A Timeless Overture to Enduring Love and New Beginnings
There are some songs that, with just a few opening chords, can transport you back in time, stirring a cocktail of emotions and memories. For many of us, especially those who came of age in the vibrant, changing landscape of the late 1960s and early 1970s, Mark Lindsay’s rendition of “We’ve Only Just Begun” is one such tune. While it might not be the version that immediately springs to mind for younger generations, for a select group of listeners, it holds a unique, almost whispered significance.
Released in 1970 on his album “Silver Bird”, Mark Lindsay’s take on “We’ve Only Just Begun” didn’t achieve the massive chart success that its counterpart would later garner. In fact, its exact peak chart position is somewhat elusive in mainstream records, often overshadowed by the colossal hit that followed. This lack of blockbuster commercial attention, however, only adds to its intimate charm for those who discovered it. It feels like a hidden gem, a quiet prelude to a phenomenon.
The story behind “We’ve Only Just Begun” is a fascinating one, born from the most unexpected of places: an advertisement. Songwriters Paul Williams and Roger Nichols originally penned this hopeful ballad for a 1970 television commercial for Crocker-Citizens National Bank in California. The bank was looking to connect with a younger demographic, people just starting their lives, buying their first homes, or getting married. The commercial featured a young couple getting married, and the song was meant to evoke the feeling of new beginnings and shared journeys. It was an advertising executive’s genius stroke, creating a universal message that transcended mere commerce.
Mark Lindsay, best known as the dynamic frontman of Paul Revere & The Raiders, was among the first to record the song as a full-length track. His version, infused with his signature smooth delivery and the era’s warm, mellow rock sound, presented the song’s tender message with a sincerity that was undeniably appealing. For fans of Lindsay’s solo work after his time with the Raiders, it was a welcome addition to his evolving sound, showcasing a softer, more reflective side to the rock and roll showman.
The meaning of “We’ve Only Just Begun” is, at its heart, a profound affirmation of hope, partnership, and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead when two souls embark on a journey together. It speaks to the beauty of a fresh start, whether it’s the dawn of a marriage, a new career, or simply a new phase of life. The lyrics, “White lace and promises, a kiss for luck and we’re on our way,” paint a vivid picture of a hopeful beginning, while lines like “Sharing horizons that are new to us, watching the signs along the way” evoke the shared experiences and growth that define a lasting relationship. It’s a song that reassures you that even in the face of the unknown, with love and companionship, there is “so much of life ahead.”
For those of us who remember the original airing of that bank commercial, or perhaps stumbled upon Lindsay’s album, his rendition of “We’ve Only Just Begun” carries a particular kind of weight. It’s a whisper of what was to come, a poignant predecessor to the global phenomenon it would become just a few months later with The Carpenters’ iconic version. Yet, Lindsay’s take has a quiet grace, a less polished, more organic feel that resonates deeply with a certain generation. It’s a reminder of a time when the world felt a little less rushed, a little more intimate, and the promise of tomorrow was always brimming with possibility. It was a beautiful, unassuming step into a song that would forever embed itself in the cultural fabric, a tender overture to enduring love and the endless road of life.