The Carpenters - We've Only Just Begun - 1971
The Carpenters - We've Only Just Begun - 1971
The Carpenters - We've Only Just Begun (1971)
We've Only Just Begun is a popular song by The Carpenters, released in 1971. The song, characterized by its melodic tune and optimistic lyrics, became one of the signature songs of the duo, consisting of siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter. It has since been covered by various artists and remains a beloved classic. In this module, you'll explore the history, context, and legacy of this song, as well as the artists behind it.
Background and Release
- The song was originally composed for a bank advertisement.
- It became a hit after its release, reaching high positions on the Billboard charts.
- The song's lyrics, penned by Paul Williams, and its music, composed by Roger Nichols, offer a sense of hope and new beginnings.
The Carpenters
- Learn about the Carpenters' rise to fame in the early 1970s music scene.
- Explore the unique vocal style of Karen and the arrangement skills of Richard.
- Understand the impact of their music in the context of the pop music landscape of the time.
Quiz: Questions on the Song
What was the original purpose of "We've Only Just Begun"? (As a commercial jingle for a bank) (!Theme song for a TV series) (!A Broadway musical number) (!Background score for a movie)
Which year was "We've Only Just Begun" released by The Carpenters? (1971) (!1969) (!1975) (!1980)
Who were the main composers of "We've Only Just Begun"? (Paul Williams and Roger Nichols) (!John Lennon and Paul McCartney) (!Brian Wilson and Mike Love) (!Carole King and Gerry Goffin)
What genre does "We've Only Just Begun" primarily belong to? (Soft rock/Pop) (!Hard Rock) (!Jazz) (!Classical)
Which chart did "We've Only Just Begun" reach a high position on? (Billboard Hot 100) (!UK Singles Chart) (!Billboard Country Music Chart) (!MTV Top 20)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
What is distinctive about Karen Carpenter's vocal style? (Her rich contralto voice) (!Her high soprano range) (!Her fast-paced singing) (!Her operatic technique)
In what year did The Carpenters form their band? (1969) (!1965) (!1972) (!1980)
Which instrument was Richard Carpenter known for playing? (Piano) (!Guitar) (!Drums) (!Saxophone)
What type of music did The Carpenters mainly produce? (Pop and Soft Rock) (!Heavy Metal) (!Classical) (!Hip Hop)
Where were The Carpenters originally from? (Downey, California) (!New York City, New York) (!London, England) (!Nashville, Tennessee)
Quiz: Questions on the Lyrics
What theme do the lyrics of "We've Only Just Begun" primarily convey? (Hope and new beginnings) (!Heartbreak and loss) (!Social injustice) (!Celebration and partying)
Which line follows "We've only just begun to live"? (White lace and promises) (!Golden days before us) (!Sharing horizons that are new to us) (!Watching the signs along the way)
What is described as "a kiss for luck and we're on our way" in the song? (The start of a journey together) (!A farewell) (!Winning a competition) (!A celebration of victory)
How do the lyrics "Sharing horizons that are new to us" relate to the song's theme? (They talk about exploring future possibilities together) (!Reflecting on past experiences) (!Describing a journey apart) (!Discussing career ambitions)
What does the line "So much of life ahead" signify in the song? (A sense of optimism about the future) (!A reflection on past achievements) (!Uncertainty about what lies ahead) (!A feeling of nostalgia)
Memory
Create a memory game with matching pairs for this topic.
| We've Only Just Begun | 1971 |
| Karen Carpenter | Contralto Voice |
| Richard Carpenter | Piano |
| Original Purpose | Bank Commercial Jingle |
| Main Theme | Hope and New Beginnings |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Research the 1970s Music Scene: Explore how the music scene in the 1970s influenced the success of The Carpenters.
- Create a Playlist: Make a playlist of songs from the early 1970s, including "We've Only Just Begun."
Standard
- Biography Writing: Write a short biography of Karen or Richard Carpenter.
- Song Analysis: Analyze the lyrics of "We've Only Just Begun" and discuss its themes and messages.
- Compare and Contrast: Compare "We've Only Just Begun" with another hit song from the 1970s.
Difficult
- Music Composition: Compose a song inspired by The Carpenters' style.
- Video Documentary: Create a short documentary about The Carpenters' impact on pop music.
- Critical Review: Write a critical review of "We've Only Just Begun," focusing on its composition, lyrics, and cultural impact.
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Oral Exam
- Influence on Music: Discuss how The Carpenters influenced the music industry and pop culture.
- Songwriting Analysis: Analyze the songwriting techniques used in "We've Only Just Begun."
- Comparative Study: Compare The Carpenters' music with contemporary artists.
- Historical Context: Explain how the socio-political climate of the early 1970s influenced The Carpenters' music.
- Legacy and Influence: Discuss the legacy of The Carpenters and their influence on future musicians.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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