From California Dreamin’ to Monday Blues: The Rise of The Mamas & The Papas

“Monday, Monday” is one of the most iconic songs by The Mamas & The Papas, written by group leader John Phillips. Featured on their debut studio album If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears, the track quickly climbed the charts and became a defining anthem of the 1960s.

The song reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it the group’s only single to top the charts in the United States. Its smooth harmonies, melodic structure, and bittersweet lyrics about the unpredictability of love and relationships struck a chord with listeners.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐬 & 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐬 – 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲

While many songs about Mondays carry a gloomy tone, “Monday, Monday” explores the uncertainty and changes relationships can bring from one day to the next. The lyrics suggest how love and emotions can shift unexpectedly, much like the way the start of the week often feels unpredictable.
“Monday, Monday” won a Grammy Award in 1967 for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

It was the group’s second big hit following “California Dreamin’,” released just a few months earlier.

The harmonies of Denny Doherty, Cass Elliot, Michelle Phillips, and John Phillips defined the song’s timeless sound.

Despite its success, John Phillips reportedly admitted he wrote the song in about 20 minutes, showing the spontaneous genius behind the track.

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