Originated from a surf rock group called the Crossfires, the Turtles delved into many genres such as breezy pop, psychedelic music, and folk rock. A precursor to the bubblegum pop of the late 60s and early 70s as well as a foil to the more self-consciously hip and "serious" acts of the era, the Turtles produced at least a dozen memorable, radio-friendly chart singles. Yet they remain best known for 1967's "Happy Together", which was their only chart-topping single.
The Turtles wound down their career in 1970.
The two prominent singers - Howard Kaylan ("Eddie") and Mark Volman ("Flo" a.k.a. "Phlorescent Leech") - collaborated with Frank Zappa for a short but very intensive period of one and a half years (between 1970-72) and were the cornerstone of what was known to be the Zappa "Vaudeville" band; two of the most famous achievements of that period being the albums Fillmore East – June 1971 and 200 Motels, the soundtrack of the film by the same name.
Eleanor
The Turtles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The Turtles
Intro:
Em
/ / / / / / / /
Em
You got a thing about you
Am9 Am
I just can't live without you
B7 Em C B7
I really want you, Elenore, near me
Em
Your looks intoxicate me
Am9 Am
Even though your folks hate me
B7 Em [B C B G single notes]
There's no one like you, Elenore, really
Chorus:
E G#m
Elenore, gee I think you're swell
A
And you really do me well
E B7
You're my pride and joy, et cetera
F#m F#m/maj7 F#m7
Elenore, can I take the time
B7
To ask you to speak your mind
E [1: B C B G single notes]
Tell me that you love me better [2: E B7 to coda]
Verse 2:
I really think you're groovy
Let's go out to a movie
What do you say, now, Elenore, can we?
They'll turn the lights way down low
Maybe we won't watch the show
I think I love you, Elenore, love me
[repeat chorus]
Coda:
E G#m B7
Elenore, gee I think you're swell ah-hah [2X]
E
...hah
The Turtles' song "Eleanor" is a love song about a girl named Eleanor who the singer is infatuated with. From the first line, "You got a thing about you," he confesses his love and declares that he can't live without her. He acknowledges that her parents don't like him, but insists that there is no one like her. In the chorus, he proclaims his love for her and asks her to speak her mind and tell him that she loves him better.
In the second verse, he wants to take her to a movie and suggests that they won't even have to watch the show because he just wants to be with her. He repeats the chorus and concludes the song with "Eleanor, gee I think you're swell ah-hah" over and over again.
The lyrics suggest a strong but somewhat naive love, as the singer appears to be smitten with Eleanor and certain that they are meant to be together, despite any obstacles in their path. The repetition of the chorus and coda reinforce his infatuation and desire for Eleanor's love and attention.
Line by Line Meaning
You got a thing about you
There is something particularly special about you that I cannot put my finger on.
I just can't live without you
You have become an integral part of my life, and I cannot bear to be without you.
I really want you, Elenore, near me
I have a deep desire to be close to you, Elenore.
Your looks intoxicate me
I find your physical appearance so alluring that it affects my thoughts and emotions deeply.
Even though your folks hate me
Despite the disapproval of your family, I am still drawn to you.
There's no one like you, Elenore, really
To me, there is no one else like you. You are truly unique and special.
Elenore, gee I think you're swell
Elenore, I think you are absolutely wonderful.
And you really do me well
Being with you has a positive effect on me, both emotionally and physically.
You're my pride and joy, et cetera
You bring immense pride and joy to my life, and much more.
Elenore, can I take the time
Elenore, may I have a moment of your time?
To ask you to speak your mind
I would like to request that you express your honest thoughts and feelings to me.
Tell me that you love me better
Please confirm that your affection for me surpasses any others you may have had.
I really think you're groovy
I find you to be extremely cool and desirable.
Let's go out to a movie
Shall we go watch a film together?
What do you say, now, Elenore, can we?
I am seeking your permission to go on a movie date with you, Elenore.
They'll turn the lights way down low
The movie theater will dim the lights for us to enjoy the film better.
Maybe we won't watch the show
Perhaps we will be too preoccupied with each other to pay full attention to the movie.
I think I love you, Elenore, love me
I have strong feelings for you, Elenore, and hope that you feel the same way about me.
Elenore, gee I think you're swell ah-hah [2X]
Elenore, I cannot stress enough how wonderful I find you to be.
Contributed by Andrew S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@janetmcl9831
"You're my pride and joy etcetera" one of my favorite lines.
@alfonsecoppola5938
just great,im 71 i remember hearing this for first time
@chipgaasche4933
Let's not forget "tell me that you love me betta"!!
@frankpeck1448
Hello Janet, from N.Kentucky USA Y'All 🇺🇸 Yes, absolutely love that etc., actually spoken in a song. Also, the young man playing the tambourine...I think that was the onset for a guy sporting a perm. Really great memories. ❤⚘️🎵🎸🎹🎶
@frankpeck1448
@chipgaasche4933 Yes...that line was 'The Frosting on the Cake', for sure. I'm 78 y/o, BTW, but I refuse to Act My Age!🎶🎹🎸🎵❤
@omnipop4936
@@frankpeck1448 🤘Rock on, king! 👑
@kg2960
Dude in the back with the tambourine is the definition of confidence. 😂
@lindamoor100
Looove him .. Mark V
@puppycat58
Mark Volman
@lorigartin2794
Mark Volman was awesome there.