I was rather in the mood for some Mamas and Papas music tonight, and I found two that I like and haven’t yet played!  No, you don’t get both … I’m saving one for later.

This song, written by Lowman Pauling and Ralph Bass, was first recorded by the “5” Royales in 1957 (#81 in the U.S.), then by The Shirelles in 1959, that reached only #83 on the U.S. charts.  And then came the Mamas & the Papas version in 1967 that soared to #2 in both the UK and the U.S.  Lowman Pauling was the guitarist for the “5” Royales and Ralph Bass was their producer.

This was the first time that Michelle Phillips was given the lead over Cass Elliot.

I was curious, so I checked out both the “5” Royales and The Shirelles versions.  I found that I rather liked the “5” Royales version, although the Mamas & the Papas will always be my favourite.  I did not care much for The Shirelles version, however.  But, since we all have different tastes when it comes to music, I am offering all three tonight, but the Mamas & the Papas get top billing!

Dedicated To The One I Love
The Mamas & the Papas/”5″ Royales/The Shirelles

While I’m far away from you, my baby
I know it’s hard for you, my baby
Because it’s hard for me, my baby
And the darkest hour is just before dawn

Each night before you go to bed, my baby
Whisper a little prayer for me, my baby, yeah
And tell all the stars above
This is dedicated to the one I love

Life can never be
Exactly like we want it to be
I could be satisfied
Knowing you love me
If there’s one thing I want you to do
Especially for me
And it’s something that everybody needs

While I’m far away from you, my baby
Whisper a little prayer for me, my baby, yeah
Because it’s hard for me, my baby
And the darkest hour is just before dawn

If there’s one thing I want you to do
Especially for me
And it’s something that everybody needs

Each night before you go to bed, my baby
Whisper a little prayer for me, my baby, yeah
And tell all the stars above
This is dedicated to the one I love

This is dedicated to the one I love
This is dedicated to the one I love
This is dedicated to the one I love
This is dedicated
This is dedicated

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Lowman Pauling / Ralph Bass
Dedicated To The One I Love lyrics © Microhits Music Corp., Fort Knox Music Co., Songs Of Universal Inc., Microhits Music Corp, Carlin Music Corp