A Burst of Joyful Infatuation: When The Osmonds Couldn’t Help But Exclaim “I, I, I.”
“I, I, I,” a vibrant and infectiously joyful track from the popular family band The Osmonds, perfectly encapsulates the overwhelming feeling of being utterly smitten with someone new, a sensation so intense it seems to dominate one’s entire being. Released in 1971 as a single, it became another significant hit for the group, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and showcasing their ability to deliver pure, unadulterated pop with youthful charm. Its enduring appeal lies in its simple yet powerful expression of infatuation, conveyed through a catchy melody and the brothers’ enthusiastic vocal delivery, making the listener feel the sheer excitement and almost breathless quality of falling head over heels. The song’s meaning is a direct and exuberant outpouring of new love, where the singer finds himself completely consumed by his feelings for someone, so much so that the simple pronoun “I” seems inadequate to express the depth and intensity of his infatuation, leading to the repetitive and emphatic declaration of “I, I, I.” It transforms a personal moment of burgeoning romance into a joyful and unforgettable pop anthem.
Imagine the bright sunshine of a new day, the feeling of a heart suddenly lighter than air, and the sound of The Osmonds’ voices, brimming with youthful energy and excitement, almost stammering with the intensity of their feelings as they repeat “I, I, I.” While often associated with more polished pop productions, this track captures a raw and genuine sense of youthful infatuation. Featured on their album “Homemade,” “I, I, I” wasn’t just a catchy tune; it was an expression of pure, unadulterated joy and the almost overwhelming sensation of new love taking root. The upbeat tempo, the cheerful harmonies, and the sheer enthusiasm in their voices create a sound that is pure pop sunshine, an irresistible celebration of the giddy early stages of romance. The simple yet effective repetition of “I, I, I” perfectly conveys the feeling of being so consumed by someone that they dominate your every thought and utterance.
The story behind “I, I, I” involves the songwriting talents of Alan Osmond and Merrill Osmond, highlighting the family’s own creative contributions to their musical success. The song’s focus on the simple yet powerful emotion of new love resonated deeply with their young fanbase, capturing the excitement and sometimes overwhelming nature of first crushes. The infectious energy and the straightforward expression of infatuation made it an instant hit and a memorable track in The Osmonds’ extensive catalog.
For those of us who remember the breathless excitement of a first crush and the feeling that a new love has completely taken over our thoughts, The Osmonds’ “I, I, I” evokes a sense of sweet and joyful nostalgia. It reminds us of a time when emotions felt overwhelming and the simple act of acknowledging those feelings could be an exuberant declaration. The brothers’ enthusiastic voices and the song’s upbeat melody offer a moment of shared youthful energy, a comforting acknowledgment of the pure and uncomplicated joy of new love and the almost comical way it can consume our every thought. It remains a beloved and infectious tune, a bright and cheerful reminder of the giddy early stages of romance.