The Monkees – I’m a Believer

About The Song

“I’m a Believer” is a song written by Neil Diamond and recorded by the American band the Monkees in 1966, featuring lead vocals by Micky Dolenz. Produced by Jeff Barry, the single achieved significant success, reaching the number-one spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week ending December 31, 1966, and maintaining its position for seven consecutive weeks. It became the last number-one hit of 1966 and emerged as the top-selling single for the entirety of 1967, with Billboard ranking it as the fifth-best song for that year.

Originally published by Screen Gems-Columbia Music (BMI), the song is now published by Stonebridge Music/EMI Foray Music (SESAC), with administrative responsibilities passed to Sony Music Publishing and Universal Music Publishing Group. The song also secured the number-one position in the UK Singles Chart for four weeks in January and February 1967 and achieved similar success in other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland.

Billboard characterized “I’m a Believer” as ‘an easy-go dance mover’ with an ‘immediate impact.’ Cash Box described it as a “medium-paced rocker” filled with the group’s exceptional harmonies and infectious sounds. Record World labeled it “sensational.”

The song made appearances in four consecutive episodes of the television series The Monkees in December 1966. Subsequently, The Monkees principals performed it live during overseas tours, reunion concerts, and other live appearances.

Neil Diamond also proposed the song to the Fifth Estate, who recorded it as an album cut in 1967 following their hit “Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead.”

Neil Diamond recorded a version with additional lyrics for his 1979 album September Morn. Furthermore, he performed it in a duet with Linda Ronstadt as part of a medley of his songs on an episode of The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour in 1970.

Video

Lyrics

I thought love was only true in fairy tales
Meant for someone else but not for me.
Love was out to get me
That’s the way it seemed.
Disappointment haunted all my dreams.

Then I saw her face, now I’m a believer
Not a trace of doubt in my mind.
I’m in love, I’m a believer!
I couldn’t leave her if I tried.

I thought love was more or less a givin’ thing,
Seems the more I gave the less I got.
What’s the use in tryin’?
All you get is pain.
When I needed sunshine I got rain.

Then I saw her face, now I’m a believer
Not a trace of doubt in my mind.
I’m in love, I’m a believer!
I couldn’t leave her if I tried.

Love was out to get me
Now, that’s the way it seemed
Disappointment haunted all my dreams

Oh, then I saw her face, now I’m a believer
Not a trace of doubt in my mind.
I’m in love, I’m a believer!
I couldn’t leave her if I tried.

Yes, I saw her face, now I’m a believer
And not a trace of doubt in my mind.
Said I’m a believer
I’m a believer
I’m a believer
Said I’m a believer
I’m a believer
I said I’m a believer
I’m a believer