I’m a Believer – The Monkees

Introduction

“I’m a Believer” is a song written by Neil Diamond and recorded by the American band the Monkees in 1966, featuring lead vocals by Micky Dolenz. Produced by Jeff Barry, the single achieved significant success by topping the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart for seven weeks, concluding on December 31, 1966. It held the number-one spot, marking the last chart-topper of 1966 and the highest-selling single for the entirety of 1967. Billboard ranked the record as the fifth-best song for 1967. Initially published by Screen Gems-Columbia Music (BMI), the song is now published by Stonebridge Music/EMI Foray Music (SESAC), with administration handled by Sony Music Publishing and Universal Music Publishing Group.

“I’m a Believer” also reached number one in the UK Singles Chart for four weeks in January and February 1967. Its success extended to other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland.

Described by Billboard as an “easy-go dance mover” with immediate impact, and by Cash Box as a “medium-paced rocker” featuring top-notch harmonies, the song received positive reviews. Record World even described it as “sensational.”

The song gained additional exposure through its appearance in four consecutive episodes of The Monkees television series in December 1966. The Monkees’ members later performed the song themselves during live appearances, overseas tours, and reunion concerts.

Neil Diamond initially suggested the song to the Fifth Estate, who recorded it as an album cut in 1967 following their hit “Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead.” Diamond also recorded a version with additional lyrics, included in his 1979 album “September Morn.” Furthermore, he performed a duet with Linda Ronstadt, featuring “I’m a Believer,” as part of a medley of his songs on an episode of The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour in 1970.

Video

https://youtu.be/wB9YIsKIEbA?si=6fkdIrwmCiXGwT8U

Lyrics

I thought love was only true in fairy tales
Meant for someone else but not for me.
Love was out to get me
That’s the way it seemed.
Disappointment haunted all my dreams.

Then I saw her face, now I’m a believer
Not a trace of doubt in my mind.
I’m in love, I’m a believer!
I couldn’t leave her if I tried.

I thought love was more or less a givin’ thing,
Seems the more I gave the less I got.
What’s the use in tryin’?
All you get is pain.
When I needed sunshine I got rain.

Then I saw her face, now I’m a believer
Not a trace of doubt in my mind.
I’m in love, I’m a believer!
I couldn’t leave her if I tried.

Love was out to get me
Now, that’s the way it seemed
Disappointment haunted all my dreams

Oh, then I saw her face, now I’m a believer
Not a trace of doubt in my mind.
I’m in love, I’m a believer!
I couldn’t leave her if I tried.

Yes, I saw her face, now I’m a believer
And not a trace of doubt in my mind.
Said I’m a believer
I’m a believer
I’m a believer
Said I’m a believer
I’m a believer
I said I’m a believer
I’m a believer