About the song
“Groovin'” marks a pivotal album in the discography of the Young Rascals, released on July 31, 1967, during the height of the band’s popularity. The album soared to number 5 on the Billboard Top LPs chart and number 7 on the R&B chart, reflecting its widespread appeal and the band’s evolving musical direction.
Historically, “Groovin'” represents a transitional phase for the band, marking their final album under the name The Young Rascals before adopting the simpler moniker The Rascals for subsequent releases. This shift coincided with their exploration into psychedelic rock, a genre that would define their sound further in albums like “Once Upon a Dream.”
The album’s title track, “Groovin’,” emerged as a standout hit, topping the Pop chart in the U.S. and cementing its place as a quintessential anthem of the era. Its success led Atlantic Records to release versions in Italian and Spanish, underscoring its international acclaim.
Eight of the album’s eleven tracks were released as singles by Atlantic Records, with notable hits including “Find Somebody,” “I Don’t Love You Anymore,” and their rendition of “A Place in the Sun.” “If You Knew,” initially a B-side, gained recognition and underwent a writing credit adjustment upon the album’s release to reflect contributions from all band members.
A distinctive feature of the album is the inclusion of flutist Hubert Laws on the closing track, “It’s Love,” showcasing the band’s penchant for incorporating diverse musical elements into their repertoire.
The cover art, conceptualized by drummer Dino Danelli and illustrated by Lynn Rubin, further complements the album’s vibe. It features a sticker boasting of the album’s big hits, specifically highlighting “How Can I Be Sure” or “A Girl Like You,” both tracks that ascended to the Top 10 charts alongside “Groovin’.”
Beyond its commercial success, “Groovin'” remains a testament to the Young Rascals’ musical versatility and their ability to capture the spirit of the 1960s. Its blend of soul, rock, and psychedelia continues to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless representation of the era’s musical landscape and the band’s enduring influence in pop culture.
Video
Lyrics
Groovin’ on a Sunday afternoon
Really couldn’t get away too soon
I can’t imagine anything that’s better
The world is ours whenever we’re together
There ain’t a place I’d like to be instead ofMovin’ down a crowded avenue
Doin’ anything we like to do
There’s always lots of things that we can see
You can be anyone we like to be
All those happy people we could meetJust groovin’ on a Sunday afternoon
Really couldn’t get away too soon
No, no, no, noWe’ll keep on spending sunny days this way
We’re gonna talk and laugh our time away
I feel it coming closer day by day
Life would be ecstasy, you and me endlesslyGroovin’ on a Sunday afternoon
Really couldn’t get away too soon
No, no, no, no
Groovin’, uh huh…
Groovin