The Meaning Behind The Song: We’ve Only Just Begun by Carpenters
Few love songs have had the enduring popularity of The Carpenters’ “We’ve Only Just Begun.” Since its release in 1970, the song has become a classic and a staple of romantic playlists. But beyond its lovely melody, what is the meaning behind the lyrics?
From the first chords of the piano, the song brings a sense of soaring possibility. It speaks of a new beginning, of the start of something great and the endless potential of a future shared by two people in love.
The Inspiration Behind the Song
The inspiration for “We’ve Only Just Begun” came from a quirky source: a TV advertisement for a bank. In the late 60s, which was the height of creativity and whimsy in advertising, the western-themed ad showed a young couple getting married and starting their life together. The tagline was “You’ve got a long way to go. We’d like to help you get there.”
Songwriters Paul Williams and Roger Nichols were so taken with the ad that they decided to create a song inspired by it. While the bank was trying to sell financial services, “We’ve Only Just Begun” focused on the promise of love and the start of a new journey.
The Lyrics and Their Meaning
With its upbeat tempo and joyous harmonies, “We’ve Only Just Begun” makes it clear that the future is bright:
“We’ve only just begun to live
White lace and promises
A kiss for luck and we’re on our way”
The white lace and promises evoke traditional wedding imagery, but the song goes beyond that. It’s not just about the wedding day or even the honeymoon. “We’ve Only Just Begun” is about the beginning of a lifelong partnership, and all the hopes and dreams that come with it.
As the song goes on, it touches on the practical realities of building a life together:
“Before the rising sun, we fly
So many roads to choose
We start out walking and learn to run”
Here, the lyrics acknowledge that life won’t be easy, that there will be challenges and difficult choices. But the song remains optimistic, telling us that the two people in love have each other and that together, they can handle whatever comes their way.
Another remarkable part of the lyrics in “We’ve Only Just Begun” is how they depict the changing of the seasons:
“And when the evening comes, we smile
So much of life ahead
We’ll find a place where there’s room to grow”
The line “so much of life ahead” is poignant, reminding us that life is limited and time is precious. Yet, even as we acknowledge that, the song is about the endless possibilities in front of us. And it’s not just the future that holds so much potential: even in the evening, as the day draws to a close, there’s room for joy and smiles.
And, finally, the song touches on one of the essential aspects of any great love story – the promise of a lasting, lifelong commitment:
“We’ve only just begun”
Those four words encapsulate the ideal of timeless, never-ending love. We start out with hope, passion, and excitement, but we move forward with the knowledge that the joy of partnership will stay with us through thick and thin.
Why “We’ve Only Just Begun” is a Classic
There are several reasons why “We’ve Only Just Begun” has become a classic among love songs. Firstly, the catchy melody is easy to remember and instantly recognizable. But more than that, the lyrics are relatable and heartfelt, evoking the thrills of the start of any new journey.
Another reason why the song endures is Karen Carpenter’s voice. Her smooth, crystal-clear vocals perfectly capture the song’s whimsy, romance, and hopefulness. Her brother Richard’s lush, orchestral arrangement is timeless and makes the song feel grandiose and sweeping, yet intimate and personal at the same time.
Moreover, the song’s simplicity is refreshing in an era when love songs are often overproduced and overcomplicated. The lyrics don’t need a lot of ornate language or melody flourishes to convey their message: “We’ve Only Just Begun” is about the power of love, and how it can make even the biggest dreams seem achievable.
The Legacy of The Carpenters
The Carpenters were more than just a one-hit wonder. They were a hugely popular and enduringly influential pop duo that created some of the most beloved songs of the 1960s and 1970s. Karen Carpenter’s voice was the epitome of smooth, velvety softness that evoked feelings of warmth and longing. Her brother Richard’s arrangements became staples of pop music and went on to inspire countless other songs and musicians.
Unfortunately, their career was cut short when Karen died tragically in 1983 from complications related to anorexia nervosa. But the Carpenters will always be remembered for their iconic songs, including “Close to You,” “Rainy Days and Mondays,” and, of course, “We’ve Only Just Begun.”
The legacy of The Carpenters is undeniable, and their influence still resonates today. Their music has been used in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials, and their songs continue to be covered by newer artists. “We’ve Only Just Begun” is one of the most enduring and inspiring love songs of the past century, and its message of hopefulness and optimism continues to inspire listeners of all ages.
The Bottom Line
As a love song, “We’ve Only Just Begun” manages to capture both the excitement and the challenges of starting a new life together. The music and the lyrics speak to our aspirations and our fears, but ultimately it’s a song about the power of love and the promise of a bright future.
As Karen’s voice melodically and inspiring sings:
“We’ve only just begun to live.” And indeed, we have only just begun.
