About the song
“Blueberries for Breakfast” by The Mamas & The Papas is a lesser-known but charming track from the group’s final studio album, People Like Us, released in November 1971. While the album itself did not achieve the same iconic status as their earlier work, this song remains an interesting piece in their discography, offering a glimpse into the band’s evolving sound during their final days together.
Background and Release
By 1971, The Mamas & The Papas were no longer the harmonious, tight-knit group they had been in the mid-’60s. Tensions, personal struggles, and shifting musical landscapes had taken their toll, but due to contractual obligations, they reunited to record People Like Us. This album would be their last, marking the end of an era for one of the defining vocal groups of the 1960s folk-pop movement.
“Blueberries for Breakfast” stands out as one of the more upbeat and playful tracks on the album. Written by John Phillips and Jeff Barry, it carries a lighthearted, almost whimsical feel, with a melody that echoes the carefree spirit of their earlier hits while incorporating a more mature, laid-back arrangement.
Musical Style and Themes
Unlike the sweeping harmonies of “California Dreamin’” or the melancholy of “Dedicated to the One I Love,” “Blueberries for Breakfast” embraces a breezy, easygoing style. The song’s light folk-pop instrumentation, combined with its catchy, rhythmic delivery, gives it a cheerful yet nostalgic feel.
Lyrically, the song is a playful take on relationships and simple pleasures, painting an image of domestic life and everyday moments with a touch of humor. The phrase “blueberries for breakfast” serves as a metaphor for embracing the small joys in life, even when things don’t go as planned.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
While People Like Us didn’t produce major hits, it remains a fascinating chapter in The Mamas & The Papas’ legacy. “Blueberries for Breakfast” captures the band’s signature charm, even as their time together was drawing to a close.
In retrospect, this song is a reminder of the group’s ability to blend intricate harmonies with clever songwriting, even in their later years. Though it may not be as widely recognized as their early anthems, it remains a delightful piece that showcases their unique musical chemistry one last time.
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Lyrics
Blueberries for breakfastLove in the afternoonButterflies in my trousersUnder the August moonBlueberries for breakfastLove in the afternoonButterflies in my trousersUnder the August moonDrive you to the airportWait till it’s time to goI’ve checked the weather reportThey say it will not snowAnd all the planes can come and goBut I think the ceiling is too lowSo you can’t goBlueberries for breakfastLove in the afternoonButterflies in my trousersUnder the August moonNew York fireBurning just a little too brightManhattan fireflyNever make it through the nightSomehow she came out alrightThrough the darkness, see her lightShining brightBlueberries for breakfastLove in the afternoonButterflies in my trousersUnder the August moonI’m gonna have to call the copsIf you don’t leave me aloneStop waiting at the bus stopTrying to walk me homeThe FBI, the CIAYou know they’ll never leave you aloneAnd I will cut you to the boneBlueberries for breakfastLove in the afternoonButterflies in my trousersUnder the August moonBlueberries for breakfastLove in the afternoonButterflies in my trousersUnder the August moonBlueberries for breakfastLove in the afternoon