Introduction:
In 1970, singer-songwriter Melanie Safka, better known simply as Melanie, released a folk ballad titled Look What They’ve Done to My Song, Ma. The song, with its introspective lyrics and melancholic tone, became an unexpected hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1971.
Look What They’ve Done to My Song, Ma is considered a classic of the folk genre. Folk music, at its core, is rooted in tradition and storytelling, often passed down through generations. It can encompass a wide range of styles and themes, but often features acoustic instruments and lyrics that explore social and political issues, or everyday life. Melanie, a talented musician who played guitar and piano, embodied this tradition. She rose to prominence in the late 1960s alongside other folk revival artists, and her music often reflected themes of peace, love, and social justice.
Look What They’ve Done to My Song, Ma is a fascinating song because it uses the metaphor of a changing song to grapple with the complexities of artistic success. The lyrics express a sense of alienation from a creation that has been transformed by the music industry. The song starts with the now-famous line, “Look what they’ve done to my song, Ma,” and continues to paint a picture of a folk song that has been polished, sped up, and adorned with orchestration. The narrator laments the loss of the song’s original simplicity and questions whether the message is still the same.
While the exact inspiration for the song remains somewhat ambiguous, it is believed to be a reflection of Melanie’s own experiences in the music industry. The song was released on Buddah Records, a label known for its eclectic taste and willingness to take chances on new artists. However, even with a relatively independent label, the transition from folk musician to mainstream success can be a jarring one. Look What They’ve Done to My Song, Ma voices the anxieties and internal conflicts that can arise from unexpected fame and the pressure to adapt to commercial demands.
Despite its underlying lament, Look What They’ve Done to My Song, Ma became a massive hit. The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics resonated with a wide audience, and it topped the charts in the United States and reached the top 20 in several other countries. The song’s success solidified Melanie’s place as a major recording artist and continues to be one of her most recognizable songs. Look What They’ve Done to My Song, Ma endures not only for its catchy melody but also for its timeless commentary on the music industry, the price of fame, and the struggle to stay true to one’s artistic vision.
Video:
Lyrics:
Look what they done to my song, maLook what they done to my songWell, it’s the only thing that I could do half rightAnd it’s turning out all wrong, maLook what they done to my song
Look what they done to my brain, maLook what they done to my brainWell, they picked it like a chicken boneAnd I think I’m half insane, maLook what they done to my song
I wish I could find a good book to live inWish I could find a good bookWell, if I could find a real good bookI’d never have to come out and look atWhat they done to my song
La-da-da-da, da-da-da-daLa-da-da-da, da-da-da-daLa-da-da, da-da-daLa-da-da-da-da-daLook what they done to my song
But maybe it’ll all be alright, maMaybe it’ll all be okayWell, if the people are buying tearsI’ll be rich someday, maLook what they done to my song
Ils ont change ma chanson, maIls ont change ma chansonC’est la seule chose que je peuz faireEt ce n’est pas bon, maIls ont change ma chanson
Look what they done to my song, maLook what they done to my song, maWell, they tied it up in a plastic bagTurned it upside down, maLook what they done to my song
Ils ont change ma chanson, maIls ont change ma chansonC’est la seule chose que je peuz faireEt ce n’est pas bon, maIls ont change ma chanson
Look what they done to my song, maMa, look what they done to my songIt’s the only thing I could do alrightAnd they turned it upside down, oh maLook what they done to my song