About the song
In the sweltering summer of 1966, the Mamas & the Papas released a song that would become an iconic staple of the era’s pop landscape. “I Saw Her Again,” co-written by band members John Phillips and Denny Doherty, tells the tale of a chance encounter with a former flame, sparking a flurry of emotions that would captivate listeners worldwide. This upbeat, folk-rock masterpiece not only solidified the group’s position as one of the leading vocal ensembles of the 1960s but also left an indelible mark on the music industry.
As the song’s catchy melody and infectious rhythm wafted through the airwaves, it’s no wonder that “I Saw Her Again” rapidly ascended the charts, peaking at number one on the RPM Canadian Singles Chart, number 11 on the UK Singles Chart, and number five on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart. The song’s enduring popularity has led to its inclusion on numerous compilation albums, often titled “I Saw Her Again Last Night,” a testament to its timeless appeal.
But what lies behind the song’s carefree façade? The story of “I Saw Her Again” is, in fact, deeply intertwined with the complex web of relationships within the band. Doherty’s brief affair with Michelle Phillips, then married to John Phillips, sparked a chain reaction of events that would temporarily expel Michelle from the group. This tumultuous period, marked by an affair between Michelle Phillips and Gene Clark of The Byrds, would ultimately influence the song’s creation.
The recording process itself was not without its quirks. Engineer Bones Howe’s error in punching in the coda vocals too early resulted in Doherty’s false start on the third chorus being inadvertently included in the final mix. Rather than correcting the mistake, producer Lou Adler chose to leave it in, adding a touch of serendipity to the song’s charm.
In an effort to capture the essence of the Beatles’ sound, “I Saw Her Again” was intentionally crafted as a single, with Lou Adler at the helm. The song’s music video, featuring the band members arriving at a clothes shop on the Sunset Strip, is a lighthearted, playful accompaniment to the song’s upbeat tempo.
As we delve into the story of “I Saw Her Again,” we find a rich tapestry of creative vision, personal turmoil, and happy accident. This song, now an integral part of the Mamas & the Papas’ legacy, continues to captivate audiences with its irresistible blend of folk, rock, and pop. Join us as we explore the fascinating history behind this beloved hit, a true testament to the enduring power of music.
Video
Lyrics
I saw her again last night
And you know that I shouldn’t
To string her along’s just not right
If I couldn’t I wouldn’t
But what can I do, I’m lonely too
And it makes me feel so good to know
You’ll never leave me
I’m in way over my head
Now she thinks that I love her
Because that’s what I said
Though I never think of her
But what can I do, I’m lonely too
And it makes me feel so good to know
You’ll never leave me
Every time I see that girl
You know I want to lay down and die
But I really need that girl
Don’t know why I’m livin’ a lie
It makes me want to cry
I saw her again last night
And you know that I shouldn’t
To string her along’s just not right
If I couldn’t I wouldn’t
But what can I do, I’m lonely too
And it makes me feel so good to know
You’ll never leave me
But what can I do, I’m lonely too
And it makes me feel so good to know
You’ll never leave me
Every time I see that girl
You know I want to lay down and die
But I really need that girl
Don’t know why I’m livin’ a lie
It makes me want to cry
I saw her again last night
And you know that I shouldn’t
To string her along’s just not right
If I couldn’t I wouldn’t
I’m in way over my head
Now she thinks that I love her
Because that’s what I said