The Monkees – As We Go Along

About the song

Released in 1968, “As We Go Along” is one of the standout tracks from The Monkees‘ album Headquarters, an album that marked a significant departure from their earlier, more manufactured sound. The song, while not as commercially successful as some of the band’s biggest hits, has become a beloved and influential piece in The Monkees’ musical catalog. Written by band members Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork, “As We Go Along” is a reflective and introspective song that captures the spirit of a time when The Monkees were beginning to assert their creative control and distance themselves from their image as a pre-fabricated pop group.

The song was released during a period of great change for The Monkees. By 1968, the band had evolved from a television-based, pop music sensation into a more mature and self-sufficient musical collective. Headquarters, the album that included “As We Go Along,” was their first to be entirely self-produced, marking the beginning of a new era for the group. This shift in creative direction was important, as it allowed The Monkees to explore more complex and diverse musical landscapes. While still rooted in pop, the song features elements of folk rock and progressive pop, blending the upbeat and catchy nature of The Monkees’ earlier hits with a more mature, thoughtful approach.

The meaning of “As We Go Along” is deeply introspective, with lyrics that suggest a journey through life, love, and personal growth. The song reflects on the passage of time and the emotional lessons learned along the way. The gentle, flowing melody complements the reflective nature of the lyrics, creating a sense of calm and acceptance, as the song suggests that, though the future may be uncertain, one can find peace in the present moment and trust in the process of life.

On a broader cultural level, “As We Go Along” is emblematic of the late 1960s, a time of social change, artistic experimentation, and self-discovery. As The Monkees moved away from the bubblegum pop image that initially defined them, they became part of a larger movement of musicians who were embracing more authentic and organic approaches to their work. This period also coincided with the rise of the counterculture, which championed personal freedom, artistic expression, and resistance to societal norms. “As We Go Along,” with its emphasis on personal reflection and acceptance, resonates with the ethos of the 1960s, when individuals were increasingly seeking to define their own paths.

The influence of “As We Go Along” and the Headquarters album as a whole can be seen in the way it helped reshape the public’s perception of The Monkees. The band was no longer just a pop group manufactured for television; they were now recognized as serious musicians with something to say. The song’s introspective tone and the album’s shift toward more experimental, self-produced music paved the way for The Monkees to be appreciated by a wider audience and to be recognized as part of the broader rock and folk movements of the late 1960s.

In conclusion, “As We Go Along” is a significant track in The Monkees‘ discography that showcases their growth as musicians and as individuals. The song reflects the spirit of a time of change, both for the band and for society as a whole, and continues to resonate with listeners for its introspective lyrics, soothing melody, and timeless message of personal growth and acceptance. While it may not have been one of their biggest hits, “As We Go Along” remains a cherished song that highlights the depth and versatility of The Monkees at a pivotal moment in their career.

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