About The Song
The Monkees, despite their manufactured origins, continually strived for artistic credibility, pushing the boundaries of their bubblegum pop image and exploring more complex musical territories. Their discography reveals a fascinating evolution, showcasing their growing confidence as musicians and their willingness to experiment with different sounds and songwriting styles. An older, educated audience, willing to look beyond the teen idol facade, can discover a wealth of hidden gems within the band’s catalog, songs that demonstrate their genuine musical talent and their often-underappreciated contributions to the pop landscape of the 1960s.
The second recorded version of “So Goes Love,” released on the 1969 album “The Monkees Present,” is a prime example of the band’s more mature and musically adventurous work. Originally penned by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, the song was first attempted by the group in 1966, but that earlier version remains officially unreleased. This later rendition, however, showcases a significant departure from their earlier sound, embracing a more sophisticated, baroque pop arrangement that highlights the song’s inherent beauty and melancholy. This song was one of the last songs recorded with all of the original members of the band.
Musically, “So Goes Love” (Take 2) is characterized by its intricate instrumentation, featuring harpsichord, strings, and delicate vocal harmonies. The arrangement creates a dreamy, almost ethereal atmosphere, a far cry from the band’s earlier, more straightforward pop hits. Micky Dolenz’s lead vocals are particularly noteworthy, conveying a sense of vulnerability and resignation that perfectly complements the song’s bittersweet lyrics.
The lyrics of “So Goes Love,” crafted by the legendary songwriting duo of Goffin and King, explore the cyclical nature of love and loss, the inevitable ups and downs that characterize romantic relationships. The song’s message is both poignant and universal, acknowledging the pain of heartbreak while also suggesting that it’s an intrinsic part of the human experience.
For an older, educated audience, “So Goes Love” offers a compelling glimpse into a more sophisticated and musically nuanced side of The Monkees. It’s a song that resonates with those who appreciate the craftsmanship of well-written pop music, who recognize the enduring power of a great melody, and who understand that even seemingly simple songs can contain layers of emotional depth. “So Goes Love” serves as a reminder that The Monkees were more than just a manufactured pop group; they were capable of creating music that was both beautiful and meaningful, solidifying their place as a band that deserves to be remembered for more than just their early hits.