About The Song
Last Train to Clarksville by The Monkees
- Release: August 16, 1966
- Genre: Pop rock
- Written by: Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
- Original performers: The Monkees
- Peak chart positions:
- US Billboard Hot 100: #1
- UK Singles Chart: #1
Background and composition
“Last Train to Clarksville” was written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, who were staff songwriters for Colgems Records, the Monkees’ record label. The song was one of several that Boyce and Hart submitted to the Monkees, and it was quickly chosen as the band’s debut single.
The song is a catchy pop-rock tune with a memorable melody and lyrics. The lyrics tell the story of a young couple who are being forced to say goodbye as the boy leaves for the Vietnam War. The song’s themes of love, loss, and separation resonated with listeners, and it quickly became a hit.
Critical reception
“Last Train to Clarksville” was met with critical acclaim upon its release. It was praised for its catchy melody, strong lyrics, and the Monkees’ energetic performance. The song was also a commercial success, topping the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Legacy
“Last Train to Clarksville” is one of the Monkees’ most enduring and popular songs. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Glen Campbell, The Beach Boys, and R.E.M. The song has also been featured in a number of films and television shows.
In addition to the above, here are some other interesting facts about the song:
- The song was originally titled “Midnite Train to Clarksville,” but it was changed to “Last Train to Clarksville” at the suggestion of Monkees’ manager, Lester Sill.
- The train whistle sound that can be heard at the beginning of the song was created by using a harmonica.
- The music video for “Last Train to Clarksville” was one of the first to be broadcast on MTV.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