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.
Love In The City
The Turtles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Playing in the middle of the city
Down the street we walked westerly
Wind breezin' through her hair pretty
My love in the city is good, so good
When things around me slow down, slow down
I think about my love in the city, in the city
I think about my love
I know she waits for me nervously
Trying to keep busy in the city
Sleeping in her bed patiently
Waiting for me, come home with love to me
My love in the city is good, so good
When things around me slow down, slow down
I think about my love in the city, in the city
I think about my love in the city, in the city
I think about my love in the city
The Turtles' song "Love in the City" is a love song that is set in an urban environment. The lyrics describe a couple that are walking hand in hand through the city. The city is described as being alive with activity, and the wind is blowing through the woman's hair. The singer reflects about how good his love in the city is, and how he thinks about her when things around him slow down.
As the song progresses, the lyrics reveal that the woman is waiting patiently for the singer to return home. She is described as being nervous and trying to keep busy in the city while waiting for him. The singer again reflects on how good his love is in the city and how he thinks about her when he is away.
Overall, the song is a love letter to the city and the love that can be found there. The lyrics showcase the beauty of urban settings and the love that can blossom amidst the hustle and bustle.
Line by Line Meaning
We walked hand in hand from the patch
We strolled together from the rural area towards the city, holding hands tight.
Playing in the middle of the city
Having fun and enjoying ourselves right in the hustle and bustle of the city.
Down the street we walked westerly
We headed towards the west side of the city, walking down the street hand in hand.
Wind breezin' through her hair pretty
The wind was blowing through her hair and making her look even more gorgeous than she already was.
My love in the city is good, so good
Being in love in the city is amazing and it feels wonderful.
When things around me slow down, slow down
When things get chaotic around me, I slow down and think about my love.
I think about my love in the city, in the city
I think about my significant other, who is also in the city with me.
I think about my love
My mind is always occupied with thoughts of my love.
(instrumental, then scat singing)
The music plays on, without lyrics to convey any specific message.
I know she waits for me nervously
I am aware that she is anxiously awaiting my return to her side.
Trying to keep busy in the city
She is attempting to occupy herself with activities while waiting for me to come back.
Sleeping in her bed patiently
She is waiting for me with patience while resting in her bed.
Waiting for me, come home with love to me
She yearns for my presence and love, and waits eagerly for me to come back home.
My love in the city is good, so good
Being in love in the city is truly magical and amazing.
When things around me slow down, slow down
During intense moments, I slow down to focus on my affection for my partner.
I think about my love in the city, in the city
I contemplate my fondness for my love, always present within the bustling city.
I think about my love in the city, in the city
My thoughts always stray back to my love who shares the experiences of the city with me.
I think about my love in the city
I am constantly reminded of my love while immersed in the city lifestyle.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: AL NICHOL, HOWARD KAYLAN, JIM PONS, JOHN SEITER, MARK VOLMAN, MARL VOLMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@3791
We walked hand in hand from the patch
Playing in the middle of the city
Down the street we walked westerly
Wind breezin' through her hair pretty
My love in the city is good, so good
When things around me slow down, slow down
I think about my love in the city, in the city
I think about my love
(instrumental, then scat singing)
I know she waits for me nervously
Trying to keep busy in the city
Sleeping in her bed patiently
Waiting for me, come home with love to me
My love in the city is good, so good
When things around me slow down, slow down
I think about my love in the city, in the city
I think about my love in the city, in the city
I think about my love in the city
@paulbowen1532
The Turtles best song. They recorded it as though they thought they had a hit on their hands, and they should have. Great vocals, musical twists, orchestration, and a riveting drum beat.
@will2741
An absolute masterpiece
@johnscialfa7391
Agree
@jeffthrow6892
Just a fantastic tune......this band did SOOO much great music that it seems too few people know about......
@captaineasychord1
Great underrated Turtles song. It was the second single off the album but only reached #92 on Billboard. Ray Davies produced Turtle Soup, his only non-Kinks production and it bears his exquisite style.
@dougo1962
An injustice it didn't at least hit the Top 40. Sounds Top 20 to me. Perhaps other factors, the changing face of music, etc., were in play. Look at how the Beach Boys' singles fared the same year. The group changed its sound, but record buyers seemed little interested.
@oilwellholdings3301
Masterpiece!!! 1960`s Rock For Ever!!!
@Rster462
The drumming is so good this song has an early Who sound. I've always liked the Turtles, I think the were underrated.
@rickenbackerboy4123
Just received a text from my 31-year old daughter. She's driving up from California to our home in Seattle, blasting this Turtles tune all the way from Crescent City. She says of all the Turtles tunes I raised my kids with in the 90's ... this is forever her favorite 'cuz it reminds her of us being together. A special nod to John Seiter's amazing drumming on this track ♥️
@philcheesebrough2327
This song would fit perfectly on the Kinks classic LPs "The Village Green Preservation Society" or "Arthur." The soaring harmonies at the end are glorious and sound so much like the Davies brothers. Great job Turtles, and great job Raymond Douglas Davies on your production.