About the song
“Twelve Thirty (Young Girls Are Coming to the Canyon)” is a song by the American folk rock group The Mamas & The Papas. The group performed this song on *The Ed Sullivan Show*, showcasing a poignant moment in the history of 1960s music. Released as a single in 1967, “Twelve Thirty” holds a special place in the group’s discography as one of their last major hits. The song reflects the changing atmosphere of the time, capturing the essence of the counterculture movement with its evocative lyrics and harmonious melodies.
Written by John Phillips, the leader and primary songwriter of The Mamas & The Papas, “Twelve Thirty” was inspired by the group’s move from New York City to Los Angeles. The song is often seen as a reflection of the contrasting lifestyles between the two cities. The lyrics speak of a journey from darkness to light, both metaphorically and literally, as they describe the transition from the gritty, urban life of New York to the more laid-back, sunlit world of California. The canyon mentioned in the song refers to Laurel Canyon, a neighborhood in Los Angeles that was home to many musicians and artists during the 1960s.
The performance of “Twelve Thirty” on *The Ed Sullivan Show* was a significant event, as it allowed the band to connect with a broader audience during a time when television was a primary medium for music discovery. The Mamas & The Papas were known for their lush vocal harmonies, and this song is a prime example of their ability to blend voices into a cohesive and beautiful sound. The group’s performance on the show captured their essence perfectly, presenting a harmonious and hopeful message that resonated with the viewers.
“Twelve Thirty” was not just a hit but a reflection of a transitional period in American culture. It reached number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has since been remembered as one of the group’s standout tracks. The song’s success helped to cement The Mamas & The Papas’ place in the pantheon of 1960s folk-rock music, and their performance on *The Ed Sullivan Show* remains a memorable moment in television history. The song’s legacy endures, serving as a reminder of a time when music was a powerful force for change and reflection.
Video
Lyrics
I used to live in New York City;
Everything there was dark and dirty.
Outside my window was a steeple
With a clock that always said twelve-thirty.Young girls are coming to the canyon,
And in the mornings I can see them walking.
I can no longer keep my blinds drawn,
And I can’t keep myself from talking.At first so strange to feel so friendly –
To say good morning and really mean it –
To feel these changes happening in me,
But not to notice till I feel it.Young girls are coming to the canyon,
And in the mornings I can see them walking.
I can no longer keep my blinds drawn,
And I can’t keep myself from talking.Cloudy waters cast no reflection;
Images of beauty lie there stagnant.
Vibrations bounce in no direction,
And lie there shattered into fragments.Young girls are coming to the canyon,
(Young girls are in the canyon)
And in the mornings I can see them walking.
(In the mornings I can see them walking)
I can no longer keep my blinds drawn,
(Can no longer keep my blinds drawn)
And I can’t keep myself from talking…