We've Only Just Begun, written by Roger Nichols and Paul Williams, first appeared in...believe it or not...a TV commercial for a bank! Richard Carpenter heard it and thought it would be great for The Carpenters to record. The song was released in 1970 on their Close to You album and it was a huge success, selling over a million copies, and making its way to #2 on the charts!
What's so wonderful about The Carpenters' version is the arrangement is perfection and the vocals are incredibly intimate. It starts with the gentle sound of piano and woodwinds in the beginning and becomes more celebratory with percussion, tambourine, and trumpets in the chorus. Then, it transitions to a gentler sound in the "And when the evening comes" part and at the very end. Karen's vocals carry this song through all of its transitions and inflections. Her voice captures intimacy in a sweet and heartfelt way.
While this song is widely known as a popular "wedding song," and it will probably show up in the music at my own wedding someday, when you break it down to its simplest message, it's all about the joy of new beginnings. We can all agree that's what the beginning of marriage represents with "a kiss for luck," but in any relationship, even if it doesn't lead to marriage, it's all about those exciting firsts you experience together and the complete journey where there's "room to grow." And if you're not in a relationship at all, maybe you're experiencing a breakthrough or a new beginning that will eventually lead you to that special someone!
The song is also about capturing and enjoying every moment: "sharing horizons," "watching the signs," "talking it over," and "working together." And doing it with a smile even while enduring the tough moments because there's "so much of life ahead."
What new beginnings are you experiencing right now that are bringing you joy? Feel free to comment below, and shine on, friends!