“We’ve Only Just Begun” – The Carpenters is a soft, shimmering anthem of hope and new beginnings — a song that not only launched the career of one of the most beloved duos in pop history but also captured the hearts of a generation yearning for love, stability, and something to believe in. Released in 1970, the song became the Carpenters’ second major hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spending seven weeks at No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
Written by Paul Williams (lyrics) and Roger Nichols (music), “We’ve Only Just Begun” began its life as a jingle — a brief, romantic spot for a bank commercial aimed at young couples. But when Richard Carpenter saw the ad, he sensed something more. He reached out to Paul Williams, and the rest, as they say, is music history. What began as a thirty-second TV moment became a wedding song for millions, and a defining track for a duo that would soon become international icons.
At the heart of the song lies Karen Carpenter’s voice — serene, rich, and impossibly clear. From the very first line,
“We’ve only just begun to live…”,
Karen’s delivery is filled with youthful optimism, tempered by emotional depth. She doesn’t belt. She doesn’t reach. She glides, offering reassurance with every note, as if to say: “Whatever lies ahead, we’ll face it together.”
Behind her, Richard Carpenter’s arrangement is masterfully restrained. The song begins with just piano and voice, then slowly builds with layered harmonies, soft drums, and orchestral textures. The signature Carpenters sound — clean, warm, and intimate — turns a simple pop song into something quietly majestic.
Lyrically, “We’ve Only Just Begun” is a celebration of the early stages of love — not the fireworks, but the foundation. The lyrics speak of walking hand in hand, learning as you go, and building a life slowly, with care. There’s no urgency here, only gentle assurance.
“Sharing horizons that are new to us, watching the signs along the way…”
These are not grand gestures. They’re small, meaningful promises. And in that simplicity lies the song’s timeless appeal.
For young couples in the 1970s, the song became an anthem of commitment and trust. It was played at weddings, anniversaries, and quiet moments of reflection. And even now — over 50 years later — it remains one of the most requested wedding songs of all time. Not because of flash or novelty, but because of its honesty and grace.
But there’s also a layer of poignancy when hearing it today. Knowing what we now know about Karen Carpenter’s tragic passing in 1983, the song can feel bittersweet — a voice filled with hope, singing of a future she would not fully get to see. Yet that’s what makes the track even more powerful. It’s not just a song about beginnings — it’s a reminder of how precious every beginning truly is.
In the decades since its release, “We’ve Only Just Begun” has become a cornerstone of the Carpenters’ legacy — a symbol of their ability to transform simplicity into art, and emotion into music. It’s not flashy. It’s not trendy. It’s timeless. And in every line, in every note, you can hear what made the Carpenters so special: an unwavering belief in the beauty of love, one gentle step at a time.
And truly… we’ve only just begun.