Words of Love

The Mamas & the Papas

About Words of Love

"Words of Love" is a song appearing on the album The Mamas & the Papas. The song was written by John Phillips, and featured Cass Elliot as the primary vocalist. It was released as a single in November 1966 (backed with a cover of Martha and the Vandellas's "Dancing in the Street"). Given the disappointing chart placement of the prior single, Look Through My Window, hopes were high that Words of Love would return the group to the upper reaches of the charts: on the week of January 21, 1967, the single fulfilled this hope, as it reached No. 5 in the United States. Overseas, it peaked at No. 47 in the United Kingdom. The mono single, while approximately the same running time as the stereo version, contains a horn section overdub not heard in the stereo mix, extra backing vocals, and a more prominent piano; Elliot's vocals fade out a bit sooner near the end. The B-Side, "Dancing in the Street", is a cover of the Martha and the Vandellas smash from 1964. The Mamas & the Papas used the song in their live performances, and this flip side garnered enough airplay on its own accord to reach #73 on the Billboard Pop Chart. 


Year:
1988
2:15

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Words of love, so soft and tender
Won't win a girls heart anymore
If you love her then you must send her
Somewhere where she's never been before
Worn out phrases and longing gazes
Won't get you where you want to go, no
Words of love, soft and tender
Won't win her

You oughta know by now
You oughta know, you oughta know by now
Words of love, soft and tender
Won't win her anymore

You oughta know by now
You oughta know, you oughta know by now
Words of love, soft and tender
Won't win a girls heart anymore
If you love her then you must send her
Somewhere where she's never been before
Worn out phrases and longing gazes
Won't get you where you want to go

Words of love, soft and tender
Won't win her anymore, anymore

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The Mamas & the Papas

The Mamas & the Papas (credited as The Mama's and the Papa's on the debut album cover and sometimes shortened to Mamas & Papas) were an American/Canadian vocal group (Denny Doherty was from Canada) who came to prominence in the 1960s. The group recorded and performed from 1965 to 1968 with a short reunion in 1971, releasing six albums and 11 Top 40 hit singles. They have sold nearly 40 million records worldwide. more »

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Written by: JOHN EDMUND ANDREW PHILLIPS

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Band Formation
"Words of Love" was performed by The Mamas & the Papas, a 60s folk rock band from the United States. The group was a quartet consisting of John Phillips, Michelle Phillips, Denny Doherty, and Cassandra "Cass" Elliot.
Album Inclusion
The song "Words of Love" was included in their debut album titled "If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears" which was released in 1966.
Billboard Ranking
The song became a big hit, peaking at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1966.
Unique Song Style
Unlike many songs by The Mamas & the Papas, "Words of Love" does not include any lyrics with a storyline or a narrative. Instead, it consists mainly of the repetitions of the title phrase.
Cass Elliot's Significant Role
Cass Elliot, known for her deep and powerful contralto voice, was one of the featured lead singers in the song 'Words of Love.'
Song Inspiration
It was believed that John Phillips wrote "Words of Love" imagining it to be sung in Cass Elliot's rich and resonant voice.
Recipient of Recognition
The song "Words of Love" was selected by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the 500 songs that shaped Rock and Roll.
Cultural Impact
In 1966, "Words of Love" was performed live during The Mamas & the Papas' appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, which contributed to their status as symbols of the counterculture of the 1960s.
Subsequent Covers
The song "Words of Love" was later covered by several artists, such as Jessica Mauboy for the soundtrack of the 2012 Australian musical film "The Sapphires."
Band Members Legacy
As of 2021, Cass Elliot and Denny Doherty have both passed away, but their distinctive vocal styles on tracks such as "Words of Love" live on and continue to influence new generations of musicians.

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    "Words of Love Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/35402294/The+Mamas+%26+the+Papas/Words+of+Love>.

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    Words of Love

    28,446
    407     50

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1967

    Billboard #5


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