About the song
“It’s My Party” is a timeless classic that has been etched in the annals of music history since its release in 1963. Written by Herb Wiener, John Gluck Jr., and Wally Gold, and produced by the legendary Quincy Jones, this song has become an iconic representation of teenage heartbreak and the struggles of adolescence.
The song tells the story of a teenage girl’s birthday party, where her boyfriend, Johnny, disappears, only to return with another girl, Judy, who is wearing his ring. The lyrics vividly portray the discomfort and pain of being replaced, as the birthday girl struggles to come to terms with the reality of her situation.
Musically, “It’s My Party” is a masterclass in production, with Jones incorporating Latin-sounding rhythms, double-tracked vocals, and effective horn parts to create a memorable and catchy tune. The song’s effectiveness is further enhanced by Lesley Gore’s powerful and emotive vocals, which bring the lyrics to life in a way that resonates with listeners of all ages.
The song’s background is just as fascinating as its music. Written by Seymour Gottlieb, a freelance songwriter, the lyrics were actually inspired by his daughter Judy’s “sweet sixteen” party, where she cried over the prospect of her grandparents being invited. The demo for the song was cut by Barbara Jean English, a girl group veteran, who worked with Jimmy Radcliffe to produce the track.
Despite being rejected by Musicor Records, the song was eventually recorded by Lesley Gore, who was just 16 years old at the time. Gore’s version of “It’s My Party” was released in April 1963 and quickly rose to the top of the charts, becoming a number one hit in just four weeks.
The song’s impact extended beyond its chart success, with “It’s My Party” becoming a cultural phenomenon that has been referenced and parodied countless times over the years. In 1980, the song was played for 18 hours straight on a University of Michigan radio station after Ronald Reagan’s election, while in 1999, it was used as an advertising jingle for Burger King’s 99-cent meal.
In recent years, the song has experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to its use in videos on the video-sharing app TikTok. The song’s timeless themes of heartbreak and teenage angst continue to resonate with listeners today, making “It’s My Party” a true classic that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
In conclusion, “It’s My Party” is a song that has stood the test of time, with its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and powerful vocals making it a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of 1960s pop music or simply looking for a song that will transport you back to a bygone era, “It’s My Party” is a must-listen that is sure to leave you feeling nostalgic and entertained.
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Lyrics
It’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to
Cry if I want to, cry if I want to
You would cry too if it happened to youNobody knows where my Johnny has gone
Judy left the same time
Why was he holding her hand
When he’s supposed to be mine?It’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to
Cry if I want to, cry if I want to
You would cry too if it happened to youPlayin’ my records, keep dancing all night
But leave me alone for a while
‘Til Johnny’s dancing with me
I’ve got no reason to smileIt’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to
Cry if I want to, cry if I want to
You would cry too if it happened to youJudy and Johnny just walked through the door
Like a queen with her King
Oh, what a birthday surprise
Judy’s wearin’ his ringIt’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to
Cry if I want to, cry if I want to
You would cry too if it happened to youOh, it’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to
Cry if I want to, cry if I want to
You would cry too if it happened to youIt’s my party…