But years later, the song’s co-writer, Philip Cody, admitted he never believed the track would become a success.
According to Songfacts, Cody revealed that he considered “Bad Blood” his “least favorite song” that he wrote with Sedaka. The lyricist said he wanted to rewrite parts of the track, but Sedaka had already entered the studio with Elton John before any changes could be made.
American songwriter, pianist and singer Neil Sedaka on stage at the Colston Hall in Bristol.Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images
By the time “Bad Blood” arrived in late 1975, Sedaka’s career revival was already underway. Earlier that year, “Laughter in the Rain” became a No. 1 hit, while songs like “The Immigrant” and “That’s When the Music Takes Me” returned him to pop radio.
“Bad Blood” stood out because it sounded very different from Sedaka’s softer pop hits. The song mixed swampy rock grooves, blues-inspired rhythms, and sharper lyrics that gave Sedaka a rougher image than fans were used to hearing.
Elton John’s backing vocals also became one of the song’s defining features. Though he was not officially credited on the single, listeners quickly recognized his voice throughout the track. His call-and-response harmonies with Sedaka on the chorus helped make the song instantly memorable.
Ironically, the single that replaced “Bad Blood” at No. 1 was Elton John’s own hit, “Island Girl.”
The songwriter explained that the idea for “Bad Blood” came from stories told by his Sicilian grandmother about superstition and people believed to have evil in their blood. Cody said the concept reflected old family beliefs he had tried to distance himself from growing up.
Still, Cody believed the song needed more work.
Despite his doubts, listeners connected with the record immediately. The song became the biggest commercial hit of Sedaka’s career and remains one of his signature tracks decades later.
The track appeared on Sedaka’s album The Hungry Years and continued to gain popularity on classic hits radio long after its chart run ended.
Related: 1972 Classic, Written While Recovering From Surgery, Became a No. 1 Hit for Four Weeks
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