Released in 2011, “Call Me Maybe” by Canadian singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen is the ultimate pop earworm that took over the world.
With its flirty lyrics and sparkling melody, the song spent nine weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 1 in roughly 19 countries worldwide.
Fueled by viral celebrity lip-sync videos from Justin Bieber and friends, it quickly became a global pop culture phenomenon.
The track made Jepsen from a Canadian Idol finalist into an international star almost overnight. More than a decade later, “Call Me Maybe” still stands as one of the defining anthems of the 2010s pop era.
“Call Me Maybe” English Lyrics by Carly Rae Jepsen
[Verse 1]
I threw a wish in the well
Don’t ask me, I’ll never tell
I looked to you as it fell
And now you’re in my way
I trade my soul for a wish
Pennies and dimes for a kiss
I wasn’t lookin’ for this
But now you’re in my way
[Pre-Chorus]
Your stare was holdin’
Ripped jeans, skin was showin’
Hot night, wind was blowin’
Where you think you’re goin’, baby?
[Chorus]
Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy
But here’s my number, so call me maybe
It’s hard to look right at you, baby
But here’s my number, so call me maybe
Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy
But here’s my number, so call me maybe
And all the other boys try to chase me
But here’s my number, so call me maybe
[Verse 2]
You took your time with the call
I took no time with the fall
You gave me nothin’ at all
But still, you’re in my way
I beg and borrow and steal
At first sight, and it’s real
I didn’t know I would feel it
But it’s in my way
[Pre-Chorus]
Your stare was holdin’
Ripped jeans, skin was showin’
Hot night, wind was blowin’
Where you think you’re goin’, baby?
[Chorus]
Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy
But here’s my number, so call me maybe
It’s hard to look right at you, baby
But here’s my number, so call me maybe
Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy
But here’s my number, so call me maybe
And all the other boys try to chase me
But here’s my number, so call me maybe
[Post-Chorus]
Before you came into my life, I missed you so bad
I missed you so bad, I missed you so, so bad
Before you came into my life, I missed you so bad
And you should know that I missed you so, so bad
[Bridge]
It’s hard to look right at you, baby
But here’s my number, so call me maybe
[Chorus]
Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy
But here’s my number, so call me maybe
It’s hard to look right at you, baby
But here’s my number, so call me maybe
[Post-Chorus]
Before you came into my life, I missed you so bad
I missed you so bad, I missed you so, so bad
Before you came into my life, I missed you so bad
And you should know that, so call me maybe
Writers: Carly Rae Jepsen, Josh Ramsay, Tavish Crow; Producer: Josh Ramsay
Kiss (2012)
Carly Rae Jepsen’s Kiss is a vibrant pop record that combines upbeat anthems and tender ballads. Driven by the success of Call Me Maybe, it launched her into global stardom.
Tracklist & Notes
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Deluxe Edition Extras:
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Artist’s Discography (Highlights)
Carly Rae Jepsen’s music journey has taken her from acoustic beginnings to synth-pop superstardom. Here’s a quick look at her career milestones:
1. Tug of (2008)
Jepsen’s debut album leaned into acoustic and folk-pop sounds, introducing her as a soulful storyteller. While it was only released in Canada, it set the stage for her later global breakthrough.
Performance: Reached the Canadian Albums Chart Top 40 and earned her early recognition at home.
2. Kiss (2012)
Fueled by the worldwide smash “Call Me Maybe” and the upbeat duet “Good Time” with Owl City, this record catapulted Jepsen into pop superstardom and defined her early career.
Performance: Charted in the U.S., UK, and Canada, debuting at #6 on the Billboard 200 and #5 on the Canadian Albums Chart, and earning Gold certifications in markets like Canada and Australia.
3. Emotion (2015)
Praised by critics for its ’80s-inspired synth-pop sound, Emotiongave us fan favorites like “Run Away With Me.” It proved Jepsen was more than a one-hit wonder, gaining cult status.
Performance: Though modest on charts (peaked at #8 in Canada, debuted at #16 on the U.S. Billboard 200), it became a critically acclaimed pop classic worldwide.
4. Dedicated (2019)
This disco-tinged album leaned into sleek, shimmering pop anthems. With introspective lyrics and irresistible grooves, Dedicated showcased Jepsen’s maturity and cemented her as a reliable pop innovator.
Performance: Landed in the Top 20 in Canada and the U.S., praised heavily by critics and embraced by her fanbase.
5. The Loneliest Time (2022)
Her most experimental album yet, blending dreamy ballads and vibrant dance tracks. The title song with Rufus Wainwright went viral, highlighting Jepsen’s continued ability to surprise fans and critics alike.
Performance: Debuted in the Top 20 on the Canadian Albums Chart and Top 50 on the U.S. Billboard 200, solidifying her enduring pop presence.
Notable Singles Across Eras
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Production & Making Process
“Call Me Maybe” was born during a casual jam session between Carly Rae Jepsen and guitarist Tavish Crowe, initially conceived as a folk-inspired tune.
Josh Ramsay of Marianas Trench later turned it into a polished pop track, layering catchy hooks and sparkling production that gave it mass appeal.
Released first in Canada in 2011, the song gained traction and global popularity after Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and other celebrities shared it online.
Its playful music video, featuring a now-iconic plot twist ending, fueled the hype. Behind the scenes, it was a mix of serendipity, collaboration, and perfect pop timing.
Call Me Maybe Versions and Covers
“Call Me Maybe” didn’t just stop at one release; it grew into a global phenomenon with multiple versions and countless fan renditions.
From its Canadian debut to the polished album version, every take added to its legacy. Covers and parodies kept the song alive across TV, YouTube, and pop culture.
1. Remastered 4K Version
Several 4K-upscaled versions of the video are available on YouTube, offering sharper visuals while preserving the original 2011 look and feel. Perfect if you want an HD-ready embed that still feels familiar. It gives the classic video a modern refresh for today’s audiences.
2. Jimmy Fallon & The Roots (Classroom Instruments)
From Jimmy Fallon’s classroom instruments rendition to the U.S. Olympic swim team’s viral video, “Call Me Maybe” sparked countless creative takes. Even Katy Perry and Owl City joined the fun.
3. Live Concert Performance
Carly Rae Jepsen has performed “Call Me Maybe” at countless shows, with fans singing every word. A standout is her live concert performance at the Billboard Music Awards 2012.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Call Me Maybe Originally a Pop Song?
No, it began as a folk-inspired tune during a jam session before being reshaped into a polished pop anthem.
Who Directed the Music Video?
Ben Knechtel directed the quirky video, which became famous for its unexpected twist ending.
How successful was the song on YouTube?
As of 2025, the official music video has racked up around 1.7 billion views on YouTube, cementing its status as one of the defining videos of the 2010s.
Did It Win Any Major Awards?
It earned two Grammy nominations in 2013 and was one of Billboard’s top songs of 2012, finishing near the very top of the year-end Hot 100.
