About the song
“Like to Get to Know You,” released in 1968 by Spanky and Our Gang, stands as a quintessential example of the band’s ability to blend folk, pop, and rock influences into a harmonious musical tapestry. Written by Stuart Scharf, the song quickly gained popularity, debuting on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 71 in April 1968 and peaking at No. 17 in June of the same year. It also found success on the Billboard Easy Listening chart, reaching No. 24 concurrently with its Hot 100 peak, while in Canada, it climbed to No. 5 on the RPM Magazine charts.
Recorded in Los Angeles under the production of Stuart Scharf, “Like to Get to Know You” marked a departure for Spanky and Our Gang, as their previous hits had been recorded in New York under Jerry Ross’s direction. The song’s instrumentation was crafted by a talented ensemble of session musicians, including Max Bennett on bass, Larry Knechtel on piano, Mike Deasy on guitar, Hal Blaine on drums, and a string section featuring notable names like Ralph Schaffer and Sid Sharp on violins, among others. This collaboration resulted in a lush, melodic backdrop that complemented the band’s signature vocal harmonies.
The song’s distinctive structure includes a full vocal section followed by a coda that revisits the chorus, enhanced by conversational elements that echo the song’s lyrical narrative. This narrative quality was highlighted in the band’s performance on The Ed Sullivan Show in March 1968, where they artfully staged a cocktail party scenario that mirrored the song’s themes of curiosity and connection.
“Like to Get to Know You” not only showcases Spanky and Our Gang’s musical versatility but also reflects the cultural and social milieu of the late 1960s. Its blend of introspective lyrics and upbeat melody resonated with audiences seeking both substance and enjoyment in their music. Today, the song remains a nostalgic reminder of an era when folk-rock fusion was at its peak, and Spanky and Our Gang stood at the forefront, creating timeless melodies that continue to captivate listeners across generations.
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Lyrics
Yes, I would like to get to know you, if I could
Like to get to know you
Finally I found, searching all around
Just was not the answer
One I thought was true
Looked a bit like you
Figured I might chance her
Hardly need to say
She went on her way
Said it was all over
Well it’s been some time
And I guess that I’m just meant to be a rover
Now I can’t promise that I’ll spend a day with you
Can’t promise that I’ll find a way with you
Can’t promise no
I can’t promise that I’ll love you
But I’d like to get to know you
Yes I would if I could