About the song
Background:
- Released in 1966 as the B-side to their massive hit “Monday, Monday,” “Got A Feelin'” appeared on their debut album “If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears.”
- Written by John Phillips and Denny Doherty, the song showcases the signature Mamas & the Papas sound: folk-pop melodies with gorgeous vocal harmonies.
- There’s speculation that the lyrics, hinting at a doomed relationship, were inspired by Doherty’s affair with Michelle Phillips, John Phillips’ wife, at the time [AllMusic describes the song as “druggy” and “bittersweet”].
Themes:
- Impending heartbreak: The song’s seemingly cheerful melody masks a darker message. Lyrics like “there’s a storm brewing up ahead” and “something tells me it’s gonna rain” foreshadow a coming emotional downpour.
- Uncertainty: The singer grapples with a premonition of trouble, singing “I got a feelin’ somethin’s wrong / But I don’t know what it can be.” This creates a sense of unease and suspense.
- Love and loss: Despite the upbeat tempo, the lyrics hint at a love on the rocks.
Even though it wasn’t a major hit, “Got A Feelin'” is considered a hidden gem by fans, showcasing the band’s songwriting talent and ability to infuse catchy melodies with complex emotions.
Video
Lyrics
Got a feelin’ that I wasting time on you babeGot a feelin’ that you’re been untrueI got a feelin’ that you’re stealin’All the love I thought I was giving to youBaby, it’s¯ trueGot a feelin’ that you’re playing some game with me babeGot a feelin’ that you just can’t seeIf you’re entertaining any thought that you’re gainingBy causing me all of this pain and making me blueThe joke on youWhen I get to feeling that you’re stealing loveAnd I don’t know why, babyIt makes me so discouragedI finally get the courage not to cry, babeOr even try, babeGot a feelin’ that I’m wasting time on you babeGot a feelin’ that you’re been untrueI got a feelin’ that you’re stealin’All the love I thought I was giving to youBaby, it’s true; the joke’s on youBaby it’s true; the joke’s on you