About the song
“It’s My Party,” a poignant anthem of teenage heartbreak, catapulted Lesley Gore to fame when it was released as her debut single in 1963. Produced by Quincy Jones and written collectively by Herb Wiener, John Gluck Jr., and Wally Gold, the song is a vivid portrayal of adolescent turmoil set to a memorable melody in the key of A major.
Thematically, “It’s My Party” captures the moment of a young girl’s birthday celebration turned sour. The lyrics, initially penned by Seymour Gottlieb and inspired by his daughter Judy’s real-life experience, depict the protagonist’s distress as her boyfriend Johnny arrives with another girl, Judy herself, who now wears his ring. This betrayal unfolds against a backdrop of Latin-infused rhythms, layered vocals, and skillful horn arrangements, all crafted by Quincy Jones to enhance the emotional impact of the song.
Lesley Gore’s recording session at Bell Sound Studios in Manhattan on March 30, 1963, under Jones’s direction, solidified the song’s timeless appeal. The single’s rapid ascent to the top of the charts was bolstered by Jones’s strategic distribution of test pressings to radio stations across the United States, ensuring widespread airplay that propelled it to number one within weeks of its release.
The success of “It’s My Party” not only cemented Gore’s place in music history but also spurred a sequel titled “Judy’s Turn to Cry,” further exploring the narrative from Judy’s perspective. The song’s influence endured beyond its initial release, as evidenced by its resurgence in popularity during the 1980s and its continued relevance in popular culture, including its recent resurgence on TikTok in 2021.
Moreover, the song’s impact extended globally with a notable cover by British artists Dave Stewart and Barbara Gaskin, which topped the charts in the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand, and reached the top 10 in several other countries. The accompanying music video, featuring a cameo by Thomas Dolby, added a new dimension to the song’s narrative, resonating with audiences anew.
“It’s My Party” remains an indelible part of the cultural landscape, celebrated for its emotive lyrics, timeless production, and Lesley Gore’s compelling vocal delivery. Its ability to evoke universal themes of heartache and resilience ensures its place as a classic in the annals of popular music.
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Lyrics
[Chorus]
It’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to
Cry if I want to, cry if I want to
You would cry too if it happened to you[Verse 1]
Nobody knows where my Johnny has gone
But Judy left the same time
Why was he holding her hand
When he’s supposed to be mine?[Chorus]
It’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to
Cry if I want to, cry if I want to
You would cry too if it happened to you[Verse 2]
Play all my records, keep dancing all night
But leave me alone for awhile
‘Til Johnny’s dancing with me
I’ve got no reason to smile[Chorus]
It’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to
Cry if I want to, cry if I want to
You would cry too if it happened to you