Chords + Lyrics | Diana
Intro
||: G | Em | C | D7 :||
Verse 1
||: G | Em | C | D7 :||
I’m so young and you’re so old, this my darling, I’ve been told.
I don’t care just what they say, ’cause forever I will pray.
You and I will be as free, as the birds up in the trees.
Oh, please, stay by me, Diana.
Instrumental 1
| G | Em | C | D7 |
Verse 2
Thrills I get when you hold me close. Oh, my darling, you’re the most.
I love you but do you love me. Oh, Diana, can’t you see.
I love you with all my heart, and I hope we will never part.
Oh, please, stay by me, Diana.
Instrumental 2
| G | Em | C | D7 G7 (F E D B) |
Bridge
| C | Cm |
Oh, my darlin’, oh, my lover.
| G | G7 |
Tell me that there is no other.
| C | Cm |
I love you, with my heart.
| N.C D7 | D7 |
Oh-oh, oh-oh, and don’t you know I love you, love you so.
Verse 3
And only you can take my heart, only you can tear it apart
When you hold me in your loving arms, I can feel you giving all your charms.
Hold me darling, hold me tight, squeeze me baby with all your might.
Oh, please, stay by me, Diana.
End
||: G | Em | C | D7 :|| to fade
Oh, please, Diana. Oh, please, Diana.
Diana Chords: Classic Pop Progressions and Techniques
For the beginner guitarist, theory student, and budding songwriter, Diana has several classic tricks that you simply must know.
The verse follows the classic early pop progression, using the minor fall and the IV – V movement. In the key of G, that becomes:
||: G (I) | Em (VI) | C (IV) | D7 (V) :||
This same progression appears in Stand by Me (key of A) and has since become known as the Stand by Me changes, even though Diana was released four years earlier.
Another super common technique is taking the IV chord and making it minor—this happens in the bridge:
| C (IV) | Cm (IVm) | G (I) | G7 (I7) |
| C | Cm | N.C D7 (V) | D7 |
Once you hear it and recognise it, you’ll spot it in countless other songs. Also, notice the dominant 7th chords pointing up a fourth, borrowing from the blues.
To explore the chords, progressions, classic variations, bass line, and melody build-up—all with TAB—check this part of the lesson: Diana – Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Once you’ve absorbed that, a simple chord chart will be all you need for the gig. Here’s one I made for you.
Diana Chord Chart | PDF + iReal Pro Download
There’s a problem with this chord chart, which I realised before publishing but decided to keep to hammer home an important point.
The issue appears at the end of the instrumental section, where I’ve indicated the bass line as F – E – D – B. While this is correct, it would be better written as intervals of the G chord: b7 – 6 – 5 – 3.
That final B leads perfectly into the C chord of the bridge.
Should you want to download this chart, here’s a PDF: Diana chord chart PDF.
This chart was created using iRealPro, here’s a link to that file: Diana iReal Pro. Using this and the iRealPro app, you can change the key.
The problem I mentioned earlier will occur when you change the key, as the bass notes are written as text and won’t transpose automatically.
To be annoying (and prove that it’s always about the intervals), I’ve chosen not to fix this—so you can adjust it yourself when you download the iReal Pro version. This way, you’ll apply the same thinking to other songs in the future—just like I will.
Diana TAB | Course Preview
In the course, we look at TAB for how to play all sections of Diana, including the melody and how its intervals relate to the chords to create the hit’s memorable melody.
As a preview, here’s one way you could play the verse.
A perfect example of early popular music
Paul Anka’s classic Diana was released in 1957 and epitomises an era where doo-wop, rock ‘n’ roll and early pop blended to create the foundation of modern popular music.
With over 10 million copies sold worldwide, Diana topped the charts in several countries and remains Mr. Anka’s signature song.
It wasn’t his only hit, though—Paul Anka went on to write 900 songs!
Here’s a small selection, and chances are you’ve heard them all: Lonely Boy, Put Your Head on My Shoulder, Puppy Love, and You Are My Destiny.
Diana Chords: Continue Learning
Want to master this song? Check out the full TAB lesson here: Diana (Paul Anka) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Alternatively, here are five similar tunes you might enjoy:
