From Bank Commercial to Billboard Classic: The Story Behind “We’ve Only Just Begun”

There are few love songs as instantly recognizable—and deeply cherished—as We’ve Only Just Begun by The Carpenters. Released in 1970, this soft rock ballad became one of the duo’s most iconic tracks and a beloved anthem for weddings around the world. Its gentle melody, poetic lyrics, and Karen Carpenter’s unmistakably warm voice captured the hopeful beginnings of a shared life.

We’ve Only Just Begun wasn’t just a song—it was a message of optimism, of dreams unfolding, and of quiet promises made in love’s early light. With Richard Carpenter’s delicate piano arrangements and Karen’s tender vocal delivery, the track became a signature moment in The Carpenters’ rise to fame during the golden era of AM radio.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 – 𝐖𝐞’𝐯𝐞 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐧

Commercial Origins: We’ve Only Just Begun actually started as a commercial jingle for a California bank. Written by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols, the original lyrics were adapted from a television advertisement aimed at young couples opening new accounts.

The Carpenters’ Vision: Richard Carpenter heard the commercial and saw the song’s potential. The duo worked with Williams and Nichols to expand the lyrics into a full song—one that would become their second hit single and reach No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Grammy Hall of Fame: The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998, honoring its lasting significance in American music history.

Karen Carpenter’s Legacy: Karen’s emotive voice on this track has been widely praised as one of the most comforting and technically perfect voices in pop music history. Rolling Stone once referred to her as having “the saddest, most beautiful voice in pop.”

A Wedding Favorite: To this day, We’ve Only Just Begun remains one of the most popular choices for wedding ceremonies, symbolizing hope and a fresh start.

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