A Joyful Dream of Love’s Perfect Fulfillment
Let’s turn the dial back to the late 1960s, a period brimming with youthful optimism, vibrant pop sounds, and the emergence of new teen idols who captured the hearts of a generation. In that effervescent landscape, few stars shone brighter for young audiences than Bobby Sherman. With his boy-next-door charm, infectious smile, and an uncanny knack for delivering irresistible pop hits, he became a fixture on television screens and record players alike. Today, we’re revisiting one of his most endearing and bubbly declarations of affection, a song that perfectly articulates the hopeful fantasy of having the one you adore by your side: “La La La (If I Had You).”
“La La La (If I Had You)” was released in 1969, a pivotal year that saw Bobby Sherman transition from a popular television actor (notably on Here Come the Brides) to a bonafide pop music sensation. This incredibly catchy tune was featured on his debut album, “Bobby Sherman,” which was released in 1969 and performed strongly on the Billboard 200, establishing his musical career. As a single, “La La La (If I Had You)” became one of his most significant hits, soaring to number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its success cemented his status as a major teen idol and pop star, demonstrating his widespread appeal and the public’s appetite for his wholesome, romantic sound. The song’s widespread airplay, particularly on AM radio, made it an inescapable part of the late 60s soundtrack, contributing significantly to the excitement of “bubblegum pop” that captured the imagination of countless young listeners.
The story behind “La La La (If I Had You)” is rooted in the collaborative talents of its songwriters, Wes Farrell, Bobby Hart, and Danny Janssen. Farrell was a prolific songwriter and producer who shaped much of the sound of bubblegum pop, having a hand in many hits for artists like The Partridge Family and The Cowsills. Hart and Janssen were also key figures in pop music of the era, known for crafting catchy melodies and simple, direct lyrics that resonated with a youthful audience. For Bobby Sherman, they provided a song that perfectly aligned with his wholesome image and his ability to convey innocent, heartfelt emotions. The song’s cheerful, almost childlike chorus, with its repeated “la la la,” perfectly captures the lighthearted joy and dreamy quality of first love or a strong infatuation. It’s about that vivid imagination of a perfect future with the one you adore, a fantasy so real and joyous that it practically sings itself.
The meaning of “La La La (If I Had You)” is a sweet and optimistic dream of what life would be like with the object of one’s affection. It’s a song filled with the hopeful yearning of an infatuated heart, imagining a world where every moment is brighter and more beautiful simply because “you” are there. The “la la la” serves as a sonic shorthand for an emotion so overwhelming and joyful that words almost fail, conveying pure happiness and lightheartedness. The lyrics speak to simple pleasures magnified by love: “Every single little thing I do / Would be wonderful if I had you.” It’s about the profound impact one person can have on another’s world, turning the mundane into magic. For older listeners, this track vividly evokes memories of those first crushes, the innocent daydreams of future happiness with a beloved, and the pure, unburdened optimism that often accompanies nascent romance. It’s a delightful reminder of a time when the possibilities of love felt endless and wonderfully simple.
Listening to “La La La (If I Had You)” today, it brings an instant smile to the face and a nostalgic warmth to the heart. Bobby Sherman’s clear, earnest vocals are front and center, conveying every ounce of the song’s charming sincerity. The bright, effervescent instrumentation, with its catchy melodies and driving beat, is pure late 60s pop perfection, designed to uplift and delight. It transports us back to a time of innocence and simple joys, when a song could effortlessly capture the sweet fantasy of young love. More than just a pop hit, “La La La (If I Had You)” stands as a timeless ode to the power of imagination in love, and a testament to Bobby Sherman’s enduring appeal as a voice of cheerful romance for a generation.