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)
Time and Time Again
The Monkees Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Naughty girls get me in trouble
When I fly too high
Something's bound to burst the bubble
You say this is love
Wonder if you're feeling lonely
Tell me if you please
Or will it be for long, long time
Or just a passing fancy
Will it be for a long, long time
I feel as though it can be
I'll just what and see
What tomorrow has to bring me
A love that is oh-so-true
Or another girl who's free and easy
So, I'll just wait and see
What tomorrow has to bring me
A love that is oh-so-true
Or another girl who's free and easy
Time and time again
And again
The Monkees' song "Time and Time Again" is a meditation on the fickleness of love and the struggles of being in a relationship that may not last. The opening lines suggest that the singer is prone to getting into trouble with women - or perhaps just one woman - who push him to fly too high, only to come crashing down when reality inevitably sets in. This is a common metaphor for the highs and lows of romantic love: the thrill of the chase, the rush of excitement, followed by the disappointment and heartbreak of an inevitable letdown.
The second verse introduces a female counterpart who may or may not be "the one." The singer seems uncertain if this is a long-term commitment or just a fling for the evening, and he wonders if the woman is as lonely as he is. The chorus repeats the title phrase, suggesting that this cycle of uncertainty and risk is something that has happened to him "time and time again." The final verse suggests that the singer is resigned to this situation, and he will "wait and see" what life brings him: another potentially true love or yet another person who is "free and easy."
Overall, the song is a wistful reflection on the ups and downs of romantic love, and the ways in which we are drawn to risky, yet thrilling experiences in the hope of finding something lasting and meaningful.
Line by Line Meaning
Time and time again
Repeatedly
Naughty girls get me in trouble
I tend to get into trouble with girls who have a mischievous nature
When I fly too high
When I feel great happiness or success
Something's bound to burst the bubble
Something is bound to ruin the happy moment
You say this is love
You claim this feeling is love
Wonder if you're feeling lonely
I am unsure if you are actually experiencing loneliness
Tell me if you please
Please disclose the truth to me
Is this for this evening only
Is this just a temporary connection for tonight
Or will it be for long, long time
Or will it last a significant amount of time
Or just a passing fancy
Or is it just a fleeting infatuation
I feel as though it can be
I believe it could be more than just a temporary connection
I'll just what and see
I will wait and observe
What tomorrow has to bring me
What the future has in store for me
A love that is oh-so-true
A genuine and authentic love
Or another girl who's free and easy
Or another girl who is not looking for anything serious
So, I'll just wait and see
Therefore, I will be patient and observe
And again
Repeatedly
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN CHADWICK, WILLIAM WARREN CHADWICK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
64KRoberts
This is one of my very favorite Monkees songs of all time.
KD's Vlogs
This is my favorite song on that album.
Brian E. Reinecke
A good choice to share. Fine vocal by Davy, who co-wrote it.
Natalia The Vegan Rockstar
I love how Davy sings about the emptiness of free love here.. very beautifully & maturely sang & done.
& those background vocals blending with Mickey .. MY BOYS!!!!
THE MONKEES FUCKING RULE FOR FUCKING EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Noodles37UK
Great song. Shame they had to use The Monkees' name to fulfill a contract.
KateDkat85
RIP DAVY :(
slizzeredinablizzard
written by Billy Chadwick
Ronald Charles Epstein
When was that album recorded?
Ronald Charles Epstein
Thanks!
Natalia The Vegan Rockstar
1970❤️