The Mamas & The Papas – Once Was a Time I Thought

About the song

Released in 1966 as part of their critically acclaimed album The Mamas & The Papas, “Once Was a Time I Thought” is one of the most intriguing and distinctive tracks in The Mamas & The Papas’ catalog. Though it clocks in at just one minute and two seconds, the song stands as a testament to the group’s exceptional vocal harmonies and their ability to craft intricate, layered musical pieces within a short span.

Background and Release

By 1966, The Mamas & The Papas had already established themselves as one of the leading voices of the folk-rock movement, with hits like “California Dreamin’” and “Monday, Monday” capturing the essence of the free-spirited yet melancholic undercurrents of the era. Their self-titled second album, which included “Once Was a Time I Thought,” continued to showcase their mastery of vocal arrangements and innovative songwriting techniques.

Unlike their more radio-friendly singles, this track feels like a vocal experiment, a brief yet intricate a cappella piece that highlights the group’s ability to blend their voices seamlessly. Its structure is unconventional, lacking a traditional verse-chorus format, and instead presenting a cascading, almost dizzying interplay of harmonies.

Lyrical Meaning and Themes

Despite its brevity, “Once Was a Time I Thought” conveys a sense of disillusionment and fleeting idealism, themes that were prevalent in the countercultural movement of the 1960s. The lyrics suggest a reflection on lost innocence, changed beliefs, and the passage of time:

“Once was a time I thought / That love could be sold or bought / And everything fell in place for me…”

The song seems to capture the naïveté of youthful optimism, only to reveal a stark realization that things are not as simple as they once seemed. Given the tumultuous personal relationships within the band—particularly the romantic tensions between John Phillips, Michelle Phillips, and Denny Doherty—the song could also be interpreted as an indirect commentary on their own interpersonal struggles.

Musical Style and Innovation

Musically, “Once Was a Time I Thought” is a showcase of tight vocal harmonization, a technique that was central to The Mamas & The Papas’ sound. The song features rapid, overlapping vocal lines, reminiscent of barbershop quartets or classical choral arrangements, but with a distinct folk-pop sensibility.

Unlike their more instrumentally rich tracks, this piece relies almost entirely on vocal layering, creating a complex, almost whimsical soundscape. The song’s rapid tempo and quick execution make it feel almost like an interlude rather than a full-fledged song, yet it leaves a lasting impression due to its unique arrangement and strikingly concise storytelling.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

While “Once Was a Time I Thought” was never released as a single, it remains a beloved deep cut among fans of The Mamas & The Papas. The track demonstrates their technical prowess as vocalists and their willingness to push the boundaries of what pop music could be.

In many ways, the song serves as a microcosm of the 1960s idealism—hopeful, complex, and fleeting. It also reinforces the idea that not all powerful musical statements require lengthy compositions; sometimes, a minute of pure vocal artistry is enough to make an impact.

For those who appreciate the intricate harmonies and sophisticated vocal techniques that defined The Mamas & The Papas, “Once Was a Time I Thought” remains a hidden gem, proving that even the shortest songs can carry deep meaning and unforgettable musical beauty.

Video

Lyrics

Once was a time I thought that love could be sold or bought
And everything fell in place for me.
The fashion of passion I rationed with caution
Because of the notion the potion of passion
Had never been passed to me.
But since it was Sunday and sunny I went for a stroll.
But peanuts and pigeons and people put me in a hole.
A blessing refreshing in you did unfold,
Dispelling depressing distressing thoughts from my soul.
Once was a time I thought that love could be sold or bought
And everything fell in place for me.
The fashion of passion I rationed with caution
Because of the notion the potion of passion
Had never been passed to me.
But now that you’re by my side,
I find that I feel so satisfied,
Somebody must have lied to me.