About The Song
The Carpenters’ iconic ballad, “We’ve Only Just Begun,” resonates far beyond its 1970 release. Its timeless spirit of optimism and enduring love has enchanted couples, graced wedding ceremonies, and soared on graduation stages for over five decades. But the journey of this beloved song began not in a music studio, but in a bank advertisement.
Songwriter Paul Williams crafted a snippet for a Crocker National Bank commercial, capturing the hopeful bliss of young newlyweds. Composer Roger Nichols then expanded the melody into a full-fledged song, its gentle piano chords and soaring strings echoing the promise of endless possibility. Initially hesitant, The Carpenters, Karen and Richard, embraced the song’s sincerity and brought it to life with Karen’s signature angelic vocals and their signature layered harmonies.
Released in 1970, “We’ve Only Just Begun” ascended the charts with lightning speed. It topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and reached the number two spot on the Hot 100, cementing its status as an instant classic. Its lyrics, speaking of shared dreams, unwavering commitment, and a future paved with “golden laughter and golden sun,” resonated with audiences of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds.
Beyond its chart success, “We’ve Only Just Begun” transcended trends and generations. It became a go-to wedding song, its lyrics a poignant vow echoing across time. Its message of unwavering love and endless beginnings resonated with graduates embarking on new chapters, and with couples celebrating anniversaries, each milestone a testament to the song’s enduring truth.
So, when the opening piano notes of “We’ve Only Just Begun” fill the air, prepare to be transported. This is not just a song; it’s a journey of love, a promise whispered across centuries, and a timeless ode to the beauty of beginnings, both grand and small. It’s an invitation to believe, with every sunrise, that “the best is yet to be.”