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Donnie Iris — Ah! Leah!
Album: Out of the Blue
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1231









Released: 1980
Length: 3:38
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Ah! Leah!

Yeah, it's been a long, long time.
Such a site, you're lookin' better than a body has a right to.
Don't you know we're playin' with the fire?
But we can stop this burnin' desire, Leah!

Ah! Leah! Here we go again!
Ah! Leah! Is it ever gonna end?
Ah! Leah! Here we go again!
Ah! Leah!

I see your lips and I wonder who's been kissin' them.
I never knew how badly I was missin' them.
We both know we're never going to make it,
But when we touch, we never have to fake it, Leah!

Ah! Leah! Here we go again!
Ah! Leah! Is it ever gonna end?
Ah! Leah! Here we go again!
Ah! Leah! We ain't learned our lesson yet!

Baby, it's no good. We're just askin' for trouble.
I can touch you, but I don't know how to love you.
It ain't no use! We'er headed for disaster.
Our minds said, "No!" But our hearts were talkin' faster, Leah!

Ah! Leah! Here we go again!
Ah! Leah! Here we go again!
Ah! Leah! Leah, Leah, Leah!
Ah! Leah! Here we go again!

Ah! Leah, Leah, Leah!
Ah! Leah! We're never, ever, ever gonna make it yeah!
Ah! Leah!
Ah! Leah! Here we go again!
Comments (187)add comment
Always liked this tune!
Posted 7 months ago by jjacque100    [ Reply ]
 redeyespy wrote:
jvalatka wrote: I'd buy you a drink for uploading this, if you please. This song WAS 7th grade for me. Still rocks. Actually, Iris did a few other fun tunes such as "Love is Like a Rock." Glad this finally made the leap from the LRC!

So many comments say that this song defined 6th or 7th grade for people. If I'd been that age when "Ah! Leah!" got released (October '80), I'd agree. It has a definitely OTT love-angst drama appeal. (You do wonder, whether most parents rolled their eyes and thought "not this schlock again!"). 

And hey, it's got its own Wikipedia entry. Apparently the song is the "unofficial anthem" of Pittsburgh and western PA. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...!
Posted 8 months ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 Jayesea wrote:



I'm on board with this sentiment.  Always great to hear this gem.
Except, as noted in the wiki entry, Donnie was no "1 hit wonder” guy/band! 

Posted 1 year ago by Signwrtr61    [ Reply ]
 Pierooo wrote:

I'm listenning since so much years this radio, from France. Now i'm joinning the community, i created my account! Thank you so much to exist, you're by far my favorite radio. Long life to RP
Pierre


Welcome to Radio Paradise, Pierooo!  

As of this moment (April 21, 2023, 12:30 Eastern US time) there are 2,032 listeners in France.  Hope you're one of them!
Posted 1 year ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
One of the formative songs of my youth that brought me into the church of rock and roll. Has everything that I love! Crunchy guitar, harmony group back vocals, pumping bass, solid rock drumming. 10 all day long.
Posted 2 years ago by DaveyRamone    [ Reply ]
 Rockit999 wrote:

Best 1 Hit Wonder....Ever.




I'm on board with this sentiment.  Always great to hear this gem.
Posted 2 years ago by Jayesea    [ Reply ]
Best 1 Hit Wonder....Ever.
Posted 2 years ago by Rockit999    [ Reply ]
This is a great song, this is what RP is all about.
Posted 2 years ago by GHoffmeyer    [ Reply ]
This song just never gets old. I have loved this one bit wonder since the early 80s. Brilliant. 
Posted 2 years ago by IndyDoug    [ Reply ]
 midigitguy wrote:

And a charming cover on YouTube
The Isolation Jams - Ah! Leah! (Feat. Kay Hanley)




Also a great cover by the Sin City Sinners....
Posted 2 years ago by mjlucas    [ Reply ]
 eileenomurphy wrote:

Overplayed on the radio when it came out! Much better now in FLAC w/ great studio phones, amp & DAC! Thank You RP!




