About The Song
While often remembered for their infectious pop melodies and their carefully crafted image, The Monkees were also capable of moments of surprising musical experimentation and playful lyrical exploration. Released in 1967 on their album Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd., the song “Which Way Do You Want It?” exemplifies this less-explored facet of the band’s repertoire. It’s a track that, while maintaining The Monkees’ signature energy, ventures into a territory of slightly more ambiguous and suggestive lyrics, albeit within the bounds of the era’s pop sensibilities. The song avoids explicit language but hints at a playful exploration of personal choice and desire, leaving room for interpretation within its upbeat and catchy framework.
The songwriting credits for “Which Way Do You Want It?” go to Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, the prolific duo responsible for many of The Monkees’ biggest hits. While often associated with bubblegum pop, Boyce and Hart were also skilled at crafting songs with a subtle edge, capable of appealing to a broad audience while still hinting at more mature themes. In “Which Way Do You Want It?,” their lyrical approach is characterized by a clever use of double entendre and a playful ambiguity that invites the listener to engage with the song’s meaning on multiple levels.
The central question posed in the song’s title, “Which Way Do You Want It?,” becomes a recurring motif, open to various interpretations. On the surface, it can be understood as a straightforward inquiry about a preference or a decision. However, the context of the lyrics hints at a more personal and perhaps even slightly flirtatious scenario, suggesting a playful exploration of choice within a relationship. The lyrics avoid explicit details, instead relying on suggestive phrasing and a lighthearted tone to convey the underlying message. This ambiguity is a key element of the song’s charm, allowing listeners to project their own interpretations onto the narrative.
Musically, “Which Way Do You Want It?” retains The Monkees’ trademark energy and infectious pop sensibilities. The arrangement is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and the band’s signature vocal harmonies. However, there’s also a subtle edge to the instrumentation, with a slightly more prominent use of guitar riffs and a driving rhythm section that gives the song a slightly more rock-oriented feel compared to some of their more straightforward pop hits. This musical energy serves to underscore the playful and slightly suggestive nature of the lyrics, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience.
The Monkees’ vocal performance in “Which Way Do You Want It?” is characteristically energetic and engaging. While the song doesn’t feature any particularly complex vocal arrangements, the band’s tight harmonies and their enthusiastic delivery contribute significantly to the song’s overall appeal. There’s a sense of playful mischief in their voices, perfectly capturing the song’s lighthearted and slightly ambiguous tone. The vocal performance enhances the song’s catchy melody and its overall sense of fun.
Released during a period of significant cultural change and evolving social norms, “Which Way Do You Want It?” reflects a subtle shift in pop music’s willingness to explore slightly more mature themes, albeit within the constraints of mainstream appeal. The song’s success highlights The Monkees’ ability to navigate this evolving landscape, maintaining their broad popularity while still experimenting with their musical and lyrical approach.
While often overshadowed by some of The Monkees’ bigger chart-topping hits, “Which Way Do You Want It?” remains a significant track in their discography, offering a glimpse into a slightly less-explored facet of their artistic range. Its playful ambiguity, its infectious energy, and its subtle exploration of choice make it a memorable and engaging listening experience. The song demonstrates The Monkees’ ability to balance their signature pop sensibilities with a touch of lyrical sophistication, creating a track that is both catchy and thought-provoking, albeit in a lighthearted and playful manner. It stands as a testament to their versatility and their enduring appeal as a pop group that could both entertain and, at times, subtly challenge the boundaries of the genre.