Bend Me, Shape Me
"Bend Me, Shape Me" is a song written by Scott English and Larry Weiss. It was first recorded by The Outsiders as a track on their album In in 1966. The best-known version in the US is the 1967 single released by The American Breed that peaked at No. 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in early 1968, No. 3 in South Africa, and No. 24 on the UK Singles Chart.
| "Bend Me, Shape Me" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
One of side-A labels of US single | ||||
| Single by The American Breed | ||||
| from the album Bend Me, Shape Me | ||||
| B-side | "Mindrocker" | |||
| Released | December 1967 | |||
| Genre |
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| Length | 2:05 (single version) 2:25 (album version) | |||
| Label | Acta Records 811 | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Scott English, Larry Weiss | |||
| Producer(s) | Bill Traut | |||
| The American Breed singles chronology | ||||
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The American Breed's 2:05 single mix of this song was sped-up during mastering for release, while the widely available original 2:25 version was done at a normal speed. The following year, The American Breed released their last single, "Anyway That You Want Me", which borrowed its title phrase from "Bend Me, Shape Me". Co-songwriter Scott English later went on to write and sing "Brandy", which Barry Manilow later covered as his 1974 breakout hit "Mandy".
A video was also produced. The band members are seen working out in a gym and performing on stage.