I agree!!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Overplayed on the radio when it came out! Much better now in FLAC w/ great studio phones, amp & DAC! Thank You RP!
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
I love ringing guitars
Posted 2 years ago by Greyerwrit    [ Reply ]
Good tune!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Whoah! When this was big, and indeed it was, I was tooling around in my metallic maroon '73 Cutlass Supreme with rally wheels and white leather interior, and there was an awful lot of parking and recreating to be done, with endless Frisbee and righteous weed, and coolers full of poundable beer, and THIS was often on mine and every other car stereo, LOUD.  I love how this takes me back there!
Posted 3 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
Woot!

Dawny Ires!

As he's known in Pixburgh n'at!
Posted 3 years ago by eyke    [ Reply ]
barf
Posted 3 years ago by aonley    [ Reply ]
 redeyespy wrote:
jvalatka wrote: I'd buy you a drink for uploading this, if you please. This song WAS 7th grade for me. Still rocks. Actually, Iris did a few other fun tunes such as "Love is Like a Rock." Glad this finally made the leap from the LRC!


8th grade here....lots of good memories.
Posted 3 years ago by photolew    [ Reply ]
Summer 1980,,,,,, heading into senior year in HS.  Boston, Cape Cod, and lovely Brockton....... 
Posted 3 years ago by Kaisersosay    [ Reply ]
  

Great song from a great album!
Posted 3 years ago by nelamvr6    [ Reply ]
 AliGator wrote:

Oh yeah! I'm in 7th grade again, listening to WYDD on my clock radio! Wait. I hated 7th grade. But I loved this song.


I hated 7th grade too ("Armageddon, come Armageddon! Come, Armageddon! Come!") but the excessive airplay this song got made me realize pretty early on that it was goddamned clunky. Best left in the past along with junior high.
Posted 3 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
And a charming cover on YouTube
The Isolation Jams - Ah! Leah! (Feat. Kay Hanley)
Posted 3 years ago by midigitguy    [ Reply ]
Peak FM rock radio. Makes me feel 19 again, for a moment.
Posted 3 years ago by MassivRuss    [ Reply ]
 Flying_Donut wrote:
I dated a girl named Leah for a while. Yes. It got old.
 
With apologies to Leahs everywhere, I LOL'd.
Posted 3 years ago by Zedediah    [ Reply ]
 jmkate wrote:
I have never heard this before; you all never disappoint! thanks, RP. 

In my head, this isn't even an oldie. Apparently, I am. 
Posted 3 years ago by Zedediah    [ Reply ]
the velvet touch of...Donnie Iris? (The album cover that appeared with this tune was Los Straightjackets' "the velvet touch..."
Posted 3 years ago by xknox    [ Reply ]
I have never heard this before; you all never disappoint! thanks, RP. 
Posted 3 years ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]
Wow, flashbacks (mixed bag of physical and psych... not always good)
Posted 3 years ago by john_m_hopkins    [ Reply ]
 linden wrote:
Well isn't this a slice of cave-aged cheese.
 
Yeah it's a bit smelly but damned if it don't taste gooood!
Posted 3 years ago by NoisyMiner    [ Reply ]
 wtango wrote:


Me too! But it was Chicago's 97.9 WLUP (The Loop), and it was 7th grade... Good times!
Maybe it's cheesy and dated, but I likeitalot!
 

