The Association - Along Comes Mary

The Association performing "Along Comes Mary" live on the Smothers Brothers.
Giving credit where credit is due: this video was originally posted on here by user thelittlesister. Thank you!
Because a commenter brought it up: giving credit to the Association for making this song, and to the Smothers Brothers for hosting them on that episode of their show.
The Smothers Brothers is copyrighted, Paul Brownstein Productions.

[@doctorbohr1585]

Terry Kirkman sadly passed away the other day, aged 83. For those who don't know, he was the cat playing the flute. RIP ❤️

[@lawrenceanthony5805]

Very sad, thanks for the notice. This Kirkman guy was talent extraordinaire.

[@M-isty]

Recorder

[@doctorbohr1585]

@@M-isty correct

[@gregoryjclark81]

As all humans are mortal and all flautists are human, all flautists are thus mortal. I think it total bs but them the brakes apparently.

[@joejaydee]

Sad to hear 😢

[@marybrittain5945]

This was my late husbands favorite song when he was in Vietnam because his best girl was named Mary and she was waiting for him to come home to her so they could get married!

[@theoutsider7331]

That's so cute. Thanks for sharing the story Mary.

[@josephflamm2262]

Well, are you Mary and if not, did they marry?

[@axjagfilms]

*hey wait a minute*

[@axjagfilms]

It’s like those situations where someone’s hinting about an ancient legend only for the viewer to find out that they were a key factor of that legend

[@Selvikus]

@@axjagfilms brilliant storytelling on mary's part, one of the most wholesome things i've read in the comments section lol

[@bradgross6138]

My lord, what a song. Eternally brilliant, and mood evoking.

[@thomasgarbe8354]

evocative of time gone by -- from an eternal past to an eternal future.

[@wayneburgess2885]

This is acid generated

[@meggancole8959]

This one is my favorite because of my Uncle Brian's witty opening. I just love watching it and listening to his voice.

[@manuelsteele2651]

The vocalists back then in the 1960s were awesome because Autotune software did not exist. The vocal talent had to stand on its own. Many ostensibly talented modern singers rely on Autotune. I doubt a lot of modern singers could have made it back then.

[@PhallicallyCorrect]

Just saw them on the Happy Together Tour. There were three performing. It was like looking at a legend.

[@mikecooley3361]

Tried to tag you in this one before I saw your comment

[@mikecooley3361]

And i wonder what he would think about today’s society and machinery.

[@Humama23Boyz]

Brian Cole was immensely talented, not only for his humor, but also his creative bass lines and vocals. We lost him far, far too soon.

[@NeuralNetProcessor]

"When vague desire is the fire in the eyes of chicks whose sickness is the games they play" is such an unbelievably good line

[@thomasgarbe8354]

@Tony Harris this ain't no joke, bloke. This is critique of girls who take little interest in anything but their being.

[@yoyokum1483]

Actually .... Song is about "pot".... ie.. MaryJane.... " "Now my empty cup is as sweet as the punch" ... Smoke weed.... Don't be a juicer....which the 60-70'80's we're into...

[@TralfazConstruction]

I need a Dramamine just reading it.

[@TralfazConstruction]

@@thomasgarbe8354 Didn't I know some young ladies just like that? I can't vouch for how kindly or effectively I countered those situations. My favorite was my being involved with an older woman, a 9th grader, while I was a lowly 8th grader. We were briefly 'dating' (seeing each other on weekends at the mall, holding hands after school, etc.) and she comes up to me in the hall between classes demanding to know why I was "using" her as she put it. To this day I have no idea what she was referring to. None. She may actually have been troubled as I heard that she died from a drug overdose just after she graduated from high school in '73. I've made a few attempts to run down the truth of the matter over the years without any results. This girl was _very_ pretty. In memory she looked like Natalie Wood at age 21.

[@schallrd1]

The song speaks for itself and is a 60's classic perfectly performed.

[@kennethsteffens6745]

The melody, the Harmonies, the musicianship...one of a kind!!!

[@kenyongray2615]

The Association was a very underrated group. Thanks for the video.

[@tixximmi1]

They weren't underrated. They just wrote one or two good songs. Overall they were boring.

