About the song
“Sing for Your Supper” by The Mamas & The Papas is a timeless gem that beautifully showcases the group’s signature harmonies and their ability to breathe new life into classic compositions. Released in 1967 as part of their third studio album, “Deliver”, the song is a reinterpretation of a Broadway tune originally written by the legendary songwriting duo Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1938 musical The Boys from Syracuse. This track stands as a testament to the group’s skill in adapting and reimagining older material for the folk-pop era of the 1960s.
Musically, “Sing for Your Supper” is a delight to the ears. The Mamas & The Papas transform the original jazz-tinged Broadway number into a rich tapestry of vocal harmony, backed by their signature blend of folk-pop instrumentation. The song features intricate vocal arrangements, with Cass Elliot, Denny Doherty, Michelle Phillips, and John Phillips weaving their voices seamlessly together. The interplay between their harmonies and the playful, melodic structure of the song creates a captivating listening experience. It’s a perfect example of the group’s ability to make even the most traditional material feel fresh and contemporary.
Thematically, “Sing for Your Supper” carries a whimsical and lighthearted tone, centered around the idea of performing or offering one’s talents in exchange for sustenance or rewards. The lyrics, like many Rodgers and Hart creations, are clever and witty, blending a sense of humor with a touch of sophistication. The Mamas & The Papas infuse the song with a carefree, almost bohemian spirit, reflecting the ethos of the 1960s counterculture—an era when music, art, and creativity were celebrated as forms of expression and survival.
“Deliver”, the album housing this track, was a critical and commercial success, featuring hits like “Dedicated to the One I Love” and “Creeque Alley”. While “Sing for Your Supper” wasn’t released as a single, it remains a standout moment on the album, appreciated by fans and critics alike for its charm and artistry. It also highlights the group’s versatility, as they effortlessly transition from introspective ballads to lively, upbeat numbers.
The social and cultural impact of The Mamas & The Papas cannot be overstated. By covering a Broadway standard like “Sing for Your Supper”, the group bridged the gap between different musical worlds, blending the sophistication of the Great American Songbook with the accessible, heartfelt style of 1960s folk-pop. Their interpretation brought the song to a new audience, ensuring its continued relevance in popular music.
In summary, “Sing for Your Supper” is more than just a cover—it’s a celebration of musical storytelling and vocal artistry. With its playful spirit and stunning harmonies, the song exemplifies why The Mamas & The Papas remain one of the most beloved and influential vocal groups in music history. For listeners old and new, this track serves as a delightful reminder of the joy and creativity that defined their work.
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Lyrics
Sing for your supper, and you’ll get breakfastSongbirds always eatIf their song is sweet to hearSing for your luncheon, and you’ll get dinnerDine with wine of choiceIf romance is in your voice.I heard from a wise canary,Trilling makes a fellow willingSo, little swallow, swallow nowNow is the time toSing for your supper and you’ll get breakfastSongbirds are not dumbThey don’t buy a crumb of breadIt’s said…So sing and you’ll be fed.I heard from a wise canary,Trilling makes a fellow willingSo, little swallow, swallow nowNow is time to sing for your supper,And you’ll get breakfast.Songbirds are not dumbThey never buy a crumb of breadIt is said…So sing, and you’ll be fed, oh yeahJust sing and you’ll be fed.