About the song
“Puppet on a String,” a quintessential piece of 1960s pop history, catapulted Sandie Shaw to international stardom and remains an enduring emblem of her career. Written by Bill Martin and Phil Coulter, the song not only secured Shaw’s victory in the 1967 Eurovision Song Contest but also marked a pivotal moment in the contest’s history as the United Kingdom’s inaugural win. Its infectious melody and Shaw’s charismatic performance resonated with audiences, propelling it to number one on the UK Singles Chart for three consecutive weeks.
The genesis of “Puppet on a String” reflects a blend of strategy and artistic evolution. Selected internally by the BBC, Shaw reluctantly embraced the song despite initial reservations. The decision was influenced by her manager’s efforts to reshape Shaw’s image and restore public favor following personal turmoil. Despite her personal misgivings about the song’s simplistic lyrics and melody, Shaw’s rendition captivated Eurovision audiences, earning her 47 points and securing the coveted title.
Beyond its Eurovision success, “Puppet on a String” achieved remarkable commercial triumphs. It became Shaw’s third UK number one hit and sold over four million copies worldwide, cementing its status as the best-selling Eurovision-winning song of its time. Shaw’s multilingual versions in French, Italian, Spanish, and German further expanded its global reach, reinforcing its popularity across continents.
The song’s legacy transcends its initial success. It has been covered in over 200 versions in more than 30 languages, attesting to its enduring appeal and cultural significance. From adaptations in Chinese by Betty Chung to Swedish interpretations by Siw Malmkvist, “Puppet on a String” continues to inspire diverse renditions that reflect its timeless charm.
In popular culture, the song’s influence persists, with notable appearances in films like the 2021 thriller “Last Night in Soho,” underscoring its enduring relevance in contemporary media.
“Puppet on a String” remains a testament to Sandie Shaw’s artistry and the enduring allure of 1960s pop. Its journey from a Eurovision triumph to a global sensation underscores its place as a definitive classic in the annals of popular music.
Video
Lyrics
I wonder if one day that, you’ll say that, you care
If you say you love me madly, I’ll gladly
Be there
Like a puppet on a string
Love is just like a merry-go-round
With all the fun of a fair
One day I’m feeling down on the ground
Then I’m up in the air
Are you leading me on?
Tomorrow will you be gone?
I wonder if one day that, you’ll say that, you care
If you say you love me madly, I’ll gladly, be there
Like a puppet on a string
I may win on the roundabout
Then I’ll lose on the swings
In or out, there is never a doubt
Just who’s pulling the strings
I’m all tied up in you
But where’s it leading me to?
I wonder if one day that, you’ll say that, you care
If you say you love me madly, I’ll gladly, be there
Like a puppet on a string
I wonder if one day that, you’ll say that, you care
If you say you love me madly, I’ll gladly, be there
Like a puppet on a string
Like a puppet on a…
String