[@rcruz262]

@@tixximmi1 na underrated

[@tixximmi1]

@@rcruz262 Gentle Giant was underrated. The Association got their fame back then.

[@SilentBob731]

@@tixximmi1 “Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.”

[@mrs.palafox7370]

The Association weren’t underrated, of course not! Great hit this group had!

[@wholeftthevaultdooropen8852]

By late summer of 1966 there had never been a song like this. At the middle of the musical revolution, this song leaped into the mix with a power and uniqueness that set the bar for innovativeness. Believe it. So glad I was there as a witness.

[@lynnquin8565]

I was there as a witness..14 years old. This song blew me away!

[@b58hustler71]

I like my rock and roll to be 3 guitars and drums, not backed up with 50 piece orchestras. It's about the trip and not the destination.

[@davidrobinson4486]

I was only 11 in 66, but this song blew me away, still does after all these years....!

[@nickrandles1102]

Brilliant comment.

[@belabelasko8223]

I'm glad you were there, so you can share what it was like.

[@montgomerydenzer8805]

These guys were actually damn good musicians- very impressive

[@gerrydooley951]

yes, they were very accomplished musicians and great vocalists.

[@artistaloca4]

@@gerrydooley951 Accomplished? I love these guys (and ones not in the band at this time, but the best) and want to learn more about them than what Google says

[@diorme7510]

the bands in the 60's were hardcore musicians and performers.

[@senatorjimdracula1603]

The Monterey Pop footage is proof. I was shocked at how great they were.

[@lyleanderson8160]

A lot of the old groups used the Wrecking Crew... Google it.

[@budmangt2]

Please, someone, invent a time machine to take me back to my carefree days of my youth

[@allensaunders449]

Only dead people are care free

[@mandatethis8024]

I’m working on it !!!

[@thomaskelly6554]

I'm listening to great Group. March 2020

[@atlbackin82fool]

They remind me here of Devo

[@robertj1834]

Jump on! You can ride me back all the way...

[@KenShawsanfrancisco]

Rest in peace, Terry Kirkman. Thanks for the great tunes!

[@albertoolmos21]

The Association and The Moody Blues deserve the Hall Of Fame. I had vynil records from both groups

[@eddietucker3334]

You have very good taste.

[@panzer6133]

Alberto Olmos good news the Moody Blues were inducted in the 2018 class.

[@gilliansl]

I have 7 feet of vinyl.... I know because my sister measured it as we were packing to move into our new house in Cali this weekend! Association, Moodys, Neil Diamond, so many beautiful songs...

[@deanmary1969]

Go Now

[@mikebowman9844]

Yep

[@lawrenceanthony5805]

It's little surprise there were so few covers of this Association marvel. It is exceedingly difficult to emulate, the lyrics are sophisticated and span the vocal ranges. The instrumentalists and second lead singers are superb. They were one of a kind, not easily copied or covered.

[@ricktherrien8235]

The Bloodhound Gang did a cover of this!!

[@Spida37]

Think i prefer the BHG version tbh both are good!

[@clsutton7574]

I remember seeing this on the Smothers Brothers Show when it aired. God, I'm old.

[@leftyspade]

Not alone dude!

[@seckhoffable]

God, you're cool.

[@leolopez4109]

Not old.. older!!..

[@jettech6]

As soon as I started this video, I thought I saw this when it was aired way back when.....Class of 1966 coming up on 72 and still like this song

[@josephrankin5696]

Right there with you, CL 👍

[@jimray4428]

I remember watching this live on the Smothers Brothers. It was impressive then to my 16 year old self and even more impressive now to my 67 year old self. It was a great time for pop music.

[@chriszerkel5874]

I was only 11. Love this song. It's from a different time. Wish I was back there ☺

[@josephmessina3587]

To be able to even sing along with the words of this song is a marvel.

[@williammawk1720]

I never really knew how good this group was until I saw them here on KZbin. These guys are standing on the top rung of a very tall ladder !!!

[@GaryFox11000]

Association had incredible harmonies ; Lyrics we're unique , sophisticated , Excellent musicians , !! Bravo 👏😃🏆

[@stevieG.]