It was the LOOP, but it was sophomore year of high school! Lorelei....the LOOP has the biggesthits in town....
Posted 4 years ago by Flying_Donut    [ Reply ]
I'm listenning since so much years this radio, from France. Now i'm joinning the community, i created my account! Thank you so much to exist, you're by far my favorite radio. Long life to RP
Pierre
Posted 4 years ago by Pierooo    [ Reply ]
I dated a girl named Leah for a while. Yes. It got old.
Posted 4 years ago by Flying_Donut    [ Reply ]
He is just the coolest dude! I met him after a 9/11 benefit concert and he stopped on his way out of the venue to talk with those of us still hanging out.  So down to earth.
Posted 4 years ago by CarltonWhitfield    [ Reply ]
This song has been on my playlist FOR EVER! I never expected to hear it on RP. It's a perfect gem of a rock song, complete with pumping bass line, strong guitar solo, rock and roll screaming, odd ah's and ooo's and primal feelings that anybody could relate to.  Who could ask for anything more in a song? 
Posted 4 years ago by Tesselate    [ Reply ]
What a great story for her and you all.  How does she like the song?


 SoCal_Eric wrote:
Funny story - 2009, we brought our baby daughter home from the hospital, but hadn't chosen a name yet.  We had 3 names on the list, and one of them was Alea.  A friend of mine called to say congratulations and asked what we named her.  I told him we hadn't decided and told him the 3 names on our list, and he said "Alea - that's from the Donnie Iris song!"  I hadn't heard this song before, looked it up on youtube, and watched the live concert version.  It's hilarious, with Donnie writhing around on the stage.  At that point it was decided - Alea would be her name!
 

Posted 4 years ago by butch+willie    [ Reply ]
 MattRudely wrote:
I don't usually comment negatively on the songs but bleh, what a stone cold album filler. "Playin' with fire / Burnin' desire"? Jeez. What's that, it was a hit of some kind? I'm missing something.
 
It sounds like you're missing out on enjoying a great song!
Posted 4 years ago by tkosh    [ Reply ]
It's been an age since I've heard this one.  Thanks for the blast from the past, Bill!  
Posted 4 years ago by scarletdancer    [ Reply ]
Love the album, for a long time it was on the turntable on high rotation.
But the album I had was "
Back on the Streets
Posted 4 years ago by blackjellybean    [ Reply ]
I don't usually comment negatively on the songs but bleh, what a stone cold album filler. "Playin' with fire / Burnin' desire"? Jeez. What's that, it was a hit of some kind? I'm missing something.
Posted 4 years ago by MattRudely    [ Reply ]
Rockin in Paradise
Posted 4 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
 deepwoodskev wrote:
This takes me back to 6th grade and cranking WLS AM890 in Chicago on my little radio. Excellent!
 

Me too! But it was Chicago's 97.9 WLUP (The Loop), and it was 7th grade... Good times!
Maybe it's cheesy and dated, but I likeitalot!
Posted 5 years ago by wtango    [ Reply ]
i was a HS senior in 1980. we liked this then, and i still like it. 
Posted 5 years ago by dabeyc    [ Reply ]
 linden wrote:
Well isn't this a slice of cave-aged cheese.
 

A very sharp remark ;)
Posted 5 years ago by MrStatenIsle    [ Reply ]
Well isn't this a slice of cave-aged cheese.
Posted 5 years ago by linden    [ Reply ]
I always had a soft spot for that one too! Never heard anything else from the LP.
Posted 5 years ago by rmgantt    [ Reply ]
Loved this song when I was a kid. Never thought I'd hear it again.  This is one of the main reasons I listen to RP.  Thank you so much.
Posted 5 years ago by cely    [ Reply ]
Hey Bill, Rush's 'Subdivisions' would segue nicely after this,  where the similar keyboards enter near the end.
Posted 5 years ago by MrStatenIsle    [ Reply ]
 jimmy99s wrote:
This is the colour of beige that I wanted for my living room.
 
