In the years since their original disbanding, the group has reunited in various incarnations, mostly involving Dolenz, Tork and Jones, but not Nesmith. The first reunion began in 1986 and at first featured only Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork. Davy Jones joined the others and a new album was released before they split again in 1989.
The next regrouping took place between 1993 and 1997 and featured a new album that included the particpation of all four members. A further reunion between 2001 and 2002, was followed by another reunion in 2011 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the television show. This reunion was cut short before 2011 had ended due to scheduling problems with the anniversary tour.
The unexpected death of Davy Jones at the beginning of 2012 prompted the most recent reunion tour, this time featuring Dolenz, Tork and Nesmith.
Created by producers of a TV series to be an American Beatles, the antics of the Monkees band members on the television series were very reminscent of Beatles' antics in films like 'Help' and 'Hard Day's Night'. Indeed, in songs like 'Forget that Girl...', the band and even the lead singer could sound just like the Beatles. With songs provided by Don Kirshner from such writers as Neil Diamond and Carole King, among others, the Monkees were assured of pop success. However, in the beginning, the four group members were hired only as actors to front the band and to provide the vocals whilst studio musicians recorded the backing music. These recordings were provided by Kirshner. Things changed though after the success of the single Last Train to Clarksville, the first hit, leading to demands that the band play live gigs. Having learned to play the music, the band became angry when the second LP was recorded (by Kirshner) by studio musicians, without their knowledge or musical input. They therefore demanded and obtained control of the music.
Nesmith who revealed that the band did not perform on their records was also instrumental in getting Don Kirshner sacked. the next album Headquarters was recorded by The Monkees alone, using hand picked producer Chip Douglas. While not as successful as their first two albums it made it to number one, only to be replaced a week later by The Beatles' Sgt Pepper album. The Monkees eventually settled on a formula of using their own talents as well as those of studio musicians. After two seasons the network and the group could not reach agreement on the format of a third season and the show was canceled even though the ratings were still high. A feature film named Head co-written by The Monkees, Jack Nicholson and Bob Rafelson) followed.
Peter Tork was the first to leave the band, in 1968, during 1969 The TV show went into Saturday morning reruns and the three remaining Monkees recorded two more albums. in 1969 Nesmith departed and began a serious foray into merging country and rock music. He also eventually developed a format that became MTV. By the way his mother invented a product called Liquid Paper, sold it to the Gillette Company for $47 million dollars then died a year later leaving the money to her only son. The remaining two Monkees Dolenz and Jones recorded one last album named Changes in late 1969.
There has, however, been a resurgent interest in The Monkees' music Rhino Records has been instrumental in restoring all their albums, adding bonus tracks, and equipping them with complementary liner notes and stories.
Davy Jones died on February 29, 2012 in Indiantown, Florida.
Peter Tork died on February 21, 2019, at his home in Mansfield, Connecticut.
Michael Nesmith died on December 10, 2021, in Carmel Valley, California.
DISCOGRAPHY (from www.themonkees.net):
The Monkees (1966)
More of The Monkees (1967)
Headquarters (1967)
Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones, Ltd. (1967)
The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees (1968)
Head (1968)
Instant Replay (1969)
The Monkees Present (1969)
Changes (1970)
Then & Now...The Best of the Monkees (1986)
Pool It! (1987)
Live 1967 (1987)
Justus (1996)
Good Times! (2016)
Can You Dig It
The Monkees Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There is only one
Always changing inside
What does it become?
Can you dig it?
Do you know?
Would you care to let it show?
Those who know it use it
Those who start it die
To sing that you can dig it
Is to make your summer fly
Can you dig it?
Do you know?
Would you care to let it show?
Can you dig it?
Do you know?
Would you care to let it show?
There is only feeling
In this world of life and death
I sing the praise of never change
With every single breath
Can you dig it?
Do you know?
Would you care to let it show?
Hey!
