About the song
“We’ve Only Just Begun” is a classic ballad performed by the Carpenters, composed by Roger Nichols with lyrics by Paul Williams. Released in late summer 1970 as part of their album *Close to You*, the song has since earned a revered place in music history, even ranking No. 414 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
The song’s origins are quite interesting. Initially, “We’ve Only Just Begun” was featured in a wedding-themed television commercial for Crocker National Bank in early 1970. The commercial, created by the San Francisco-based advertising agency Hal Riney & Partners, was designed to attract a younger demographic to the bank. The song played over scenes of a couple starting their life together, but it cleverly avoided direct references to the bank to enhance its marketability. While the campaign was popular, it ultimately drew a customer base that Crocker National Bank was not targeting, leading to the campaign’s suspension.
The Carpenters’ version of “We’ve Only Just Begun” was discovered when Richard Carpenter, intrigued by the commercial, inquired about the full-length song at the record company. He learned that Paul Williams had written additional verses and a bridge beyond what was used in the ad. Carpenter then arranged for the Carpenters to record it.
The single featured Karen Carpenter’s warm, emotive lead vocals, complemented by Richard Carpenter’s harmonies and piano arrangements. The song quickly became a major hit, following their success with “(They Long to Be) Close to You.” It reached No. 1 on the Cash Box singles chart and No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, just behind the Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There” and the Partridge Family’s “I Think I Love You.” It also became the Carpenters’ second gold single, selling over a million copies and spending nine weeks in the Top 10.
“We’ve Only Just Begun” was especially notable on the Adult Contemporary singles chart, where it spent seven weeks at No. 1, surpassing their previous hit “Close to You.” The song played a significant role in the Carpenters’ career, earning them two Grammy Awards in 1971: Best New Artist and Best Contemporary Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus for *Close to You*.
The music video for “We’ve Only Just Begun,” shot for the 1971 television series *Make Your Own Kind of Music*, features a simple yet striking visual with Karen seated in a large red “U” and Richard standing beside her. Notably, Richard did not play the piano in this video, a departure from his usual role.
For older and educated listeners, “We’ve Only Just Begun” remains a quintessential example of the Carpenters’ ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with smooth, melodic arrangements. It stands as a testament to their enduring appeal and the song’s timeless resonance.
Video
Lyrics
We’ve only just begun to live
White lace and promises
A kiss for luck and we’re on our way
(We’ve only begun)
Before the risin’ sun, we fly
So many roads to choose
We’ll start out walkin’ and learn to run
(And yes, we’ve just begun)
Sharing horizons that are new to us
Watching the signs along the way
Talkin’ it over, just the two of us
Workin’ together day to day
Together
And when the evening comes, we smile
So much of life ahead
We’ll find a place where there’s room to grow
(And yes, we’ve just begun)
Sharing horizons that are new to us
Watching the signs along the way
Talkin’ it over, just the two of us
Workin’ together day to day
Together
Together
And when the evening comes, we smile
So much of life ahead
We’ll find a place where there’s room to grow
And yes, we’ve just begun