About the song
“We’ve Only Just Begun” is one of the most iconic songs by the Carpenters, cementing their status as a defining musical duo of the 1970s. Written by the talented Roger Nichols and Paul Williams, this song has earned a prestigious place in music history, ranking at No. 414 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
Karen Carpenter’s selection of this composition for their third single was a masterstroke. Featured on their LP *Close to You*, the song was released in the late summer of 1970. Karen’s lead vocals, coupled with the harmonies of both Karen and Richard, created a sound that resonated deeply with listeners. Following the success of their hit “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” “We’ve Only Just Begun” swiftly climbed the charts. It reached No. 1 on the Cash Box singles chart and peaked at 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.”
The song’s success was phenomenal, becoming the Carpenters’ second million-selling gold single and spending nine weeks in the Top 10. Both Karen and Richard Carpenter regarded “We’ve Only Just Begun” as their signature song, a testament to its enduring appeal and emotional depth. According to *The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits* (6th edition), it was the duo’s best-performing tune on the U.S. Adult Contemporary singles chart, reigning at No. 1 for seven weeks, surpassing the six-week stay at the top for “Close to You.”
“We’ve Only Just Begun” not only captured the hearts of fans but also garnered critical acclaim. The song’s success helped the Carpenters win two Grammy Awards in 1971: Best New Artist and Best Contemporary Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus (for “Close to You”). These accolades underscored the Carpenters’ significant impact on the music industry and their ability to connect with audiences through their heartfelt performances.
In essence, “We’ve Only Just Begun” is more than just a song; it is a timeless anthem of hope and new beginnings. Its lyrics and melody continue to inspire and comfort listeners, making it a cherished piece of the Carpenters’ enduring legacy.
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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
Watchin 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
Watchin’ 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