Groovin’ – The Young Rascals | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning

Chart Performance: Pop (#1); 1967

Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne

The chorus of bird songs that opens Groovin’ signaled a change in direction for the blue-eyed soul band from New York, which to date had released rockers such as I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore and Good Lovin’.

The Rascals’ Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati were inspired to write the band’s sixth chart single by their current romantic relationships. Felix came up with the “groovin’ on a Sunday afternoon” title (the only time his musician gigs allowed him to get together with his girlfriend), and Eddie wrote the lyrics.

Felix built the languid track – omitting their trademark organ, guitar, and drums – around an Afro-Cuban rhythm, and sang a Ray Charles-influenced lead vocal over it. They were thrilled about the sound and feel of Groovin’, but the label honchos thought they were committing career suicide.

After influential NY deejay Murray the K sided with the band, Groovin’ was released and became a massive Summer of Love hit for all time.

This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2024 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.

Produced by:

  • The Rascals

Lyrics Written by:

  • Felix Cavaliere
  • Eddie Brigati

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Ed Osborne

Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).