The 5th Dimension is an American popular music vocal group, whose repertoir… Read Full Bio ↴The 5th Dimension is an American popular music vocal group, whose repertoire also includes R&B, Soul, and Jazz, best-known during the late 1960s and 1970s for popularizing hits of songwriters like Jimmy Webb, Laura Nyro, Burt Bacharach, Ashford & Simpson, and others, and helping to popularize "flower power" music with both white and black middle-class Americans.

They are best-known during the late 1960s and early 1970s for popularizing the hits "Up, Up and Away", "Wedding Bell Blues", "Stoned Soul Picnic", "One Less Bell to Answer", "(Last Night) I Didn't Get to Sleep at All", and "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In", as well as the eponymous 5th Dimension and The Magic Garden LP recordings.

The five original members were Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue, Marilyn McCoo, Lamonte McLemore, and Ron Townson. They have recorded for several different labels over their long careers. Their first work appeared on the Soul City label, which was started by Imperial Records/United Artists Records recording artist Johnny Rivers. The group would later record for Bell/Arista Records, ABC Records, and Motown Records.

Some of the songwriters popularized by The 5th Dimension later went on to careers of their own, especially Ashford & Simpson, who wrote "California Soul". The group is also notable for having more success with the songs of Laura Nyro than Nyro did herself, particularly in the cases of "Wedding Bell Blues", "Stoned Soul Picnic", and "Save the Country" The group also covered music by well known songwriters such as the song "One Less Bell to Answer", written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. And perhaps best of all, they became great interpreters of the songs and music of Jimmy Webb, who penned their original mega-hit "Up, Up, and Away", including an entire recording of memorable Webb songs called The Magic Garden.

Workin' on a Groovy Thing
The 5th Dimension Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When I saw you I knew that I was gonna love you
And everyday I thought of how I'm gonna love you
Now you're here next to me
And ecstasy is a reality
I feel good when you are near
I'm alive cause you are here
Working on a groovy thing baby
Working on a groovy thing

Working on a groovy thing baby
Let's not rush in we'll take it slow
Before I met you I know my lips were only wasted
'Cause you have got the sweetest kiss I ever tasted
Music moves us along
Your arms around me are snug and warm
Happiness is in my soul
I'm about to lose all control
Working on a groovy thing baby
Working on a groovy thing
Working on a groovy thing baby

Let's not rush in we'll take it slow
Working on a groovy thing

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The 5th Dimension's "Workin' on a Groovy Thing" depict a narrative of two individuals who have met and fallen in love. The singer expresses their deep connection with their partner and how they have been thinking about them every day. They describe the feeling of ecstasy, the warmth of their partner's embrace, and the happiness that fills their soul when they're together. The singer has found a new purpose and meaning to their life, all thanks to their significant other.

The chorus highlights the couple's dedication to taking their time to build their relationship and not rush into things. They are working on their love, perfecting it like they would a groovy melody. The song is a beautiful metaphor, emphasizing the importance of taking time to build and grow a relationship rather than rushing into something that may not be sustainable in the long run.

Line by Line Meaning

When I saw you I knew that I was gonna love you
At first glance, I knew you were the one for me

And everyday I thought of how I'm gonna love you
You occupied my thoughts every day, and I couldn't wait to love you

Now you're here next to me
I'm grateful to have you by my side

And ecstasy is a reality
Being with you feels like a dream come true

I feel good when you are near
My heart sings when you're close to me

I'm alive cause you are here
Your presence gives me life and happiness

Working on a groovy thing baby
We're building something special together

Working on a groovy thing
We're putting effort into creating a beautiful relationship

Working on a groovy thing baby
We're committed to this journey and taking our time

Let's not rush in we'll take it slow
We don't need to rush, let's enjoy the process at a steady pace

Before I met you I know my lips were only wasted
I never truly experienced a worthwhile kiss before finding you