The Meaning Behind The Song: Judy’s Turn To Cry by Lesley Gore
Lesley Gore’s “Judy’s Turn to Cry” is a classic hit from the 1960s. The song is about a young woman, Judy, who has just been dumped by her boyfriend, Johnny, for another girl. The song speaks to the heartache and pain that Judy feels, as well as the satisfaction she gets when she sees that Johnny’s new relationship is not going well. This article will explore the meaning behind the song and its popularity.
The Story Behind The Song
“Judy’s Turn to Cry” was released in the summer of 1963 as a follow-up to Lesley Gore’s hit song “It’s My Party.” The song was written by the same songwriting team, Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein, and Richard Gottehrer, who wrote “It’s My Party.”
According to Gore, the song was written in response to a real-life situation that Feldman and Gottehrer had experienced. They had both dated the same girl, and when she broke up with one of them for the other, they wrote “Judy’s Turn to Cry” as a way to get back at her. When they played the song for Gore, she loved it right away and recorded it.
The Meaning Behind The Lyrics
At its core, “Judy’s Turn to Cry” is a song about heartache and revenge. The lyrics describe the pain that Judy feels when her boyfriend leaves her for someone else. She is devastated and feels like her world has come crashing down around her.
However, as the song progresses, we see Judy become more empowered. When she sees that Johnny’s new relationship is not working out, she takes pleasure in his misfortune. This is reflected in the lyrics, “Now it’s Judy’s turn to cry, Judy’s turn to cry, Judy’s turn to cry,” which suggest that she has finally gotten her revenge and is enjoying watching Johnny suffer.
The Significance of the Song
“Judy’s Turn to Cry” was a hit when it was released, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming Gore’s second consecutive Top 10 hit. The song’s popularity can be attributed to a number of factors.
First, the song is catchy and has a memorable hook. The “Judy’s turn to cry” refrain is repeated throughout the song, making it easy for listeners to remember.
Second, the song tapped into a common theme in pop music at the time: heartbreak. Many songs from this era, including “It’s My Party,” “The Leader of the Pack,” and “Tell Him,” dealt with themes of love and loss.
Finally, the song’s lyrics spoke to young women, who could relate to Judy’s situation. The song was a reflection of the changing times, as women were becoming more empowered and assertive.
FAQs
1. Who wrote “Judy’s Turn to Cry”?
The song was written by the songwriting team of Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein, and Richard Gottehrer, who also wrote “It’s My Party.”
2. What is the meaning behind the song?
The song is about a young woman, Judy, who has just been dumped by her boyfriend for another girl. The lyrics describe the pain she feels, as well as the revenge she takes when she sees that her ex-boyfriend’s new relationship is not working out.
3. What inspired the song?
According to Lesley Gore, the song was inspired by a real-life situation that Bob Feldman and Richard Gottehrer had experienced. They had both dated the same girl, and when she broke up with one of them for the other, they wrote “Judy’s Turn to Cry” as a way to get back at her.
4. When was the song released?
“Judy’s Turn to Cry” was released in the summer of 1963 as a follow-up to “It’s My Party.”
5. How successful was the song?
The song was a hit, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming Lesley Gore’s second consecutive Top 10 hit.
6. Why was the song popular?
The song’s popularity can be attributed to its catchy melody, memorable hook, and relatable lyrics. It tapped into a common theme in pop music at the time and spoke to young women who could relate to Judy’s situation.
7. What other songs did Lesley Gore record?
Lesley Gore had a string of hits in the 1960s, including “It’s My Party,” “You Don’t Own Me,” and “Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows.”
8. What impact did “Judy’s Turn to Cry” have on popular culture?
The song was a reflection of the changing times, as women were becoming more empowered and assertive. It paved the way for other female artists to assert their independence and speak their minds.
9. Was Lesley Gore involved in the writing of the song?
No, Lesley Gore did not write the song. However, she was involved in the creative process and helped to bring the song to life through her recording of it.
10. What is Lesley Gore’s legacy?
Lesley Gore is remembered as a trailblazer for women in the music industry. She broke down barriers and paved the way for future generations of female artists.
11. Has “Judy’s Turn to Cry” been covered by other artists?
Yes, the song has been covered by a number of artists, including Dolly Parton, The Four Tops, and The Shirelles.
12. What is Lesley Gore’s most famous song?
Lesley Gore’s most famous song is “It’s My Party,” which reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1963.