My God..listening in 2020 for the first time, that was just absolutely incredible. The Association are pretty much unheard of in the UK which is a real shame. An absolute gem of a band.

[@jamesaron1967]

This music never gets old, incredible indeed.

[@walwilliams5534]

Right?! I have heard the song before - my parents "down-streamed" the album to me; and Pop Radio ["Oldies"] exposed me to it; but SEEING them, performing it live like this, just gave me goosebumps. Like, Wowsville, Man.

[@rebeccamoss2498]

Listening in Match 2021

[@adrianpolley9419]

Nope, I'd never heard of them either, shame, I reckon they may have gone down well given the chance.

[@debrawillard3034]

yes they are a gem

[@slickmic6113]

These guys are so underrated and so talented they're harmonizing is out of this world!!!!!!

[@ManofSteel3720]

For a lot of people who don't know this time period 1964 -1970 was probably the most UNIFIED time in American History. I remember this song (I'm African American) and me and several of my White classmates sang this in a talent show. We were in grade school - lol! What was so funny - A lot of White kids were into Motown (Especially Smokey Robinson and the Temptations) and a lot of Black Kids were into soft rock. Hell Rock period! You had groups like The Turtles (Wendy) The Byrds (Turn, Turn, Turn) Three Dog Night, The Fifth Dimension, The Four Tops. White kids were marching for Civil Rights, Muhammad Ali was speaking on College Campuses, Vietnam Protesters (Black and White) were EVERYWHERE. Man, this music brings back a time in my life. Marvin Gaye, The Beatles, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Elvis, Lord, what has happened to the World, what has happened to music. All that Unity we had in this country is gone - just like the wind.

[@droberts8226]

You are right on the mark ManofSteel. My sister and I ( African American ) loved a whole spectrum of Music. We were pre teens in the mid 60's and We were huge huge fans of The Beatles, Herman Hermits, Stones, Hendrix, Turtles, Byrds, Three Dog Night, Association ( especially Along Comes Mary ) and on and on as well as The Temps, 4Tops,Supremes, Al Green, et al. I personally believe that the 1960's was a very Optimistic time ( there is an intriguing book titled The Fourth Turning by William Strauss, Neil Howe, very prophetic ,and historic about the 'seasons' of time ( Spring, Summer, Fall Winter ). Indeed the tide turned around 1973 or so, and if you do your research you'll find that 1973 or so was just about the time of the 'slow' introduction of outsourcing and robotics in manufacturing which lead to a slow demise of the middle class ( for black folks and white folks ). The music of the Optimism season ( the Spring ) will never be the same as the one of the Winter.

[@Capcoor]

I'm Black and I love all kinds of music too. Maybe the next generation of kids coming up will bring the unity back.

[@StratocastRS]

Clearly the best time.. Music now divides everyone more than anything...

[@crapple009]

ManofSteel3720 I believe you're referring to the song 'Windy' by The Association, not The Turtles.

[@rentslave]

@113624494843669232730 The people who made that music HAD to be born,as they were conceived at a time before the pill and abortion.After that,many geniuses in all fields were never born.

[@mikeh5762]

One of the greatest tunes of the 60s. Still a joy to hear this tune played today. “The Association” group should be in the rock and roll hall of fame.

[@TheBlueCream]

THEY TOO HIP FOR hof

[@gmail4218]

One of the most underrated old songs. My six-year-old and her friends love to dance to it. It could be a hit if released today. Songs this great transcend time.

[@johnzabrenski6327]

After 50 years, I totally agree.

[@tixximmi1]

Remember Mary isn't a girls name. It's about drugs. (Mary)

[@gmail4218]

@@tixximmi1 No, it is not. Rumors do not count. Please cite a verifiable source that quotes the song's writer professing the drug's "association" (no pun intended).

[@tixximmi1]

@@gmail4218 I'm not your mother. It's pretty much general knowledge. I've heard that also from interviews with the group. Maybe you're not old enough when they were around.

[@gmail4218]

@@tixximmi1 "Common knowledge" is not a verifiable source. The Association had nothing to do with writing the song, so their interviews are meaningless. You have no proof.