OK, that's damn funny.  
Posted 5 years ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
1982 - skipping HS and driving to Great Falls, MD to go cliff jumping.  Just me, my 3 best friends, and the stereo jamming this song.
Posted 5 years ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
I have always loved this song!  I always assumed it was homage to Princess Leah.  I always dreamed of dropping those cinibuns down!
Posted 5 years ago by cmactavish    [ Reply ]
 texdillo63 wrote:
Who knew he was with the band Wild Cherry? Play that Funky Music White Boy
 
I was just looking that up too!
Posted 5 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
Who knew he was with the band Wild Cherry? Play that Funky Music White Boy
Posted 5 years ago by texdillo63    [ Reply ]
Donnie who? In 1980?  You mean it's not the Red Hot Chili Peppers in the '90s? 
Posted 5 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
 SoCal_Eric wrote:
Funny story - 2009, we brought our baby daughter home from the hospital, but hadn't chosen a name yet.  We had 3 names on the list, and one of them was Alea.  A friend of mine called to say congratulations and asked what we named her.  I told him we hadn't decided and told him the 3 names on our list, and he said "Alea - that's from the Donnie Iris song!"  I hadn't heard this song before, looked it up on youtube, and watched the live concert version.  It's hilarious, with Donnie writhing around on the stage.  At that point it was decided - Alea would be her name!
 

Actually I think rather than picking a name from a Donnie Iris song I would have chosen his name and named her Iris (but definitely not Donnie).

And my number 1 cat's name is Iris, so obviously I like the name.
Posted 5 years ago by Bat    [ Reply ]
This is the colour of beige that I wanted for my living room.
Posted 5 years ago by jimmy99s    [ Reply ]
I find this very unexciting. 
Nothing bad about it, but I wouldn't notice if I never heard it again (or wouldn't recall it if I did) - quite unmemorable for me.
Posted 5 years ago by adib    [ Reply ]
I am a music snob (prog guy, so all the drama and arrogance that comes with that), but this is just a great song.  Good straightforward rock, very well written.
Posted 5 years ago by Relayer    [ Reply ]
Funny story - 2009, we brought our baby daughter home from the hospital, but hadn't chosen a name yet.  We had 3 names on the list, and one of them was Alea.  A friend of mine called to say congratulations and asked what we named her.  I told him we hadn't decided and told him the 3 names on our list, and he said "Alea - that's from the Donnie Iris song!"  I hadn't heard this song before, looked it up on youtube, and watched the live concert version.  It's hilarious, with Donnie writhing around on the stage.  At that point it was decided - Alea would be her name!
Posted 6 years ago by SoCal_Eric    [ Reply ]
Was never crazy about this song but when it came on RP I giggled and thought, why does this song sound so good on RP? 
Posted 6 years ago by cmcisaac    [ Reply ]
Niiiiiiice!!!
 
{#Bananajam}
Posted 6 years ago by jelgator    [ Reply ]
 nevar23 wrote:
Wow, this song was all over the album oriented rock station I grew up with. Good tune. Thanks for the reminder, RP.
 
And this is the first time I have ever heard it. Probably never made it over the Atlantic. 
Posted 6 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly    [ Reply ]
Wow, this song was all over the album oriented rock station I grew up with. Good tune. Thanks for the reminder, RP.
Posted 6 years ago by nevar23    [ Reply ]
{#Bananajam} {#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 6 years ago by nelamvr6    [ Reply ]
  outstanding throwback this.. {#Music}
Posted 6 years ago by moodfood    [ Reply ]
 randyblew wrote:
I wouldn't want to hear it every day on RP
 
Isn't the set of "things you hear every day on RP" limited to Bill's voice and Rebecca's voice?
Posted 6 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
Now there's a time stamped guilty pleasure... 
Posted 6 years ago by robertomiller    [ Reply ]
80's rock gem. Light n' a little fluffy, but still a nice rock song. I wouldn't want to hear it every day on RP, but a nice relief here and there. H8r's gonna H8 - whatevs. Thanks Bill for always being a refreshing surprise.

Word from Raleigh.
Posted 6 years ago by randyblew    [ Reply ]
Oooooh. What special effect did he use to get voice to go "ah" "ee" "oh"?

