About the Song
The Monkees – Take a Giant Step: A Bold Leap Toward Self-Discovery
Released in 1966 as the B-side to their debut single “Last Train to Clarksville,” “Take a Giant Step” marked an early and important glimpse into the deeper artistic ambitions of The Monkees—a band often dismissed in their early years as mere TV-created pop stars. Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, two of the most revered songwriters of the 1960s, the song stands apart for its message of emotional liberation, introspection, and growth.
Unlike the upbeat love songs that dominated much of their first album, “Take a Giant Step” challenges the listener to move past heartbreak, step out of isolation, and rediscover the wonder of the world. With lines like:
“Come with me, leave yesterday behind / And take a giant step outside your mind,”
the song is less about romance and more about personal transformation—a surprisingly mature theme for a group still being introduced to the public as a pop phenomenon.
Micky Dolenz’s lead vocal gives the track its emotional backbone. His performance is earnest and soulful, conveying the quiet desperation of someone trying to shake off loneliness, while also capturing the hopeful tone of someone finally ready to re-engage with life. There’s vulnerability in his delivery, but also strength—an emotional arc that many young fans could relate to, even if they didn’t yet have the words to explain why.
Musically, “Take a Giant Step” leans into folk-rock and rhythm & blues more than the bubblegum pop sound the band would later become associated with. It features jangly guitars, a shuffling beat, and a moody minor-key melody that sets a contemplative tone. The arrangement, while simple, hints at the Monkees’ deeper musical interests—ones that would blossom more fully on later albums like Headquarters and Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd.
Though overshadowed by its A-side at the time of release, “Take a Giant Step” has grown in stature among fans and critics alike. It’s now recognized as an early indicator of The Monkees’ creative depth and a reminder that even from the start, the group was more than just a television project—they were young men with genuine voices, real emotion, and the desire to evolve.
In retrospect, “Take a Giant Step” feels like a personal invitation—not just to the heartbroken character in the song, but to listeners everywhere: Let go of fear. Open your mind. The world is still waiting.
And for The Monkees themselves, it was one of the first bold steps toward musical credibility.