Monday, Monday – The Mamas & the Papas | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning

Chart Performance: Pop (#1 for 3 weeks); 1966

Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne

Right from the start, music lovers sensed something special about The Mama’s & The Papa’s: a unique blend of captivating lyrics sung in close harmony that had graced their first hit single, California Dreamin’.

It peaked at #4 on March 12, 1966, and was sitting at #10 four weeks later when Monday, Monday entered the chart. On April 23rd, Monday itself took over #10 while its successor was still in the Top 20.

This new quartet was almost called the Magic Circle until Sonny Barger of the Hell’s Angels referred to biker women as “mamas” in a television interview. Cass Elliot liked that, as did Michelle Phillips, so husband John and Denny Doherty became the “papas.”

None of them liked Monday, Monday – except composer John – and it was the last song recorded for their debut album, If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears. Deejays and fans did believe giving the group its only #1 record, which also won a Grammy for Best Rock & Roll Group Performance.

This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2024 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.

Produced by:

• Lou Adler

Lyrics Written by:

• John Phillips

Awards:

• “Monday, Monday” won Best Contemporary (R&R) Group Performance, Vocal or Instrumental at the 1967 Grammy Awards.
• “Monday, Monday” was nominated for Record of the Year at the 1967 Grammy Awards.