This sucks. 
Posted 6 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 dburges wrote:
treatment_bound wrote:
Absolutely unnecessary...I hated this song 25 years ago, and it certainly hasn't improved since. Let's hope Donnie gets filed away for a long spell at RP.


I second that motion.

 
And a decade later Voila
Posted 6 years ago by Jdingman    [ Reply ]
i wanted to name my daughter Leah but, alas, my wife had other plans.
Posted 6 years ago by Emwolb    [ Reply ]
This threw me back in time...to the back seat of a very decked out Camaro....thank you!
Posted 6 years ago by asilbuch    [ Reply ]
redeyespy wrote:
Just for that, I think I'll upload "Love is Like a Rock," you old grumpypants.
Please do!
Posted 16 years ago by ajlept    [ Reply ]
kcar wrote:
I used to hear this all the time on FM radio in the Boston area. Now it's definitely relegated to shows like Barry Scott's "Lost 45's" (if that's even still around).
With "Shades of 45" by Gary O.
Posted 16 years ago by keller1    [ Reply ]
I used to hear this all the time on FM radio in the Boston area. Now it's definitely relegated to shows like Barry Scott's "Lost 45's" (if that's even still around).
Posted 16 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
MidLyfe wrote:
Donnie Iris was great. Great shows for the time, too. Saw him in Pittsburgh.
Ya think that's because he's from Pittsburgh?
Posted 16 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
LaurieinTucson wrote:
This doesn't fit with the style of music I usually hear on RP.
I'm sorry for laughing, but what do you mean by "the style of music {you} usually hear on RP"?
Posted 16 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
Posted 16 years ago by n4ku    [ Reply ]
treatment_bound wrote:
Absolutely unnecessary...I hated this song 25 years ago, and it certainly hasn't improved since. Let's hope Donnie gets filed away for a long spell at RP.
Just for that, I think I'll upload "Love is Like a Rock," you old grumpypants.
Posted 16 years ago by redeyespy    [ Reply ]
This doesn't fit with the style of music I usually hear on RP.
Posted 16 years ago by LaurieinTucson    [ Reply ]
Jack_Jefferson wrote:
I agree. And what's with the silly album cover?
Call it a one hit wonder....I liked it back then and got a kick out hearing it again today.
Posted 16 years ago by shuttlecr    [ Reply ]
jadedragon wrote:
Who knew Donnie had enough of a catalog to warrant a 'collection'
I agree. And what's with the silly album cover?
Posted 16 years ago by Jack_Jefferson    [ Reply ]
guilty pleasure
Posted 16 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
johnfitty wrote:
rock on. this is song is so cheesy as to be ironically hip.
an entire jar full of 'darn proud' cheeZ
Posted 16 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
Thanks for playing this, Bill. It might be fromage-like, but it's good to hear every so often.
Posted 16 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
I had a boyfriend like that once...he was fun...
Posted 16 years ago by Rendergirl    [ Reply ]
All I can think of is mullets in a dance club.
Posted 16 years ago by sfListener    [ Reply ]
Kismet wrote:
Yeah, what's the problem here? Frankly the tune sounds okay, and it reminds me of so many good times....
IMO, that's the purpose of music.
Posted 16 years ago by konz    [ Reply ]
Who knew Donnie had enough of a catalog to warrant a 'collection'
Posted 16 years ago by jadedragon    [ Reply ]
treatment_bound wrote:
Absolutely unnecessary...I hated this song 25 years ago, and it certainly hasn't improved since. Let's hope Donnie gets filed away for a long spell at RP.
I second that motion.
Posted 16 years ago by dburges    [ Reply ]
The initial beat makes me think I'm about to hear Spinal Tap...fat bottom...
Posted 16 years ago by dc_zee    [ Reply ]
Totally forgotten about this song. Can't even remember if it was late 70s or early 80s... Too many brain cells have gone under the bridge.
