About the song
“Happy Together” stands as a timeless anthem of the 1960s, immortalized by the American rock band, the Turtles. Penned by Garry Bonner and Alan Gordon, this song catapulted the band to the pinnacle of the music charts, securing its place in the hearts of listeners worldwide. Released in January 1967 as a single alongside “Like the Seasons,” it swiftly ascended to the number one spot on the US Billboard Hot 100, marking a watershed moment in the Turtles’ career as their sole chart-topper.
The genesis of “Happy Together” traces back to Bonner and Gordon’s tenure with The Magicians, where they initially crafted the song amidst a backdrop of personal and professional challenges. The lyrics, belying the upbeat melody, delve into themes of yearning and unattainable love—a juxtaposition that resonated deeply with audiences. Initially rejected by numerous artists due to its raw, acoustic demo, fate intervened when the Turtles stumbled upon the track. Struggling themselves with a string of commercial setbacks, the band sensed its potential and undertook a transformative studio session at Sunset Sound, refining the song with lush arrangements including horns and layered vocals under the direction of bassist Chip Douglas.
The release of “Happy Together” heralded a meteoric rise for the Turtles, propelling them onto iconic television stages such as The Ed Sullivan Show and The Smothers Brothers Show. Critics lauded the song for its infectious pop sensibilities, cementing its status not just as a hit but as a cultural touchstone of the era. Its enduring popularity is evidenced by numerous covers, notably by Captain & Tennille, and its frequent appearances in films and television.
Beyond its musical influence, “Happy Together” remains a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity. It symbolizes the band’s resilience in navigating the turbulent waters of the music industry—a journey marked by creative ingenuity and unwavering determination. Honored in the Grammy Hall of Fame and recognized by BMI as one of the most-performed songs in 20th-century America, its legacy endures as a testament to the power of a simple, heartfelt melody and the enduring magic of the Turtles’ musical journey.
Video
Lyrics
Imagine me and you, I do
I think about you day and night, it’s only right
To think about the girl you love and hold her tight
So happy together
If I should call you up, invest a dime
And you say you belong to me, and ease my mind
Imagine how the world could be, so very fine
So happy together
I can’t see me lovin’ nobody but you
For all my life
When you’re with me, baby, the skies’ll be blue
For all my life
Me and you, and you and me
No matter how they toss the dice, it had to be
The only one for me is you, and you for me
So happy together
I can’t see me lovin’ nobody but you
For all my life
When you’re with me, baby, the skies’ll be blue
For all my life
Me and you, and you and me
No matter how they toss the dice, it had to be
The only one for me is you, and you for me
So happy together
Ba-ba-ba-ba ba-ba-ba-ba ba-ba-ba ba-ba-ba-ba
Ba-ba-ba-ba ba-ba-ba-ba ba-ba-ba ba-ba-ba-ba
Me and you, and you and me
No matter how they toss the dice, it had to be
The only one for me is you, and you for me
So happy together
So happy together
And how is the weather?
So happy together
We’re happy together
So happy together
Happy together
So happy together
So happy together