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We've only just begun to live, White lace and promises A kiss for luck and we're on our way. And yes, We've just begun. Before the rising sun we fly, So many roads to choose We start our walking and learn to run. And yes, We've just begun. Sharing horizons that are new to us, Watching the signs along the way, Talking it over just the two of us, Working together day to day Together. And when the evening comes we smile, So much of life ahead We'll find a place where there's room to grow, And yes, We've just begun.
The televison commercial for a Californian bank caught Richard's attention one day when he recognized the voice of Paul Williams singing in the background. The Paul Williams / Roger Nichols songwriting team, at this time virtually unknown, had written We've Only Just Begun as background for a scene in which a newlywed couple had only just begun. The Carpenters released their own interpretation of this song in September of 1970, and it followed Close To You into the No. 1 spot, and into the gold record category.
In terms of recognition, this is probably the most important song the Carpenters have recorded. Letters from all over the world, written by people who are nelyweds or -- tragically -- potential suicides have celebrated this song's uplifting feeling of hope. Richard says, "Taking everything into consideration, song, lyric, arrangement, orchestration and vocal performance, this is probably our best single. If I had to pick a favorite out of all our songs, this is it."
In the notes to the Carpenters: The Compact Disc Collection, Richard Carpenter wrote:
The Close To You album also contains We've Only Just Begun. Written by Roger Nichols and Paul Williams for a "soft sell" TV bank commercial, Begun caught my ear after seeing the commercial a few times. It became our third single and ultimately our signature song.
