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Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the title of today's "Great Song of 1970" is NOT "Look What They've Done to My Song, Ma."
It's actually, "What Have They Done to My Song, Ma."
A small difference, yes...but the reason I had the title wrong for 50 years is because everyone who ever recorded it changed the name. Even Melanie Safka (of "Brand New Key" fame), who wrote it along with artist/songwriter HM Saffer II, eventually changed the title--because she liked it better.
Melanie was also the first to record the song, of course, but it actually went nowhere--unless you count Norway, where it went to #6.
Interestingly, Melanie has always been a staunch supporter of an artist's right to control their own works, and that's where the song came from..
But the irony is, "Look What They've Done" has been covered by several artists over the years...including Ray Charles, Nina Simone, Billie Jo Spears, and The New Seekers, who took the song to #1 in New Zealand, #3 in Australia and Canada, and #4 on Billboard's Easy Listening Chart here in the US.
Even MORE ironic (and annoying)--especially in Melanie's point of view: the song has been used in ad campaigns for Lifebuoy Soap, Ramada Inn, and Oatmeal Crisp Cereal. Petty sure she didn't have a lot of control over that.
In 2015, the song became popular again when Miley Cyrus recorded a version that Melanie liked so much, she got together with Miley and recorded another version that is not only excellent...but fun! (Click the third link below.)
Whatever you call it: "What Have They Done to My Song, Ma" or "Look What They've Done to My Song, Ma," it's still a "Great Song of 1970...and 2015!"
New Seekers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXYkFQgk37M
Melanie Safka (original version):
Miley & Melanie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LL4BHMSreF8
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