About the Song
When people think of The Monkees, they often picture the playful antics of their 1960s television show or their chart-topping bubblegum hits. But behind the humor and hijinks was a band that, even in its earliest days, delivered tight, well-crafted music with surprising emotional depth. One shining example of that is the 1967 track “She”, a standout from their second studio album, More of the Monkees.
Written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, the duo responsible for many of the group’s early successes, “She” captures that perfect mix of upbeat energy and emotional sting. It’s a song about infatuation gone wrong—about loving someone who doesn’t love you back the same way. The lyrics are simple but cutting: “She told me that she loved me / And like a fool, I believed her from the start…” It’s a tale as old as time, and yet The Monkees make it feel fresh and immediate.
Micky Dolenz’s lead vocal is a big part of what makes the song so compelling. His delivery is brimming with youthful frustration and disbelief, adding just the right touch of drama to the lyrics. Behind him, the band drives the song with a punchy rhythm, jangly guitar, and organ flourishes that hint at the psychedelic pop sound they would explore more fully later in their career.
While “She” wasn’t released as a single, it quickly became a fan favorite and a staple of their live performances. Its catchy hooks, dynamic arrangement, and relatable theme helped cement it as one of the early deep cuts that showcased The Monkees’ musical range and growing credibility as a band.
More than just a fun tune from a made-for-TV group, “She” is a reminder that The Monkees weren’t just actors playing rock stars—they were talented performers with a knack for pop that could be clever, emotional, and enduring. It’s songs like this that helped earn them a lasting place in music history—and proved they were always more than just a punchline.