with the legendary band-leader, Don Costa, who'd written many of Frank Sinatra's arrangements.

In 1985 we were disappointed to learn that Paul would not be able to participate in Canada's African famine relief recording, Tears Are Not Enough.
 
 
Paul Anka's accomplishments as a songwriter are humbling: Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, Buddy Holly, and Frank Sinatra, to name a few!  So, needless to say, I'm honoured that he recorded one of my songs!
Lyrics: Oh, thinkin' about all our younger years
There was only you and me
We were young and wild and free
Now nothin' can take you away from me
We've been down that road before
But that's over now
You keep me comin' back for more

Baby you're all that I want
When you're lyin' here in my arms
I'm findin' it hard to believe
We're in heaven
And love is all that I need
And I found it here in your heart
It isn't too hard to see
We're in heaven

Oh - once in your life you find someone
Who will turn your world around
Bring you up when you're feelin' down
Ya-nothin' could change what you mean to me
Oh there's lots that I could say
But just hold me now
Cause our love will light the way

Baby you're all that I want
When you're lyin' here in my arms
I'm findin' it hard to believe
We're in heaven
And love is all that I need
And I found it here in your heart
It isn't too hard to see
We're in heaven - heaven

I've been waitin' for so long
For somethin' to arrive
For love to come along
Now our dreams are comin' true
Through the good times and the bad
Ya - I'll be standin' there by you