Cyndi Lauper recently joined an interview with the Hollywood Reporter and disclosed why her first recording of ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’ was problematic.
The song was originally written by Robert Hazard but from a male point of view. So, the lyrics were not in tune with Lauper, as the singer said:
“It was like yawn and boring. It wasn’t right for me. I sang his version. I sucked.”
Lauper continued, further explaining why singing Hazard’s version didn’t suit her:
“It was written by a guy, and he was writing, ‘Hey, we’re lucky. They want to have fun. Here I am.’ And it wasn’t that way for me because I’m a woman. I’m not a man. And that would be a problem.”
So, she decided to make some changes to the track to sing it from a female perspective, as the Grammy-winning artist explained in an appearance on PBS’ Finding Your Roots at the beginning of this year:
“So I began to cut this out, cut that out, this needs a melody here, make this change, bring this together. Say, ‘Oh mama dear, we’re not the fortunate ones/’Cause girls want to have fun’ — and we can’t. All of a sudden, it had this new life.”
Eventually, Lauper’s version achieved significant chart success, reaching high positions in various countries. It was also recognized as a feminist anthem. These days, the singer is busy with her new documentary, ‘Let the Canary Sing,’ which will have its world premiere at the 2023 Tribeca Festival.
You can listen to ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’ below.