Introduction
“We’ve Only Just Begun” is a classic song by the Carpenters, released in 1970. Written by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols, the song originated from a wedding-themed television commercial for Crocker National Bank in California, featuring Williams on vocals. The commercial’s popularity caught the attention of Richard Carpenter, who inquired about a full-length version. Williams and Nichols then expanded the piece into a complete song.
The Carpenters’ rendition, showcasing Karen Carpenter’s warm contralto vocals and Richard’s harmonies, became their third single and was included on the album “Close to You.” Released in August 1970, the song achieved significant success, reaching No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Cash Box singles chart. It also topped the U.S. Adult Contemporary chart for seven weeks, becoming the duo’s best-performing tune in that category.
The song’s success contributed to the Carpenters winning two Grammy Awards in 1971: Best New Artist and Best Contemporary Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus (for “Close to You”). In 1998, “We’ve Only Just Begun” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, recognizing its lasting quality and historical significance.
Over time, “We’ve Only Just Begun” has become emblematic of the Carpenters’ musical legacy, often associated with weddings and new beginnings. Its enduring appeal is reflected in its ranking at No. 414 on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
The song’s journey from a bank commercial to a timeless classic underscores the Carpenters’ ability to transform simple melodies into enduring pieces of music history.