[@jacktwist5907]

I never realized how hard this song is to sing. WOW! Amazing

[@rogerfinney6809]

I could have told you, because I sang it in the shower for years! (Or attempted to...)

[@OBG2KRudy]

Compared to "Subterranean Homesick Blues", "Along Comes Mary" is a breeze.

[@sardu55]

It is, and for some of the parts, hard to play.

[@DONGOE]

The Association should be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

[@QuentinDude]

are you saying the association should be part of the association?

[@davidsain2129]

They're NOT?!

[@strattuner]

they're a phony association,not good enough to be associated with this association,who just happens to a genius sound ,then and now,some of these groups are way too good to be in the HALL

[@debrawilliams7983]

DONGOE You got that right!

[@Grimenoughtomaketherobotcry]

I wouldn't want to be associated with an association that would associate with me! (with apologies to Groucho!).

[@sandraleehurst873]

The lyrics in this song are masterful -- riveting and powerful. 💐💐💐

[@cathleanjohnson675]

Compared to some of the "garbage" that passes for music now gladly will listen to this over and over, a kid when they had their heyday, my opinion one of the best songs ( and their were thousands) to come out of the 1960s, long gone but never forgotten..

[@michaelolz]

I envy you guys who grew up with this music so much. The heart, the sincerity, the musicianship. What a great time to be a music fan.

[@donaldbailey7650]

Being in a cover band made it more fun.

[@markfrazier7442]

The 60s really was an exciting time! Everything was being questioned clothes, music, relationships, and the government. Music was really exciting and rapidly changing the Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, The Temptations, the Doors, Chicago, Santana, The Moody Blues. "There was Revolution in the air"

[@lindal.d.s.5954]

It was the best era ever!! (Although, we certainly would've been much better off to not have lost so many of our young soldiers in 'Nam!!) Also, the Drug scene took way too many lives! But, everything else was Amazing! I'm so glad I'm a Baby Boomer too!

[@williammawk1720]

Yes Sir Buddy, We of that generation had the greatest music ever. The 60's and 70.s were almost unbelievable as far as the music went. When I hear some of the music now I almost go into a trance and remember exactly what it was like back then.

[@lisajfrench]

We like to think our music was the best and sometimes I think it's true. I feel validated when twenty-somethings like all the old stuff (like my eldest son does, for example). Then again, there are lots of new bands doing really cool music as well, you just have to sift through the garbage to find it, which we always had to do anyway. The only reason people nowadays don't know about garbage from back in the day is because it was...well, garbage. It's musical Darwinism at its finest.

[@palafox2237]

The Smothers Brothers Show usually had great musical guests, as demonstrated here.

[@pault3179]

RIP Terry Kirkman. Thanks for this gem.

[@YEARNINGHEARTGuitargirl226]

Loved these guys... and dressed in suits and ties... I could watch Jim sing that song over and over. It amazes me the way he can spout those words so fast.

[@topofthecircle]

Love their fashion -- velvet, stripes, etc. Wow.

[@YEARNINGHEARTGuitargirl226]

@@topofthecircle know what you mean!..

[@MerleOberon]

The Smothers Brothers were cutting edge in 1967.

[@waynemartin2399]

MerleOberon John dead for four years ,Bobby will be soon ,as will be Martin . War to stop the the dominos from falling starting to go south.Nixon and Agnew looming in distance . I loved the Smother Brothers . ( mom loved you more)

[@rigelmoon9030]

...This show was, perhaps, the start of real TV. They got into a lot of trouble doing shit that other variety shows only dreamed of doing.....But, their greatest achievement was getting away with it.

[@jv-ep2tc]

@@waynemartin2399 mom liked you best

[@jv-ep2tc]

@@rigelmoon9030 they got away with it until they didn't. they got cancelled. they rose to the occasion. who would have ever suspected the brothers smothers of all people to be subversive. god bless em

[@rigelmoon9030]

They had a great act....it was always something to see when they made an appearance....and, the shtick they did always had a slight edge to it. As a kid from the fifties, they scratched me right where I itched. They came along at the right time.....they were destined for greatness. I love 'em still.

