“We’ve Only Just Begun” by The Carpenters: A Timeless Anthem of New Beginnings
“We’ve Only Just Begun” by The Carpenters, written by Roger Nichols and Paul Williams, is an enduring classic that resonates with themes of love, hope, and new beginnings. This iconic song, first released in the late summer of 1970, quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Cash Box singles chart. It became a signature song for the duo, Karen and Richard Carpenter, solidifying their place in music history.
The song’s origins are as unique as its impact. It was initially composed for a wedding-themed television commercial for Crocker National Bank in early 1970. The commercial featured Paul Williams on vocals and was designed to appeal to young couples starting their lives together. The ad was so well-received that it sparked interest far beyond its intended purpose, leading to the creation of a full-length version of the song. Despite its commercial roots, the song’s heartfelt message and beautiful melody struck a chord with listeners.
Richard Carpenter discovered the song in a serendipitous moment. After seeing the commercial, he recognized Williams’ voice and inquired about the full song. The resulting track, with Karen Carpenter‘s evocative lead vocals and the duo’s signature harmonies, was included on their LP “Close to You”. The single’s release followed the success of their previous hit “(They Long to Be) Close to You”, and it quickly gained traction, becoming the Carpenters’ second million-selling gold single.
The song’s success was not just limited to its chart performance. It earned The Carpenters two Grammy Awards in 1971: Best New Artist and Best Contemporary Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus (for “Close to You”). Additionally, “We’ve Only Just Begun” spent an impressive seven weeks at No. 1 on the U.S. Adult Contemporary singles chart, making it their best-performing tune in that category.
Critically acclaimed, Cash Box described the song as having “delicious lyrics and a sparkling production.” The accolades and commercial success were complemented by its induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998, recognizing its lasting quality and historical significance.
Despite its initial modest performance in the UK Singles Chart, where it peaked at number 28, the song’s popularity grew over time. In 2016, it was voted the second favorite Carpenters song in a poll broadcast by ITV, underscoring its enduring appeal.
For Paul Williams, the song marked a personal milestone. It was his first significant hit resulting from his collaboration with Roger Nichols, opening the door to many more successful ventures. Williams himself recorded a version of the song for his 1971 album “Just an Old Fashioned Love Song”.
“We’ve Only Just Begun” is more than just a song; it is a celebration of beginnings and the promises of the future. Its universal message continues to inspire and comfort listeners, making it a timeless piece that will forever be associated with the optimism and beauty of new starts.
Music Legend