"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.
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.
Chart history
Weekly charts Chart (1967–1968)PeakpositionAustralia (Go-Set)33New Zealand (Listener)1South Africa (Springbok)3UK Singles (OCC)24U.S. Billboard Hot 100Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955–1990 - 5U.S. Cash Box Top 1003
Year-end charts Chart (1968)RankCanada 48U.S. Billboard Hot 10098U.S. Cash Box 25
Cover versions There have been many other recordings of "Bend Me, Shape Me". The first version was released by The Models in 1966 on the MGM label. Other notables include one by Amen Corner with slightly altered lyrics, which reached No. 3 in the UK Singles Chart in 1968. It also reached number 9 on the New Zealand Listener charts.https://www.flavourofnz.co.nz/index.php?qpageID=search%20listener&qartistid=673#n_view_location Search Listener - Retrieved 28-10-2025 There was also a hit disco single on Ariola/Hansa by Austrian singer Gilla in 1978, which she also performed in a medley with Boney M.
See also List of 1960s one-hit wonders in the United States
References