About the Song
The Mamas & The Papas, a quintessential group of the 1960s, wove sunshine harmonies and introspective lyrics to create a sound that perfectly embodied the California counterculture. Among their many hits, “Go Where You Wanna Go” stands out as a testament to both their musical brilliance and the fleeting nature of their success.
Released in 1966 on their album “If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears,” “Go Where You Wanna Go” wasn’t an immediate chart-topper. However, it captured the spirit of the era with its message of freedom and exploration. The song’s optimistic melody, featuring John Phillips’ signature songwriting, beckons the listener to chase their dreams and embrace the unknown.
The seemingly simple lyrics take on deeper meaning when considering the group’s tumultuous personal dynamics. Lines like “Come on and sing with a happy voice” and “You don’t have to worry, everything’s gonna be alright” can be interpreted as a plea for harmony within the band itself. Despite their onstage chemistry, The Mamas & The Papas were known for internal conflicts and romantic entanglements that would ultimately lead to their break-up just two years later.
Musically, “Go Where You Wanna Go” showcases the group’s signature sound. Lush vocal harmonies, layered with Michelle Phillips’ breathy soprano and Cass Elliot’s powerful alto, create a sonic landscape that’s both uplifting and melancholic. The driving rhythm section keeps the energy high, while the occasional instrumental flourishes, like the chiming guitars and tambourine accents, add a touch of psychedelic flair.
“Go Where You Wanna Go” may not have been The Mamas & The Papas’ biggest hit, but it remains a beloved song for its timeless message and enduring sound. It serves as a reminder of a band that burned brightly for a brief period, leaving behind a legacy of iconic music that continues to inspire and resonate with listeners today. The song’s optimistic spirit and sense of adventure stand in stark contrast to the group’s own internal struggles, offering a bittersweet reminder of the fleeting nature of fame and the complexities of human relationships.
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Lyrics: Go Where You Wanna Go
You gotta go where you wanna go,
Do what you wanna do
With whoever you wanna do it with.
You gotta go where you wanna go,
And do what you wanna do
With whoever you wanna do it with.You don’t understand
That a girl like me can love just one man.
Three thousand miles, that’s how far you’ll go.
And you said to me “Please don’t follow”.Cause you gotta go where you wanna go
And do what you wanna do
With whoever you wanna do it with.
Babe, you gotta go where you wanna go
And do what you wanna do
With whoever you wanna do it with.You don’t understand
That a girl like me can love just one man.
You’ve been gone a week, and I tried so hard
Not to be the crying kind –
Not to be the girl you left behind.You gotta go where you wanna go
And do what you wanna do
With whoever you wanna do it with.
You gotta go where you wanna go (Go where you want)
And do what you wanna do (Do what you want)
With whoever you wanna do it with.
You gotta go where you wanna go (Go where you want)
And do what you wanna do (Do what you want)
With whoever you wanna do it with.