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.
Who Would Ever Think That I Would Marry Margaret
The Turtles Lyrics
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Waitin' for the taxi, got to pay him a dollar
To take me on a church ride
You know I have to be on time
'Cause I promised Margaret
I would be in the chapel by quarter to nine
Everyone knows of the flower that grows
Who would have thought that I would be caught
With flowers and shaky knees?
Who would ever think that I would marry Margaret?
Who would ever think that she would marry me?
She was like a mornin', waitin' for sunrise
Talkin' with her mother, fixing daddy's bow tie
She got somethin' about her
Turned this head of mine
So I married Margaret in a rented tuxedo
In the church at a quarter to nine
Everyone knows of the flower that grows
Up through a crack in the street
Who would have thought that I would be caught
With flowers and shaky knees?
Who would ever think that I would marry Margaret?
Who would ever think that she would marry me?
Everyone knows of the flower that grows
Up through a crack in the street
But who would have thought that I would be caught
With flowers and shaky knees?
Who would ever think that I would marry Margaret?
Who would ever think that she would marry me?
The Turtles' song "Who Would Ever Think That I Would Marry Margaret" is a catchy and whimsical tune that tells the story of a man named Margaret who falls in love and decides to get married. The opening line serves as a hook that creates a sense of anticipation by describing the singer, presumably the singer, putting on his tuxedo and pacing in the parlor. The tone is upbeat and light-hearted as he waits for a taxi to take him to the church.
The chorus captures the song's central theme, highlighting the irony of the singer finding love with "Margaret," a name usually associated with females. This unusual twist adds a humorous layer to the overall story, and the chorus also introduces the metaphor of "the flower that grows up through a crack in the street." This metaphor is repeated throughout the song, and it suggests that love can appear in unexpected places.
As the verses progress, the story unfolds more explicitly. The singer describes Margaret's family and the preparations for the wedding. The singer then confesses to being nervous, as depicted by the line "Who would have thought that I would be caught with flowers and shaky knees?" The song concludes with a reiteration of the chorus, emphasizing the idea that true love can come from surprising sources.
Overall, "Who Would Ever Think That I Would Marry Margaret" is a charming and playful song that celebrates the unpredictability of love.
Line by Line Meaning
I put on my tuxedo, pacin' in the parlor
I got dressed up and nervously walked around the room.
Waitin' for the taxi, got to pay him a dollar
I waited for the cab and had to pay the fare.
To take me on a church ride
The cab was going to take me to the church.
You know I have to be on time
I absolutely had to be punctual.
'Cause I promised Margaret
I made a promise to Margaret.
I would be in the chapel by quarter to nine
I told her I would be in the chapel by 8:45.
She was like a mornin', waitin' for sunrise
Margaret was waiting for me eagerly like a morning waits for the sun to rise.
Talkin' with her mother, fixing daddy's bow tie
She was chatting with her mom and fixing her dad's necktie.
She got somethin' about her
There was something special about her that caught my attention.
Turned this head of mine
She made me feel attracted to her.
So I married Margaret in a rented tuxedo
I married her while wearing a tuxedo that I had rented for the occasion.
In the church at a quarter to nine
I got married to Margaret in the church when it was 8:45.
Everyone knows of the flower that grows up through a crack in the street
It's a common sight to see a flower shoot up from a crack in the pavement.
Who would have thought that I would be caught with flowers and shaky knees?
It's surprising that I, a typically unromantic person, was caught giving flowers and feeling nervous.
Who would ever think that I would marry Margaret?
It's hard to believe that I, of all people, would marry someone like Margaret.
Who would ever think that she would marry me?
It's equally surprising that Margaret ended up marrying someone like me.
Contributed by Matthew C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.