Make Your Own Kind of Music – Mama Cass Elliott

About the song

“Make Your Own Kind of Music” by Cass Elliot, released in 1969, stands as a timeless anthem celebrating individuality and resilience in the face of artistic challenges. Penned by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, with production overseen by Steve Barri, the song emerged during a critical juncture in Elliot’s career, following her initial success with “It’s Getting Better.” This track was part of her second solo album, strategically aimed at revitalizing her chart presence under Dunhill Records.

Steve Barri, the vice-president of A&R at Dunhill, emphasized the label’s shift towards more commercially viable material for Elliot, characterizing her style as quintessential bubblegum pop, aimed at capturing her infectious, optimistic persona. Despite Elliot’s occasional reservations about the genre’s depth, she recognized its alignment with her vocal strengths and audience appeal. “Make Your Own Kind of Music” resonated not only for its catchy melody but also for its subtle social commentary, distinguishing it from typical pop fare of the era.

Upon its release, the song made modest waves on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 36. Its subsequent inclusion in the reissued album “It’s Getting Better/Make Your Own Kind of Music” underscored its importance in Elliot’s discography, despite its commercial performance falling short of initial expectations. The follow-up singles, including “New World Coming,” further highlighted the challenges Elliot faced in maintaining momentum as musical tastes evolved heading into the 1970s.

Critically, “Make Your Own Kind of Music” received recognition for its defiant spirit, particularly noted in Billboard’s retrospective ranking of the best songs of 1969. Its enduring appeal was underscored by its usage in various cultural contexts, including its prominent feature in the television series Lost and its resurgence through viral TikTok trends decades later.

The song’s legacy extends beyond its original release, with notable covers and remixes keeping it relevant in contemporary music scenes. Paloma Faith’s 2018 rendition, commissioned by Škoda Auto for an advertising campaign, introduced a new generation to its empowering message of self-expression.

“Make Your Own Kind of Music” remains a testament to Cass Elliot’s enduring influence as a vocalist and a reminder of the power of music to inspire individuality and resilience in the face of adversity. Its journey from its 1969 debut to its continued cultural impact today highlights its status as a beloved classic, celebrating the spirit of authenticity in musical expression.

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Lyrics

Nobody can tell you
There’s only one song worth singing
They may try and sell you
Cause it hangs them up
To see someone like you

But you gotta make your own kind of music
Sing your own special song
Make your own kind of music
Even if nobody else sings along

You’re gonna be nowhere
The loneliest kind of lonely
It may be rough going
Just to do your thing is the hardest thing to do

But you gotta make your own kind of music
Sing your own special song
Make your own kind of music
Even if nobody else sings along

So if you cannot take my hand
And if you must be going, I will understand

You gotta make your own kind of music
Sing your own special song
Make your own kind of music
Even if nobody else sings along

You gotta make your own kind of music
Sing your own kind of song
Make your own kind of music
Even if nobody else sings along

You gotta make your own kind of music
Sing your own kind of song
Make your own kind of music
Even if nobody else sings along

No no no no
Even if nobody else sings along
If nobody else sings along