About the song
“Elenore,” a 1968 hit by The Turtles, showcases the band’s playful and satirical approach to pop music, contrasting sharply with their previous successes like “Happy Together.” Written primarily by Howard Kaylan, with joint credit to all band members—Mark Volman, Al Nichol, Jim Pons, and John Barbata—the song emerged as a humorous response to commercial pressures from their record label, White Whale Records.
At the time of its creation, The Turtles had already established themselves with several chart-topping hits, including the aforementioned “Happy Together.” Seeking creative freedom and eager to showcase their versatility, the band recorded “Elenore” as part of their album “The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands.” This album was a bold departure from their usual style, featuring a diverse range of musical genres and personas, each song attributed to a fictional band competing against itself.
“Elenore” itself was crafted as a parody of their own success formula. The lyrics, deliberately clichéd and nonsensical at times, humorously celebrate a fictional character with lines like “Your looks intoxicate me / Even though your folks hate me.” Howard Kaylan, reflecting on the song’s origins, described it as an “anti-love letter” aimed at their label’s persistent demand for another hit akin to “Happy Together.” Ironically, White Whale Records embraced the song’s upbeat production and catchy melody, propelling it to commercial success.
One of the notable features of “Elenore” was its pioneering use of the Moog synthesizer, a novelty at the time, which added a distinctive sound layer to the track. Despite its satirical intent, the song resonated with audiences worldwide, reaching high chart positions in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Its infectious charm and tongue-in-cheek lyrics made it a beloved hit of the late 1960s and a staple in The Turtles’ repertoire.
Produced by Chip Douglas, “Elenore” was released as a single and quickly garnered acclaim for its “softer rock style” and “powerful vocal stew.” Its success underscored The Turtles’ ability to blend satire with musical prowess, demonstrating their enduring influence in the pop rock genre.
Over the years, “Elenore” has been featured in numerous compilations and soundtracks, cementing its status as a timeless classic. Its legacy continues to resonate, not only as a testament to The Turtles’ ingenuity but also as a testament to the whimsical and unpredictable nature of musical success in the 1960s.
Video
Lyrics
You got a thing about you
I just can’t live without you
I really want you, Elenore, near me
Your looks intoxicate me
Even though your folks hate me
There’s no one like you, Elenore, really
Elenore, gee, I think you’re swell
And you really do me well
You’re my pride and joy, et cetera
Elenore, can I take the time
To ask you to speak your mind?
Tell me that you love me better
I really think you’re groovy
Let’s go out to a movie
What do you say, now, Elenore, can we?
They’ll turn the lights way down low
Maybe we won’t watch the show
I think I love you, Elenore, love me
Elenore, gee, I think you’re swell
And you really do me well
You’re my pride and joy, et cetera
Elenore, can I take the time
To ask you to speak your mind?
Tell me that you love me better
Elenore, gee, I think you’re swell, ah-ah
Elenore, gee, I think you’re swell, ah-ah
Ah