The Mamas & The Papas – String Man

About the song

“String Man” is a standout track from the legendary The Mamas & The Papas, released in 1968 as part of their album “The Papas & The Mamas”. Known for their harmonically rich vocals and emotionally charged lyrics, this track is no exception. The song, written by group member John Phillips, exemplifies the band’s signature blend of folk, pop, and rock influences, while also touching on themes that resonated with the countercultural mood of the late 1960s.

“String Man” stands out as an introspective piece, with its reflective lyrics exploring the nature of human relationships and the emotional complexity behind them. The term “String Man” itself refers to the metaphor of a person being pulled or controlled by strings, much like a puppet. The song’s protagonist reflects on the fragility and instability of life, trying to make sense of the way people interact, often feeling manipulated or powerless. The imagery of strings implies a sense of being tethered to forces beyond one’s control, perhaps love, fate, or societal expectations. The lyrics capture a deep sense of vulnerability, and the melancholy tone of the song suggests that this feeling of powerlessness is not easily overcome.

While “String Man” may not have achieved the same level of mainstream success as some of their other hits like “California Dreamin'” or “Monday, Monday,” it still holds a special place in the hearts of fans and music critics alike for its emotional depth and introspective lyrics. The Mamas & The Papas were known for their intricate vocal harmonies, and “String Man” is no exception, with the vocal arrangement adding layers of complexity to the song’s emotional message. The juxtaposition of Cass Elliot’s rich, soulful voice with Michelle Phillips’s ethereal tone and John Phillips’s distinct baritone creates a harmonic depth that draws listeners into the song’s somber reflection on life’s uncertainties.

The social impact of “String Man” is a reflection of the broader cultural atmosphere of the late 1960s. The decade was a time of significant social upheaval, with a growing desire for personal freedom and a rebellion against established norms. Many of the themes that emerged in popular music during this time, particularly within the folk-rock genre, dealt with personal struggles, relationships, and societal constraints. “String Man” fits well within this context, as it touches on the theme of manipulation—be it in love, relationships, or society—and the desire to break free from those constraints. It resonates with a generation of listeners seeking to make sense of their own personal struggles and the complexities of their relationships.

The Mamas & The Papas were pioneers of the folk-rock sound and the California sound, but they also embodied the emotional contradictions of the era. Their music was, at times, wistful, melancholy, and full of longing. In “String Man”, there’s a feeling of helplessness, but also a quiet resignation to life’s unpredictability. It serves as a reminder that, no matter how much one might try to control their own destiny, they are still often at the mercy of external forces.

In conclusion, “String Man” is a deeply introspective song that reflects the complex emotional landscape of the late 1960s, framed within the soulful harmonies and signature style of The Mamas & The Papas. The track may not be as widely known as their other hits, but its emotional weight and powerful lyrics make it a memorable piece of the band’s catalog. Its exploration of human vulnerability and the feeling of being controlled by external forces speaks to the universal desire for self-determination, making it a song that continues to resonate with listeners to this day.

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Lyrics

I fell in love with the string man
Who played guitar in a rock and roll band.
And every night I’d watch them play
But it happened at the matinee
How I squirmed when he bent those strings,
And I screamed when he started to sing.
The way he moved and looked so groovy,
Well, ya know, he did something to me.
String man…string man…string man…string man…
So I followed the string man
Who played guitar in a string band.
And every night I’d watch them play,
And they got better everyday.
Pretty soon, and what do ya think
(What do you think)
Everybody’s saying they’re the biggest thing
(The biggest thing)
Hit records and making the scene
(The scene)
Sexy pictures in the fan magazines.
String man…string man…string man…string man…

I strung along with the string man;
He always called me his biggest fan.
Though he was kind, I should have known better
Than to think we’d always stay together.
And then one night the show was wild and loud,
And I saw a pretty girl out in the crowd.
She waved at him and caught his eye
The way he looked at her it made me cry.
String man
String man…string man…string man…
String man…string man…string man…
String man…string man…string man…