What Have They Done to My Song Ma
Melanie
Lyrics currently unavailable…
13 facts about this song
Artist"What Have They Done to My Song Ma" is a track by American singer-songwriter Melanie Safka, who is better known by her stage name Melanie.
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Release DateThe song was first released in 1970 as a part of Melanie's album, "Candles in the Rain".
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Chart PerformanceAlthough it wasn't among her most popular songs in the United States, "What Have They Done to My Song Ma" reached the top 40 in the UK, peaking at number 39.
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Cover VersionsThe song was covered by many artists in different languages, including famous French singer Dalida who named it "Mais il y a des soirs".
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Ray Charles VersionThe song earned a new level of prominence when it was covered by legendary artist Ray Charles, who liked Melanie's original so much he decided to do his own interpretation.
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Miley Cyrus VersionIn more recent years, former Disney Channel star Miley Cyrus covered "What Have They Done to My Song Ma" during her Backyard Sessions series in 2012, which were released on YouTube.
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MeaningLyrically, the song delves into Melanie's frustration over how her music has been treated or changed by the music industry, which is a common sentiment among artists who feel their art gets lost in commercialization.
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Title VariationInterestingly, the song is sometimes known by an abbreviation of its title, simply referred to as "Look What They've Done to My Song Ma".
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Inclusion in FilmsThe song has made appearances in movies over the years, the most notable being its inclusion in the film "The Edge of Seventeen."
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Live PerformancesMelanie often includes this song in her live performances, making it one of the mainstays of her repertoire.
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Back-up VocalsMelanie's version of the song features the Edwin Hawkins Singers on backing vocals.
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Pop CultureIt was also featured on the TV show "Gilmore Girls" in the 2002 episode titled "I Can't Get Started".
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Toys CoverThe catchy tune was also transformed into a pop version by The Toys, a girl group from the 1960s. Their version was titled "What Have They Done to My Song, Ma- / I Got My Heart Set on You."
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Citation
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"What Have They Done to My Song Ma Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2415977/Melanie/What+Have+They+Done+to+My+Song+Ma>.
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