About the song
Released in 1967 as part of their album Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd., “Look Out” by The Monkees stands as a prime example of the group’s unique blend of infectious pop, rock, and folk influences. This track, while not as widely recognized as some of their major hits like “I’m a Believer” or “Last Train to Clarksville,” still exemplifies the lively energy and experimental spirit that defined much of the band’s later work. With its upbeat tempo, catchy chorus, and quirky lyrics, “Look Out” is a fun and raucous entry in The Monkees’ catalog, embodying the playful yet socially aware mood of the late 1960s.
Lyrically, “Look Out” delivers a sense of urgency and excitement, with its refrain of “Look out! Look out!” acting as a warning or call to action. The song’s lyrics reflect the restless energy of youth and the feeling of being on the edge of something exciting, yet possibly reckless. In true Monkees fashion, the song blends both lightheartedness and a bit of social commentary, all wrapped in a fun, poppy melody. The chorus captures the tension between anticipation and caution, reflecting the youthful exuberance that was emblematic of the 1960s, a decade marked by societal shifts and a growing desire for change. It’s both an invitation to have fun and a reminder to be alert, resonating with the era’s dynamic spirit.
Musically, “Look Out” is filled with vibrant instrumentation that mirrors the playful energy of its lyrics. The track features jangly guitars, upbeat percussion, and a melody that is both infectious and simple. The arrangement, though straightforward, creates a feeling of fun and immediacy, which was a hallmark of The Monkees’ later recordings, especially as they began to take on more creative control over their music. The vocal harmonies, led by Davy Jones and Micky Dolenz, are energetic and tight, giving the song a full and polished sound that made it a favorite for fans of the group.
Released during the height of The Monkees’ popularity, “Look Out” reflects the evolving sound of the band in 1967, a year when they began to experiment more with their music and their image. The Monkees, originally formed as a television group for a show of the same name, had increasingly taken control of their music, moving beyond their image as “prefabricated” pop stars. Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. was one of their most ambitious albums, blending elements of rock, pop, and folk while addressing more complex themes than their earlier, more bubblegum-style hits. “Look Out” fits into this period of musical growth, standing apart from their earlier, more commercial songs by incorporating elements of the psychedelic sound that was sweeping the music scene at the time.
The song’s social impact can be seen in how it fit into the larger cultural changes of the 1960s. With its energetic vibe and upbeat tempo, it appealed to a young audience that was experiencing a shift in values. The late 1960s was a time of social unrest, political movements, and a burgeoning counterculture. “Look Out”, with its sense of youthful urgency and its simple, catchy melody, embodied the spirit of a generation eager for change and new experiences. Though it didn’t make as much of a cultural splash as some of the more politically charged songs of the era, its energetic vibe and carefree nature helped to balance the more serious themes in the pop music landscape, providing a soundtrack for a time when people were learning to embrace freedom and individual expression.
The Monkees, despite being primarily known for their television show, also made significant contributions to the music world, especially with albums like Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. The group was in the process of shedding their “manufactured pop star” image and embracing their musicality. The album, and songs like “Look Out”, showed that The Monkees could, in fact, create meaningful and fun music that stood on its own, regardless of their TV origins.
In conclusion, “Look Out” by The Monkees is a dynamic, energetic track that encapsulates the youthful spirit of the late 1960s. Released in 1967 as part of their album Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd., the song offers a snapshot of the band’s musical evolution and their growing control over their artistic direction. With its catchy melody, playful lyrics, and vibrant sound, it stands as a testament to the band’s versatility and their ability to tap into the energy of the time. Though it may not be as iconic as some of their other hits, “Look Out” remains a fun, lively, and somewhat underrated gem in The Monkees’ catalog, and continues to be enjoyed by fans of all ages.
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Lyrics
Look out, here comes tomorrowThat’s when I’ll have to chooseHow I wish I could borrowSomeone else’s shoesMary, oh what a sweet girlLips like strawberry pieSandra, the long hair and pig tailsCan’t make up my mindI see all kinds of sorrowWish I only loved oneLook out, here comes tomorrowOh, how I wish tomorrow would never comeTold them both that I loved themSaid it, and it was trueBut I can’t have both of themDon’t know what to doI see all kinds of sorrowWish I only loved oneLook out, here comes tomorrowOh, how I wish tomorrow would never comeMaryI love youSandraI love youWell, I see all kinds of sorrowWish I only loved oneLook out, here comes tomorrowOh, how I wish tomorrow would never comeI love youDarlingI love you