About the Song
The Monkees – “As We Go Along”: A Poetic Deep Cut That Revealed Their Artistic Depth
Released: 1968 (from the film Head) | Written by: Carole King & Toni Stern
“As We Go Along” is one of the most tender and introspective songs ever recorded by The Monkees, and for many longtime fans and critics, it remains a hidden gem — a quietly stunning departure from the group’s pop-rock beginnings, showcasing a deeper, more thoughtful side of their artistry.
Originally featured in the 1968 cult film Head (a surreal, genre-defying project co-written by Jack Nicholson), “As We Go Along” plays during a dreamlike montage — a moment of reflection and visual poetry. Its placement in the film underscores its introspective tone, and it contrasts beautifully with the more psychedelic and chaotic elements of the movie.
The song was written by the legendary Carole King and Toni Stern, and it’s Micky Dolenz who takes lead vocals. His performance is one of his most emotionally honest and vocally restrained — intimate, gentle, and profoundly moving. It’s a rare track where The Monkees step back from catchy hooks and comic charm, instead offering a sincere meditation on personal growth, uncertainty, and love without expectation.
“I know your life on earth was troubled / And only you could know the pain…”
Musically, “As We Go Along” is sophisticated and atmospheric. It features guitar work by Ry Cooder and Neil Young, adding texture and subtlety to the song’s arrangement. The track moves slowly and confidently, embracing acoustic folk, soft rock, and a touch of orchestral warmth.
Unlike many of The Monkees’ radio hits, this wasn’t a chart-topper. But it has aged gracefully — beloved by fans who appreciate the band’s later, more experimental material, and often cited as evidence that The Monkees were far more than a manufactured TV band. They were artists, capable of sincerity, subtlety, and real emotional weight.
Today, “As We Go Along” is often used in tributes and retrospectives to highlight Micky Dolenz’s vocal depth and the band’s musical evolution. It’s also been covered by several artists who discovered it long after its original release.
If “I’m a Believer” made you dance, “As We Go Along” might make you pause — and feel.
A quiet triumph. A whispered truth. A song that walks with you, one moment at a time.