[@MalcolmBrenner]

The slide from the warm-up into the song is just amazing. So is the song! It has a wistful, beautiful quality that encapsulates so much about the 1960's... so bad, and so good. Very, very good.

[@prmhighflr69]

You're right that slide from the warm-up was brilliant caught me by surprise ......

[@kxnny2]

I like that, the song about weed encapsulating the 60's

[@stevielease7952]

Ah, the Summer of 1966. All kinds of good music. Along Comes Mary is THE song that conjures up memories of happier times.

[@1jondee]

Absurdly hard song to sing, & Jim Yester rocks it.

[@tylerp3327]

Literally had no idea Bloodhound Gang didn’t write this themselves. As if it came out 30 something years earlier and the lyrics will never not make sense. Simply incredible talent.

[@rchilds59]

I'm so blessed to be a boomer, I thank God. The music was the soundtrack of our youth.

[@naulahka1]

Yep,boomers have lived the life........

[@ralphsanchico2452]

I with you man! These guys, as nerdy as they look, put out some serious tunes! and vocals that require serious talent and not assisted by some machine!

[@franniebanani6532]

Ronald E. Childs Amen to that I miss the 70's. I remember the peace sign and we'd say "Peace man!!!". lol. an era never to be captured again were in a different America now.

[@classichammond]

@@franniebanani6532 and putin...............yup, different

[@debrawilliams7983]

Ronald E. Childs Amen

[@sethman75]

That 90 second intro alone had more creativity than past 20 years of music....

[@bradhill1099]

Top Comment...LoL...

[@lisajfrench]

Right? Irresistible!

[@paulpinball9952]

Smothers Brothers valued the music acts, and their show was the best host, I'd say better than Ed Sullivan, who often rushed groups on and off.

[@mrzip632]

Yes great intro...even though he didn't add..."and the machine shall be called The Wrecking Crew!" lol

[@tomybertsch5391]

AGREED!!!!

[@killian085]

My father had the honor of seeing them live in the 60's. Said they were just as great live as on their records. I had the privilege of discovering how great they were by way of their 45's and some LP's. A great group of musicians who performed some amazing songs in an amazing way. Their songs still amaze me even today.

[@ryanhull1381]

My dad listened to this music when I was a kid because it was from his era and I just got hooked on it. I wasn't born until '79, but i guess it doesn't matter. I hate today's music. I like his oldies 😊

[@chalkdust]

Some of the greatest harmonies of any band to ever have back up vocals

[@dennisbergendorf5905]

Wow! Sounded live, not lip synched. I became a disc jockey in the summer of '66, and this was one of the first 45s I played. It was so bitchin' that I played it 'til I memorized it. Got the words right, and I still remember them 50 freakin' years later!!

[@julesl8249]

I will never ever ever get tired of this song

[@TwoFourFixate]

THIS is their masterpiece.

[@babymoondancer]

There aren't many bands, past or present, who would write a whole skit to introduce a song. Awesome clip!!

[@CATMANDU77]

+Aubrey Hart The Association were indeed a very special west coast harmony band. They really thrilled me in the sixties and now I am in my sixties they still do. These guys really encapsulated all that was best of the golden age of pop. Such sublime melodies and such beautiful romantic lyrics. Wonderful!!

[@charlesaguilar1708]

Aubrey Hart True! I remember seeing this performance when I was 7 years old! Always liked the"Smothers Brothers show".

[@Wyrmshadow]

Bowling for Soup is hilarious when the lights are out and they're wasting time while stuff is being set up on stage.

[@garytillery1488]

These guys are like a pre version of devo.

[@DIESEL0759]

+Aubrey Hart This is no different than any other group's pre-song snappy patter.

[@badcoach2000]

one of the best openings I have ever seen an act do into an opening of a song. Wow! The ASSOCIATION could jam!

[@lwhite1523]

I saw them live in Glendale California. The record had just broken, and my sisters and I went. They did the same introduction (bizarre we thought at the time), and the same great harmonies live. Incredible musicianship, incredible energy packed into their vibe. They were a mystery to us all. But grab a '66 Chevelle and roll on at night with the windows down and this song playing. Unforgettable.

