Heavily influenced by the British Invasion era, and its mod sensibility, they helped pioneer the power pop style.
Producer Jimmy Ienner was responsible for all the Raspberries’ albums, which often attempted to replicate Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound.”
Composed of the “classical” rock & roll ensemble (drums, lead, rhythm and bass guitars), the original lineup was Eric Carmen (lead vocals), Jim Bonfanti (drums), Wally Bryson (guitar) and Dave Smalley (bass).
The Raspberries wore matching ensembles on stage. The group was somewhat ridiculed for making its stage entrance in tuxedos and large bouffant hairdos which, according to Carmen, “complemented the style of our music”.
Might As Well
Raspberries Lyrics
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Can't believe it's happened to me
But ooh, I'm glad it's you
I guess you were the one from the start
And try as I may, I can't say that we'll part
So I might as well, give in and say I love you
All the times before, all the love we'd make
You were there from the start
And try as I may, I can't say that we'll part
So I might as well, give in and say I love you
Oh, oh....
All of my other loves made me so sad
Don't want to find out that lovin' you,
Needin' you makes me feel bad
Might as well give in, have to say it's true
Can't believe it's happened to me
But ooh, I'm glad it's you
I guess you were the one from the start
And try as I may, I can't say that we'll part
So I might as well give in and say I love you
I love you, I love you
In this song, "Might As Well", Raspberries expresses a feeling of inevitability when it comes to love. The singer acknowledges that they can't deny their feelings anymore and that they might as well give in to love. The chorus is a declaration of love, recognizing that this love is different from previous ones where the singer was hesitant to fully embrace their emotions. They sing about how they were afraid of the intensity of emotion in previous relationships and that they can't handle the feeling of losing this love.
The lyrics also suggest that the singer has found the right partner, one who has been there from the start, and they can't imagine parting ways with them. It's not explicitly stated how long they have been together, but it seems evident that it's been a while. The mention of all the times before and all the love they'd make suggests that this relationship is not new. The line "And try as I may, I can't say that we'll part" underscores their love's strength and how much they want to hold on to it.
Interestingly, the song's upbeat melody contrasts with the lyrics, which are more contemplative and introspective. Perhaps this is intentional as the singer is wrestling with their emotions and trying to reconcile their reluctance to love with their desire to express their feelings.
Overall, "Might As Well" is a classic song about realizing that love is worth taking a risk for, even if it means letting go of one's reservations and fears.
Line by Line Meaning
Might as well give in, have to say it's true
Despite my reservations, I am compelled to surrender to my feelings
Can't believe it's happened to me
I am surprised to find myself in this situation
But ooh, I'm glad it's you
Despite the shock of the circumstances, I am pleased it is with you
I guess you were the one from the start
I realize now that you were meant for me from the beginning
And try as I may, I can't say that we'll part
Despite my best efforts, I cannot imagine being without you
So I might as well, give in and say I love you
I embrace my feelings and express my love for you
All the times before, all the love we'd make
Reflecting on our previous experiences of courting, all the times we expressed love
I was so afraid of emotions, I could only take
My inability to handle intense feelings left me emotionally reserved in our relationship
You were there from the start
You were always present and available in our relationship
Oh, oh....
All of my other loves made me so sad
My previous love interests have caused me distress
Don't want to find out that lovin' you, Needin' you makes me feel bad
I fear that being in love with and needing you will cause negative emotions
I love you, I love you
The expression of my feelings towards you
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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