Melanie Safka
Look What They done . . .
On this date in 1976, MELANIE performed her 1970 song WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO MY SONG MA on British music show 'Supersonic' (Jan 10, 1976)
When Melanie Safka, known professionally simply as Melanie, took to the stage at Woodstock in 1969, few knew who the timid 22-year-old folk singer was. She waited anxiously for her unexpected moment in the spotlight after other bands refused to play in the pouring rain. The unknown artist finally got her chance to perform inspirational tracks like "Beautiful People" in front of the massive audience. Though nervous, Melanie sang with astounding courage that moved the crowd to light candles across the rain-soaked hillside. This profound experience led her to write the iconic song “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)” in 1970, backed by the influential Edwin Hawkins Singers.
The following year, Melanie crafted another influential folk-pop protest song that sharply criticized the music industry for exploiting artists. Originally titled “What Have They Done to My Song Ma,” it was often covered by other artists as “Look What They’ve Done to My Song Ma” after the distinct opening lyrics. Melanie collaborated on the tuning with painter and musician H.M. Saffer II, who worked for Warner Brothers Productions. It was featured as the B-side to her cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Ruby Tuesday” in 1970 before inclusion on her album Candles in the Rain.
While it did not make a huge splash on American charts, “What Have They Done to My Song Ma” resonated with audiences abroad. It climbed to Number 39 on the UK charts and broke into the Top 20 in Norway and Wallonia, Belgium. Beyond the initial success, the song stood the test of time as one of Melanie’s most covered tracks. Artists like Nina Simone, Ray Charles, the New Seekers, and even Miley Cyrus have all lent their unique musical interpretations to the folk ballad over the years.
Melanie’s breakthrough moment at Woodstock was pivotal for her early career. She appreciated the opportunity but felt that the subsequent media frenzy and label pressures changed her music’s authenticity. In a 2019 interview with Northern Life, Melanie reflected that after Woodstock, “All of a sudden, I had managers and agents and record company executives all having their say. I didn’t like that at all.”
She elaborated on this loss of control and commercialization in the lyrics of “What Have They Done to My Song Ma”:
"Look what they done to my song
But maybe it'll all be alright ma
Maybe it'll all be okay
Well if the people are buying tears
I'll be rich someday ma
Look what they done to my song
Ils ont change ma chanson, ma
Ils ont change ma chanson
Look what they done to my song ma
Look what they done to my song ma
Well they tied it up in a plastic bag
And turned it upside down ma
Look what they done to my song"
The folk-laden track called out music publishers for seeing beloved songs as products rather than art. It also incorporated commentary on using music for commercial jingles and advertising. She specifically references the iconic 1960’s Lifebuoy Soap ad in the lyrics. Even in 2019, Melanie remained staunchly opposed to companies exploiting songs, reflected in the name of her independent label Article 27 Records. The title references Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that advocates for fair cultural rights protections.
While some artists shy away from covers, Melanie has fully embraced other musicians’ renditions of “What Have They Done to My Song Ma.” Their interpretations have honored her commentary and kept it relevant across generations. In 1972, legendary Ray Charles released an acclaimed cover version as “Look What They’ve Done to My Song Ma” that breathed new life into Melanie’s timely commentary. Charles’ smooth vocals provided an inventive take for R&B audiences. That same year, European pop singer Daliah Lavi had her own smash hit across the continent with a cover sung completely in German.
In subsequent decades, stars like Nina Simone and Miley Cyrus have also offered their own spins. Melanie even joined Cyrus on stage in 2015 to perform an intergenerational duet of the folk classic. The prolific number of covers has provided tangible proof that, even over 50 years later, audiences still feel connected to the frustrations so eloquently captured in Melanie’s lyrics protesting commercialization. Rather than going out of style, it has proven to resonate across genres and with music lovers young and old.
No comments:
Post a Comment