The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #93569   Message #1802115
Posted By: Cruiser
05-Aug-06 - 11:29 AM
Thread Name: Melodramatic Songs: Past, Present, & ..
Subject: Melodramatic, Mournful Songs
"Past, Present and Future" is one of the most melodramatic, mournful songs I have ever heard of any genre. It was performed by the hip, leather-wearing bad girl group, the Shangri-Las, of the "Leader of the Pack" fame. "Past" was so melodically uncharacteristic of this group and the only song of theirs I liked as a teenager.

It charted at #59 in the summer of 1966.

Here is a clip:

Track # 11 Past, Present, and Future


But don't listen to it if you are depressed! It you have ever suffered from a break-up in a strong relationship, the lyrics and the way they are sung by this group cut deep (now who's being melodramatic!)

Especially chilling is this phrase:

"But don't try to touch me...don't try to touch me!
Cos that will never...happen...again"


Artist: Shangri-Las
Song: Past Present And Future
Album: Greatest Hits
[" Greatest Hits " CD]

The Past...past...well now let me tell you about the past
The past is filled with silent joys and broken toys,
laughing girls and teasing boys

Was I ever in love? I called it love- I mean... it felt like love
There were moments when...well...there were moments when...

Present....Go out with you? Why not
Do I like to dance? Of Course

Take a walk along the beach tonight? I'd love to
But don't try to touch me...don't try to touch me!
Cos that will never...happen...again

Shall we dance?

{Rousing String Instrumental}

The Future... Tomorrow...well tomorrow's a long way off
Maybe someday I'll have somebody's hand
Maybe somewhere, someone will understand

You know I used to sing "a tisket-a-tasket a green and yellow basket
I'm all packed up and I'm on my way and I'm gonna fall in love"

But at the moment it doesn't look good

At the moment...it will never happen again

I don't think...it will ever...happen...again


Man, after that, I've got to go out for my morning (mourning!) 3-mile run...

Cruiser