[@pst702]

They were very underrated...definitely...great harmony...I laugh at people (especially young people from 30 and under) who dismissed them as simple, nerdy, corny, etc...Btw, the history of rock music is built on the shoulders of the ones who preceded them...if you went back in time, this type of music was the innovation of the moment and expanded to other ideas... yeah, you'll dismiss what you're parents listen to and your kids (or the next generation will do the same to you and your generation)..this group like others experimented in arranging harmonies...like Brian Wilson, John Philips, Roger Mcguinn, Lennon & McCartney, etc,etc.... all that you hear today has some element drawn from the past...music always evolves

[@tommiegirl2441]

"Stamped 'Made in Japan.'" Heee! Except he wasn't. Actually he's of Filipino descent and was made (and raised) in Hawaii. But hey, it was funny, and Larry didn't seem to mind. And Jim sang the living hell out of the song. Absolutely love the Association's music!

[@tronicraft]

Thanks for that info. He is a great musician! You can see by Jim's (Jim Yester's) fast chord movement that he was trained in Jazz, as it seems most of this band was.

[@HarryRacer18]

Larry Ramos (born Hilario Ramos) was Filipino with Chinese and Spanish mix born in Hawaii in 1942 and died of cancer in 2014 was a Grammy winner (with The New Christy Minstrels-1963) before his joining of The Association.

[@capriracer351]

@@romanopaso This was 1967, not 2017. He wasn't a Woke pussy. He laughed, then insulted the guy who said it. Then they both laughed, since they both knew it was joking around and nothing else.

[@ayame316]

I was gonna say, he looks Filipino not Japanese!

[@mavrosyvannah]

The guitar was a fender knock off made in Nippon.

[@luckytaco97]

That intro though.. I love how it blends into the groove. This band should be better known. Talented musicians.

[@eameece]

In their time at least, they were certainly well-known, for their hits like this one, and the huge #1 hit Cherish, Windy and Never My Love.

[@JuanAdam12]

I’ve been listening to this song for 50-ish years and just saw the lyrics for the first time today. I had no clue how sophisticated this song was.

[@davidrobinson4486]

the lyrics are amazing! Great song writing by Tandyn Almer!

[@espenBredessenJones]

it was so rare back then ( for television anyway ) that this was actually live playing and not lip synching to the record. and even more impressive is that it is a very good live performance

[@gordonclement7550]

Hahahaahaa “live playing” hahaha ahahahahah ohhh my... just look at the drummer,.... ya, not playing it... they didn’t even play the song on the RECORD themselves... The Wrecking Crew did.

[@weatherman1964]

@@gordonclement7550 true they were a pr band with good voices. They were an Avenue for well written unbranded songs. But even though they weren’t the greatest musicians, or song writers they did “perform”some well written songs that were hits.

[@circusitch]

The worst was American Bandstand. For whatever reason, no one could even lip sync their own songs at show.

[@tigerhawkz4402]

Lead vocals were a live track, that's about it.

[@119Agent]

@@circusitchlook at John Mellancamp’s American Bandstand performance. He is just mocking the whole idea.

[@DancinFool]

Holy Smokes! I've never seen this intro. What a hoot ! Always loves the song.

[@dnae760]

☆

[@richardfeinberg5174]

What an intro!!! And not lip-sync'd! ... GREAT lyrics by Tandyn Almer!

[@mandrdavidson7263]

This is pure talent! No one in 2020 compares.

[@kathleenanderson8285]

listen to a guy called bladee

[@earldwire2718]

opinion

[@1950Grendel]

One of the best engineered records of the 1960's - the bass made the song for me. Good to dance to, and it took us a long time to learn the lyrics.

[@dickyfisher7134]

I miss my Stingray Bike with balloons an Cards in the Spokes. Not to mention my ice cold bottle of Orange Crush.

[@kurtcomeaux2571]

Yup stingray bike with a sissy bar & a big Icee that was great time's love to go back!!!!

[@kathleenagustafsonso88]

Did it

[@neverjethot]

My bell bottoms got caught in the chain!

