About the song
The Mamas & The Papas’ “Monday, Monday” is a quintessential pop song of the 1960s, capturing the spirit and sound of an era defined by its rich vocal harmonies and innovative musical arrangements. Released in 1966 as the lead single from their second album, If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears, “Monday, Monday” became one of the group’s most successful and enduring hits.
Written by John Phillips, the song reflects the mixed feelings many people have about the start of the workweek, with its blend of melancholy and optimism. The lyrics, while simple, resonate with anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of a Monday morning. What sets “Monday, Monday” apart, however, is the way it pairs this universal theme with an intricate musical structure, marked by its shifting time signatures and lush vocal harmonies.
The group’s signature harmonies, led by the distinct voices of Denny Doherty, Cass Elliot, Michelle Phillips, and John Phillips, are on full display in this track. Their seamless blending of voices creates a sound that is both comforting and complex, embodying the folk-pop style that made The Mamas & The Papas so influential during the 1960s.
“Monday, Monday” was a commercial success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, making it the group’s only number-one hit. It also earned them a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1967, further solidifying their place in pop music history.
Decades after its release, “Monday, Monday” remains a staple of classic pop radio, a song that continues to resonate with listeners for its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and the timeless beauty of its harmonies. The Mamas & The Papas’ ability to turn the mundane into something magical is what has kept this song alive in the hearts of music lovers for generations.