Porpoise Song (Theme from Head)

The Monkees

About Porpoise Song (Theme from Head)

"Porpoise Song (Theme from Head)" is a song written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King and performed by pop/rock quartet The Monkees on their album Head. The song was commissioned by Bob Rafelson, the director and producer of the film Head. The song was released as a single in 1968, and reached No. 62 on the Billboard Hot 100. The single version runs over a minute longer than the album version. The song's lyrics and melody echo the psychedelic vibe of mid-1960s rock music. Micky Dolenz provides the vocals, which are distorted by echoing effect, and a mix of organ riffs, cello, string-bass, woodwinds and horns float in and out of the tune. The lyrics call into question the order of the world and one's place therein, and there are also veiled in-joke references to Dolenz's childhood work as the star of the television series Circus Boy. The song was produced by its co-writer Gerry Goffin on 26, 28 and 29 February 1968. The track includes chimes, tubular bells and aquatic sound effects. "Without a doubt, this is the most elaborate production ever for a Monkees recording."According to Bob Rafelson: 


Year:
2006
4:09
140 

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My, my, the clock in the sky
Is pounding away
And there's so much to say

A face, a voice
An overdub has no choice
An image cannot rejoice

Wanting to be
To hear and to see
Crying to the sky

But the porpoise is laughing
Goodbye, goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye

Clicks, clacks, riding the backs of giraffes for laughs
S'alright for a while

(The ego) sings of castles
And kings and things that go
With a life of style

Wanting to feel
To know what is real
Living is a, is a lie

The porpoise is waiting
Goodbye, goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


The Monkees

The Monkees are an American pop band that released music under their original incarnation between 1966 and 1970, with subsequent reunion albums and tours in the decades that followed. Assembled in Los Angeles in 1965 by Robert "Bob" Rafelson and Bert Schneider for the American television series The Monkees, which aired from 1966–1968, the musical acting quartet was composed of Americans Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork, and Englishman Davy Jones. The band's music was initially supervised by producer Don Kirshner. more »

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Written by: CAROLE KING, GERRY GOFFIN

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Information
"Porpoise Song (Theme from Head)" was released as a single by The Monkees in 1968. The song was the theme for the movie, "Head," where they played the lead roles.
Songwriters
The song was written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, two of America's most successful songwriters. They have also written hits for other artists such as Aretha Franklin and The Drifters.
Producer
It was produced by Jack Nicholson, along with Bob Rafelson. Nicholson is more recognized for his acting career, making this a unique project in his portfolio.
Song Content
The lyrics are ambiguous and have often been interpreted as reflecting the band's frustration with their carefully managed public image, under which they'd suffered since their formation.
Performance
Despite The Monkees' popularity, "Porpoise Song" was not a commercial success, only peaking at number 62 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Music Video
The music video for the song featured surreal images, involving mermaids and porpoises, which was a departure from the light-hearted, comedic style of their TV show.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by various artists over the years, including The Wondermints, The Church, and Game Theory, cementing its influence in popular music.
In Popular Culture
It featured in the soundtrack for the movie "Vanilla Sky" (2001), introducing it to a new generation of listeners.
Song Length
The original album version lasts for almost five minutes, whereas the single edit only lasts about two and a half minutes.
Album Inclusion
The song is included in various compilation albums of The Monkees, such as "The Monkees Anthology" (1998) and "Music Box" (2001).

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