Peak
59
Weeks
6
Score
364
Chart Year
1966
Released in the summer of 1966, the uniquely bleak “Past, Present and Future” was the Shangri-Las‘ last single with Red Bird Records. It was the group’s last top-100 song, charting at number 59 on the Billboard Hot 100. One of the most radically structured pop songs of its time, it features lead vocalist Mary Weiss dramatically reciting a monologue over a sad backdrop of lush orchestration that utilizes Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.
[Verse 1] (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... [Verse 2] (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 'Cause that will never happen again Shall we dance? [Instrumental] [Verse 3] (Future) Tomorrow? well tomorrows 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
| Week | Chart Date | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jun 25, 1966 | 99 | 27 |
| 2 | Jul 2, 1966 | 84 | 42 |
| 3 | Jul 9, 1966 | 69 | 57 |
| 4 | Jul 16, 1966 | 63 | 63 |
| 5 | Jul 23, 1966 | 59 | 67 |
| 6 | Jul 30, 1966 | 60 | 66 |