About the song
Lesley Gore’s iconic hit, “It’s My Party,” released in 1963, is a quintessential piece of 1960s pop music that continues to resonate with listeners across generations. This song, which catapulted Lesley Gore to fame, was written by a talented trio of songwriters: John Gluck, Wally Gold, and Herb Weiner. “It’s My Party” was produced by the legendary Quincy Jones, who helped shape the sound that defined an era.
Appearing on Gore’s debut album, *I’ll Cry If I Want To*, “It’s My Party” tells the relatable story of teenage heartbreak and jealousy. With its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, it quickly struck a chord with young audiences, becoming an anthem of youthful angst and defiance. The song’s narrative centers around a girl whose birthday party is ruined when she discovers her boyfriend Johnny with another girl, Judy. The chorus, “It’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to,” became a memorable and oft-quoted line, encapsulating the raw emotions of the moment.
Upon its release, “It’s My Party” swiftly climbed the charts, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. It also enjoyed international success, topping the charts in several other countries and cementing Lesley Gore’s status as a pop sensation. The song’s success marked the beginning of Gore’s prolific career in the music industry, where she continued to release hits that captured the spirit of the times.
Lesley Gore’s performance of “It’s My Party” is characterized by her clear, emotive vocals, which perfectly convey the feelings of a heartbroken teenager. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke the universal experience of youthful heartbreak and the bittersweet moments of growing up. For many, it remains a nostalgic reminder of the 1960s and a testament to the timeless power of pop music.
Video
Lyrics
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
Nobody knows where my Johnny has gone
Judy left the same time
Why was he holding her hand
When he’s supposed to be mine?
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
Playin’ my records, keep dancing all night
But leave me alone for a while
‘Til Johnny’s dancing with me
I’ve got no reason to smile
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
Judy and Johnny just walked through the door
Like a queen with her King
Oh, what a birthday surprise
Judy’s wearin’ his ring
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
Oh, 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
It’s my party…