About the song
“Happy Together,” an iconic song by the American rock band The Turtles, embodies a paradox of joyous melody and bittersweet lyrics, capturing the essence of unrequited love through its upbeat sound. Written by Garry Bonner and Alan Gordon, former members of The Magicians, the song emerged from humble beginnings before becoming a chart-topping sensation in 1967.
Bonner and Gordon initially penned “Happy Together” while still part of The Magicians, capturing the essence of a love that exists only in imagination, despite its infectious, cheerful tune. The duo recorded a demo that featured a simple arrangement of acoustic guitar and hand claps, but their creation faced rejection from numerous artists due to its raw and unpolished sound.
However, fate intervened when The Turtles, amidst personal and commercial struggles, stumbled upon the demo. Recognizing its potential, the band reworked the song with newfound vigor, recording it at Sunset Sound studio. Bassist Chip Douglas, newly arrived in the band, contributed arrangements that included horns and backing vocals, transforming the track into a polished pop masterpiece.
Upon release, “Happy Together” soared to the top of the US Billboard Hot 100, marking The Turtles’ first and only number one hit. Its success transcended borders, reaching high positions on charts worldwide, including number two in Canada and number twelve in the UK. The song’s popularity was further solidified by appearances on prominent television shows like The Ed Sullivan Show and The Smothers Brothers Show, catapulting The Turtles to national fame.
Critics have lauded “Happy Together” for its infectious pop appeal, celebrating its enduring influence on music. The song’s legacy extends beyond its initial success; it has been covered by various artists, with notable renditions by Captain & Tennille, and featured prominently in movies and television. In recognition of its cultural impact, “Happy Together” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2007 and remains a cherished classic in the annals of pop music.
Behind the scenes, the song’s creators, Bonner and Gordon, navigated challenges in their journey to success, including legal battles over copyright. Despite initial setbacks and rejections, their perseverance and talent ultimately birthed a timeless anthem that continues to resonate with audiences decades later.
“Happy Together” stands as a testament to the transformative power of music, transcending barriers to capture the hearts of listeners worldwide. Its story is not just one of chart-topping success, but also of resilience, creativity, and the universal yearning for happiness in the face of unattainable love.
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