Words of Love (The Mamas & the Papas song)

"Words of Love"
Single by The Mamas & the Papas
from the album The Mamas & the Papas
B-side	"Dancing in the Street"
Released	November 1966
Format	7" single
Recorded	1966
Genre	Psychedelic pop, folk rock
Length	2:13
Label	Dunhill
Writer(s)	John Phillips
Producer(s)	Lou Adler
The Mamas & the Papas singles chronology
"I Saw Her Again" (1966) "Words of Love" (1966) "Dancing in the Street" (1966)

"Words of Love" is a song appearing on the album The Mamas & the Papas. The song was written by John Phillips, and featured Cass Elliot as the primary vocalist. It was released as a single in November 1966 (backed with a cover of Martha and the Vandellas's "Dancing in the Street") and on the week of January 21, 1967, it reached No. 5 in the United States.^[1] Overseas, it peaked at No. 47 in the United Kingdom.

The mono single, while approximately the same running time as the stereo version, contains a horn section overdub not heard in the stereo mix, extra backing vocals, and a more prominent piano; Elliot's vocals fade out a bit sooner near the end. This was the only song by the band which does not include a vocal contribution from either Phillips or Denny Doherty.

Michelle did contribute her high pitched "NO" right before the Chorus.

Cover versions

• In 2008, Nicole Atkins did a cover for an exclusive Barnes & Noble three track promotional sampler CD "Introducing Nicole Atkins" in conjunction with her appearance for their "Upstairs at the Square" series held in Manhattan.

Cultural references

• The song was used frequently as bumper music during the early years of Coast to Coast AM.
• The song was featured as the outro to the eighth episode of the sixth season of Mad Men.^[2]

References

1. Whitburn, Joel (2004). The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits: Eighth Edition. Record Research. p. 392.
2. Leeds, Sarene (May 20, 2013). "'Mad Men' Recap: Monday Morning Coming Down". Rolling Stone.