About the song
“Go Where You Wanna Go” has a more interesting history than you might think! Here’s the breakdown:
- Authorship and Recording: John Phillips wrote the song, and The Mamas & The Papas recorded it in 1965 for their debut album “If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears.”
- Limited Release and Replacement: It was originally intended as their first single, but it got a very limited release before being pulled. The label decided to go with “California Dreamin'” instead, which became their huge breakout hit.
- John Phillips’ Inspiration (Rumored): John Phillips himself claimed the song was inspired by his wife Michelle Phillips’ affair with another musician.
Themes in “Go Where You Wanna Go”
Despite its short-lived single status, the song has some interesting themes:
- Freedom and Independence: The lyrics speak of letting someone go their own way, emphasizing freedom of choice.
- Relationship on the Rocks: There’s a sense of a troubled relationship, with lines about “tears on your pillow” and “empty promises.” This ties into the rumored inspiration for the song.
- Lightheartedness: Despite the potential underlying tension, the overall sound is light and poppy, with the Mamas & The Papas’ signature harmonies.
Even though it wasn’t a hit for them, “Go Where You Wanna Go” remains an interesting part of The Mamas & The Papas’ story, offering a glimpse into their early sound and the personal dynamics within the band.
Video
Lyrics
You gotta go where you wanna goDo what you wanna doWith whoever you wanna do it with
You gotta go where you wanna goDo what you wanna doWith whoever you wanna do it with
You don’t understandThat a girl like me can love just one manThree thousand miles, that’s how far you’ll goAnd you said to me, “Please don’t follow”
You gotta go where you wanna goDo what you wanna doWith whoever you wanna do it with
You gotta go where you wanna goDo what you wanna doWith whoever you wanna do it with
You don’t understandThat a girl like me can love just one manYou’ve been gone a week and I tried so hardNot to be the cryin’ kindNot to be the girl you left behind
You gotta go where you wanna goDo what you wanna doWith whoever you wanna do it with