About the song
Ah, Carpenters. The very name evokes a certain warmth, a gentle nostalgia that takes us back to a time when music was all about melody, harmony, and heartfelt emotion. For those of us who came of age in the seventies, their sound is inextricably woven into the fabric of our memories, a soundtrack to our youth, our loves, and our losses. And perhaps no song captures the essence of Carpenters more perfectly than “We’ve Only Just Begun.”
Released in 1970, this wasn’t your typical love song. It wasn’t about fiery passion or fleeting infatuation. Instead, it offered a more mature, nuanced perspective on love – a love that was about commitment, growth, and the promise of a shared future. It spoke of a love that was just beginning to blossom, a love with the potential to deepen and endure through the years.
The song’s origins are quite interesting. It was originally written for a television commercial for Crocker National Bank, believe it or not! Paul Williams, the song’s composer, was inspired by the ad’s message of young love and new beginnings. He saw in it a universal theme that resonated far beyond the world of banking. And he was right.
When Richard Carpenter heard the song, he knew it was something special. He envisioned it as a ballad, a showcase for Karen’s unparalleled vocal talent. And what a showcase it was! Karen’s voice, with its crystalline purity and emotional depth, transformed a simple commercial jingle into a timeless classic.
“We’ve Only Just Begun” is a masterpiece of restraint and subtlety. The arrangement is understated, allowing Karen’s voice to take center stage. The melody is both elegant and memorable, weaving its way into your heart and refusing to let go. And the lyrics, oh, the lyrics! They are poetry in motion, painting a picture of a love that is both tender and enduring.
This is a song that speaks to the dreamer in all of us. It speaks to the hope that resides within us, the belief that the best is yet to come. It’s a song that celebrates the beauty of new beginnings, the promise of a future filled with love and happiness. So let us revisit this timeless classic, and allow ourselves to be transported back to a time when music was a balm for the soul, a source of comfort and inspiration. Let us lose ourselves in the magic of Carpenters and the enduring beauty of “We’ve Only Just Begun.”
Video
Lyrics
We’ve only just begun to live
White lace and promises
A kiss for luck and we’re on our way
(We’ve only begun)
Before the risin’ sun, we fly
So many roads to choose
We’ll start out walkin’ and learn to run
(And yes, we’ve just begun)
Sharing horizons that are new to us
Watchin the signs along the way
Talkin’ it over, just the two of us
Workin’ together day to day
Together
And when the evening comes, we smile
So much of life ahead
We’ll find a place where there’s room to grow
(And yes, we’ve just begun)
Sharing horizons that are new to us
Watchin’ the signs along the way
Talkin’ it over, just the two of us
Workin’ together day to day
Together
Together
And when the evening comes, we smile
So much of life ahead
We’ll find a place where there’s room to grow
And yes, we’ve just begun