About the song

“Happy Together,” a quintessential hit from the 1960s, epitomizes the vibrant and optimistic spirit of the era. Written by Garry Bonner and Alan Gordon and performed by the American rock band The Turtles, the song was released in January 1967 and quickly ascended to the top of the US Billboard Hot 100, marking the band’s sole number-one hit. Its infectious melody and upbeat lyrics captivated audiences, and the track soared to number two in Canada and number twelve in the UK, further solidifying its international appeal.

The song’s creation was rooted in a collaborative effort between Bonner and Gordon, both of whom were previously members of the band The Magicians. The inspiration for the song emerged from a diner in Ayer, Massachusetts, where Gordon conceived the memorable chorus. Despite an initial lack of success with other artists and a demo that was described as less than polished, The Turtles saw potential in the track. The band’s version, recorded at Sunset Sound studio, featured arrangements by the newly joined bassist Chip Douglas, who added a distinctive touch with his orchestral arrangements and backing vocals.

Following its release, “Happy Together” became a staple on television, with The Turtles performing it on prominent shows like The Ed Sullivan Show and The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. The song’s charm and upbeat rhythm garnered widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike, securing its place as a pop classic. Over time, it has been covered by various artists, with the most notable rendition by the soft rock duo Captain & Tennille. Its lasting legacy was further cemented in 1999 when BMI listed it among the most-performed songs of the 20th century in the United States, and in 2007, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Despite its success, the song has faced legal battles regarding copyright issues, especially concerning its original recording and royalties. The Turtles’ singers, Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman, known collectively as Flo & Eddie, have sought to protect their rights and ensure fair compensation for the song’s use in media.

Musically, “Happy Together” stands out for its clever use of key changes and its blend of pop and folk elements, creating a sound that remains both timeless and uniquely captivating. The song’s upbeat, if somewhat bittersweet, lyrics evoke an idealized vision of happiness that continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release.

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