About the song
Lesley Gore’s 1963 hit, “It’s My Party,” remains one of the most iconic tracks from the early 1960s. This timeless pop song encapsulates the spirit of teenage rebellion and heartache, capturing the emotional whirlwind of a young girl who faces rejection and heartbreak at her own birthday party. Lesley Gore, who was only 16 years old at the time of its release, brings a refreshing vulnerability to the song, her youthful voice filled with both anguish and defiance as she sings about the pain of seeing her ex-boyfriend with another girl.
Written by the famed songwriting team of John Gluck Jr., Wally Gold, and Herb Weiner, “It’s My Party” stands out for its catchy, upbeat melody that contrasts with the song’s more somber themes of unrequited love and emotional turmoil. The juxtaposition between the lively, danceable rhythm and the poignant lyrics creates a unique blend that resonates with listeners of all ages, but especially with those who remember the heartache of their own youthful romances.
Lesley Gore’s performance is both tender and powerful, with her youthful optimism tempered by the raw pain of the situation. The lyrics tell the story of a young girl who, in her moment of distress, is determined to make the best of a difficult situation. She sings, “It’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to,” which has become one of the most memorable lines in pop music history, capturing the essence of teenage independence and emotional vulnerability.
The song’s success marked a pivotal moment in the 1960s pop scene, with Gore’s powerful yet relatable voice cutting through the airwaves. “It’s My Party” went on to become a chart-topping hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and cementing Lesley Gore’s place in the pantheon of American pop music. More than just a catchy tune, it speaks to universal themes of heartbreak, resilience, and the turbulence of adolescence, making it an enduring classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.
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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…