Posted 16 years ago by smackiepipe    [ Reply ]
Donnie Iris was great. Great shows for the time, too. Saw him in Pittsburgh.
Posted 16 years ago by MidLyfe    [ Reply ]
wow do i miss this one!
Posted 16 years ago by swinghamer    [ Reply ]
Holy crap - what a time travellin' blast from the past!
Posted 16 years ago by Welly    [ Reply ]
Best of its vintage (which isn't saying much, but I really like this song.) Nice nerdy album cover too.
Posted 16 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
really? flashback to 11 years old.
Posted 16 years ago by AphidA    [ Reply ]
This song is about as cheezy as his red blazer
Posted 16 years ago by eastcoast    [ Reply ]
This would be a great song to come on the radio driving back from some weekend camping trip. Haven't heard it in ages. At least a 7.
Posted 16 years ago by lee_sf    [ Reply ]
keller1 wrote:
I'm with you ... down with muso snobbery.
Yeah, what's the problem here? Frankly the tune sounds okay, and it reminds me of so many good times....
Posted 16 years ago by Kismet    [ Reply ]
I like this song...
Posted 16 years ago by jadewahoo    [ Reply ]
heh - guilty pleasure - but as often as i heard this growing up i never knew that that's what the man looked like - awesome
Posted 16 years ago by ninja_band    [ Reply ]
All I can think to say is: "Is this really necessary?"
Posted 16 years ago by denbear    [ Reply ]
grego_lj wrote:
I think the brief forays into mainstream pop-rock are almost always done with good taste on RP. I like this song, as the unsophisticate I am.
I'm with you ... down with muso snobbery.
Posted 16 years ago by keller1    [ Reply ]
Absolutely unnecessary...I hated this song 25 years ago, and it certainly hasn't improved since. Let's hope Donnie gets filed away for a long spell at RP. It's so awful I think I'd rather hear someone just as bad who looks like Donnie Iris...do you have any Gary Lewis (with or without the Playboys)?
Posted 16 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
rock on. this is song is so cheesy as to be ironically hip.
Posted 16 years ago by johnfitty    [ Reply ]
The_Enemy wrote:
Here's where Michael Jackson stole his fashion ideas
PROBABLY.
Posted 16 years ago by mefrombrazil    [ Reply ]
I think the brief forays into mainstream pop-rock are almost always done with good taste on RP. I like this song, as the unsophisticate I am.
Posted 16 years ago by grego_lj    [ Reply ]
Losman wrote:
amazing restraint on all RP'ers to not comment on that album cover
Here's where Michael Jackson stole his fashion ideas
Posted 16 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]
I was thinking of rating something really low for the first time.
Posted 16 years ago by rachlan    [ Reply ]
diazo wrote:
Okay, this is funny -- once. Now back to our regularly scheduled programming. Please?
I AGREE, MY FRIEND, I AGREE.
Posted 16 years ago by mefrombrazil    [ Reply ]
luv'd it with a smirk.
Posted 16 years ago by BruceN    [ Reply ]
Do you smell the fromage in the air ?
Posted 16 years ago by Rilynn    [ Reply ]
Okay, this is funny -- once. Now back to our regularly scheduled programming. Please?
Posted 16 years ago by diazo    [ Reply ]
The "BEST OF" !? WTF does the rest sound like?
Posted 16 years ago by big_gare    [ Reply ]
Out....standing!!!
Posted 16 years ago by Losman    [ Reply ]
Sounds like Florida's Panhandle on hot summer nights, in my hitchiking days. No people it's cool, very cool.
Posted 16 years ago by wferrier    [ Reply ]
That's it...I'm switching to my IPod!
Posted 16 years ago by melc    [ Reply ]
Our minds say no but our hearts are talking faster... Oh yes.
Posted 16 years ago by stevo_b    [ Reply ]
Meh. I guess as powerpop goes, it's not bad.
Posted 16 years ago by Alafia    [ Reply ]
Crankin' it up for this!
Posted 16 years ago by heathenchild    [ Reply ]