“We’ve Only Just Begun,” released in 1970, isn’t just a timeless classic; it’s a cornerstone of The Carpenters’ remarkable legacy. This soft rock ballad, penned by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols, transcended its origins as a wedding-themed commercial jingle for Crocker National Bank to become a defining song of the era and a staple at weddings for decades to come. The song showcases the signature Carpenters sound: Karen Carpenter’s warm, velvety vocals, Richard Carpenter’s intricate arrangements, and a lush, orchestral backdrop.
The Carpenters, a sibling duo consisting of Karen on vocals and drums and Richard on keyboards and vocals, were already making waves in the music industry before “We’ve Only Just Begun.” However, this track catapulted them to superstardom. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained on the charts for an impressive 17 weeks. While it didn’t snag a Grammy, the album *Close to You*, on which the song features, won Best Contemporary Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus, cementing the duo’s arrival as a major force in pop music.
The lyrics, expressing the hopeful anticipation and nascent joy of a new love, resonated deeply with listeners. The song’s message of optimism and the promise of a shared future tapped into a universal longing for enduring connection. It wasn’t just about romantic love; it spoke to the broader theme of new beginnings, offering a gentle reminder that life’s most cherished moments are often found in the simple act of embarking on something new. Lines like, “Sharing horizons that are new to us,” and “Watching the days go by,” evoke a sense of comforting intimacy and shared discovery.
Audiences embraced the song’s tender sentiments, transforming it into a generational anthem. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its emotional resonance. It’s a song that continues to be cherished for its ability to evoke a sense of hope, nostalgia, and the timeless magic of new beginnings. “We’ve Only Just Begun” remains a quintessential Carpenters track, forever intertwined with their enduring musical legacy and the enduring power of love and hope.