The Monkees's song Can You Dig It is a vibrant examination of the concept of change and the elusive nature of reality. The lyrics present the idea that while outward appearances may change, there is an inner essence that remains constant. The first verse acknowledges the paradox that even though things may appear to change, there is a consistent element within us that remains constant; “Something doesn't change, there is only one, always changing inside, what does it become?.”
The chorus of the song emphasizes the idea that understanding and acknowledging this consistency is essential to unlocking the potential of change. The line, “Can you dig it?” asks the listener if they are capable of grasping this concept, and if so, are they willing to show it? The repetition of this line emphasizes the importance of the listener's response. The question posed in the chorus, “Do you know? Would you care to let it show?” challenges the listener to question their relationship to change and how they demonstrate that relationship.
The third verse of the song argues that those who understand the significance of change are the ones who can really make the most out of life. The line “To sing that you can dig it is to make your summer fly” suggests that understanding this concept leads to a sense of liberation and empowerment. The song concludes by acknowledging the importance of the present moment and the universality of human emotions. “There is only feeling in this world of life and death, I sing the praise of never change with every single breath” emphasizes the importance of being present to the moment and fully embracing the sensation of living; “With every single breath.”
Line by Line Meaning
Some thing doesn't change
There is at least one thing that remains constant
There is only one
There is only one truth or one correct way of doing things
Always changing inside
Despite outward appearances, one's thoughts and emotions are constantly in flux
What does it become?
What will the constantly changing inner self eventually turn into?
Can you dig it?
Do you understand it?
Do you know?
Have you come to a realization about it?
Would you care to let it show?
Are you willing to express your understanding to others?
Those who know it use it
Those who understand this truth apply it in their lives
Those who start it die
Those who attempt to manipulate or control the truth will ultimately fail
To sing that you can dig it
To express an understanding of this truth
Is to make your summer fly
Bringing this truth into your life can make it more enjoyable and fulfilling
There is only feeling
In the midst of the duality of life and death, emotions are the only constant
In this world of life and death
Amidst the impermanence and change of life and death
I sing the praise of never change
I appreciate the unchanging aspect of emotions
With every single breath
This appreciation permeates every moment of life
Hey!
An interjection to grab attention or express excitement
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PETER TORK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@RoninWarriorsChick
Thank you so much for adding this! As an avid Monkees (and especially Peter) fan, it is always a treat to hear Peter's wonderful voice and music, especially since he got the shit end of the stick so many times. He was such a talented musician, composer, and singer! While I love Micky's version of this song, it doesn't hold water to this rare gem. RIP sweet Pete!!
@lindas.5191
I totally agree. He was so talented, the best musician in the group, but got few lead vocals as early on they said he couldn't sing. It was a crime. Maybe, unlike Mike, he didn't fight enough. I've always thought he didn't get the recognition or respect he deserved. RIP, Peter.
@YTistooannoying
Peter's vocal ability was before his time. His somewhat wonky off key tone would have fit really well with 90s Alternative rock.
@TheMonkeesArchives
"Wonky"! Good description! He released an album in the 90's! His first ever and it was VERY Alternative! Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc0JlR7xD4k
@lindas.5191
@The Monkees Archives Stranger Things Have Happened is a great album, and I love this song and Peter. IMO, he never got the credit he deserved.
@davidbreen6335
Peter's song I Believe You on The Justus album that The Monkees released in 1996 he sounds like John Cale.
@rickelliott3683
Each of the Monkees brought a unique vocal talent to the music, creating a broad spectrum of musical sound that made their work so eclectic. Their catalog of work covers so much territory that it is impossible to pigeon hole them into any one genre. That is one reason why they have such staying power and why they are still relevant and endure still today.
@TheMonkeesArchives
Got that straight!
@christyb7455
Thank you for bringing another gem to us! I always loved Mickey's grins😂❤
@TheMonkeesArchives
You're most welcomed!