Music critics have continued to praise the Turtles version for its pop qualities. They recorded their version in the Sunset Sound studio, with the newly-arrived bassist Chip Douglas arranging the horns and backing vocals.Īfter the song's successful release, the band were called to perform on several TV shows like The Ed Sullivan Show and The Smothers Brothers Show. The Turtles, who had come from commercial and personal problems, found the demo and, thinking the song a potential hit, initially rehearsed it in live performances. The demo was offered to and rejected by a dozen artists, due to its primitive sound. They recorded a demo consisting of a simple arrangement of acoustic guitar and hand claps. The lyrics, despite the joyous sound of the music, express an unrequited, imagined love. It was later included on their third studio album, Happy Together (1967).īonner and Gordon composed the song while still members of The Magicians. The song also reached the top 20 in diverse countries, including number 2 in Canada and number 12 in the UK.

It was released as a single, b/w 'Like the Seasons', in January 1967, and peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming the band's first and only chart-topper there. ' Happy Together' is a song written by Garry Bonner and Alan Gordon and recorded by American rock band the Turtles.

Just for the thrill lyrics