Massachusetts

The song *Massachusetts* by the Bee Gees, released in 1967, has a rather unique creation story. Brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb composed it while on tour in the United States, specifically at the Regis Hotel in New York. The curious thing is that, at that time, none of them had ever visited the state of Massachusetts. The idea for the name came from the sound that attracted them, with that repetition of the letter 'S'.

The composition of *Massachusetts* occurred in a context where many songs leaned towards the flower power vibe, like those mentioning San Francisco. The Gibbs, on the other hand, wanted to offer a different perspective. They imagined someone traveling to San Francisco to join the counterculture, but ending up feeling homesick. The idea of "lights out in Massachusetts" served to suggest that everyone had gone to San Francisco. Memories of how they finished polishing it vary among the brothers: one remembers working on it on a boat sailing around New York, while another places it in the hotel suite, right upon arrival, while they were unloading luggage. What is clear is that all three were involved in its birth.

Originally, the song was intended for the group The Seekers. When the Bee Gees returned to London from Australia, they tried to offer it to The Seekers, but they couldn't. So, they decided to record it themselves. It was a song that marked a milestone for the band, becoming their first number 1 in the UK. Furthermore, it reached the top in twelve other countries and peaked at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100, selling over five million copies worldwide. The recording took place at IBC Studios in London during August 1967, and an orchestral arrangement by Bill Shepherd was added, which Barry Gibb considered one of the arranger's best works.

The release of *Massachusetts* coincided with a tense moment for two Australian members of the band, Colin Petersen and Vince Melouney, who faced the possibility of deportation. This generated protests from fans in the UK, including direct action by a fan in front of Buckingham Palace. Ultimately, the musicians were allowed to stay. In December 2011, in a British television special, *Massachusetts* was voted the third favorite song by the Bee Gees, behind *How Deep Is Your Love* and *You Win Again*.