About the song
“Monday, Monday” is a timeless classic from the 1960s, written by John Phillips and performed by the iconic group, the Mamas & the Papas. Released in 1966 as part of their debut album *If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears*, the song swiftly rose to the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, marking the group’s first and only number 1 hit on that chart.
The song’s lyrics, penned by Phillips in just 20 minutes, poignantly express the melancholy of a Monday morning marked by heartbreak: “Oh Monday mornin’, you gave me no warnin’ of what was to be.” This relatable theme struck a chord with listeners, contributing to the song’s widespread popularity and enduring appeal.
One notable feature of “Monday, Monday” is its distinctive coda, which includes a pregnant pause followed by a key modulation, a musical touch that added to its unique charm. Its success on the charts was also notable for following another hit with a similar pause, “Good Lovin'” by the Young Rascals, making history on the Billboard Hot 100.
Recognized for its impact, “Monday, Monday” earned the Mamas & the Papas a Grammy Award in 1967 for Best Contemporary (R&R) Group Performance, Vocal or Instrumental. Its enduring legacy was further affirmed when it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008, solidifying its status as a pivotal song in pop music history.
Beyond its original recording, “Monday, Monday” has been covered by numerous artists across genres and decades, attesting to its enduring appeal and cultural significance. From Petula Clark to Neil Diamond, and later renditions by Wilson Phillips and Hear’Say, the song has been interpreted in various styles while retaining the emotional depth and nostalgic resonance of the original.
The Mamas & the Papas performed “Monday, Monday” at the historic Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, capturing the essence of the counterculture era and cementing its place in music history. Its inclusion in various films, albums, and performances over the years further underscores its timeless allure and universal themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.
“Monday, Monday” remains a beloved classic that continues to evoke memories of a bygone era while resonating with new audiences, a testament to its enduring status as a musical masterpiece.
Video
Lyrics
Monday, Monday, so good to me;
Monday morning, it was
all I hoped it would be.
Oh, Monday morning,
Monday morning couldn’t guarantee
That Monday evening you
would still be here with me.Monday, Monday, can’t trust that day;
Monday, Monday, sometimes
it just turns out that way.
Oh, Monday morning, you gave me
no warning of what was to be.Oh, Monday, Monday, how could
you leave and not take me?Every other day, every other day
Every other day of the
week is fine, yeah.
But whenever Monday comes –
but whenever Monday comes
You can find me crying all of the time.Monday, Monday, so good to me;
Monday morning, it was
all I hoped it would be.But Monday morning, Monday
morning couldn’t guarantee
That Monday evening you
would still be here with me.Every other day, every other day
Every other day of the
week is fine, yeah.
But whenever Monday comes –
but whenever Monday comes
You can find me crying all of the time.Monday, Monday, can’t trust that day;
Monday, Monday,
it just turns out that way.
Oh, Monday, Monday, won’t go away;
Monday, Monday, it’s here to stay.
Oh Monday, Monday
Oh Monday, MondayFor my friend Jimbo