[@GCAT-zv9in]

My Schwinn Fairlady, Purple, with a peace sign sissy bar and a banana seat, Me with my headband and bellbottoms with my transistor radio in the basket playing Steppinwolf...man I wish I had a selfie of that!

[@GCAT-zv9in]

I peddle with you or ride me on your handlebars.

[@Tillyduck]

Still rocking - saw them last night (7-25-18) and they still sound good.

[@chriszerkel5874]

I thank God for this music. It makes me feel just right.

[@robertbergren8680]

One of my early memories is being 3yrs old and my sister had her 13th birthday party and they played Cherish ad nauseum. To this day I like the association!

[@almodovar251]

Most so called bands today could not hold a candle to these guys. Amazing group underrated and amazing musicianship!

[@imaginaryobserver]

Clicked because I like the Association. Smiled because I love the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Screamed because I got both!

[@deanfavarulo6696]

My dad played this when I was a kid, still listening to it today. Greatest music era! So much talent and great music!

[@geoben1810]

I was 10yrs old and this is the music that was coming out of the head shops along Steinway street in Astoria Queens. That was 54 years ago ✌😉

[@phyllisyanagihara5298]

The very first concert I went to was a Battle of the Bands hosted by the local radio station. The Association won and got their recording contract. It has always been a source of pride to have been at some of the earliest concerts of some of the most notable bands of my era.

[@allenpitchamazingentertainment]

I was lucky enough to see these guys live. Blown away as they all played every instrument and they all sang those incredible harmonies to perfection. Love their many lp's and they sounded even better live!!!

[@ernestmoney7252]

In the history of pop music, this song is the most complex.

[@ivanlowjones]

Apparently you've never listened to the Beatles last 3 studio albums.

[@ernestmoney7252]

@@ivanlowjones You need to learn how to make a point without insult.

[@ivanlowjones]

@@ernestmoney7252 No insult....just facts. You made an absurd claim that of all the songs recorded in the rock and roll era, this song has the most complexity of any song ever written. Most of the Beatles songs on Abbey Road, The White Album, and Sgt. Pepper are far more complex in their lyrical composition and melodic arrangement and production.

[@ButtersDaBaller]

@@ivanlowjones I am a massive beatles fan but would insist that this song is indeed of the caliber of their greatest work. a slightly different style sure, just as cheeky however and catchy with genius lyrics. Personally i feel the Beatles have many more genius songs overall than any band truly! although i don't feel that should ever diminish the best piece and incredible skill of another band. this song gives me chills when i hear the intro horns!

[@ivanlowjones]

@@ButtersDaBaller If the members of The Association wrote, produced, and actually played all the instruments on this record, then I would concur with your opinion. The Beatles were one of the only super groups of the 60's not to use a stable of producers, writers, and musicians (i.e The Wrecking Crew, etc.) to create their records. I'm not knocking The Association because it was a common practice of that era. Comparing them to The Beatles is like comparing apples to oranges, with The Beatles being the apples (Apple Records, get it😉).

[@Mark-yb1sp]

Sitting in a rice paddy waiting for Charlie to strike. I remember this song well. 3/4 Cav 25 Inf Div

[@highdb1]

Master Sergeant thank you for your service.

[@bsnyder5311]

Thank you for your service sir.

[@psychickitty1]

Thank you for your service!

[@cordesmike]

Thank you very much for your service!!

[@michaelamanek8908]

God bless you.

[@mrfester42]

What it is, is pretty simple. It's REAL musicianship. What THIS is, is NOT simple. It's six very accomplished musicians playing a very difficult piece of music together along with three and four part harmony. Put THAT in your pipe and smoke it because this is almost unHEARD of today!

[@showtime951]

mrfester42, you've lost touch! You are so out of it. You must be ancient. You are an f-ing dinosaur. Go back under your rock! How dare you actually listen to a popular musical composition applying a level of education and/or experience in the artistic and technical difficulty in creating such a piece of music, and then make the outrageous claim that it is somehow BETTER than the computer-generated endless 3-beat loops found everywhere, particularly in lazy urban, rap, hip-hop, and pop music today. Your comment mrfester42, so short, so simple and TRUE is nothing short of genius.

[@CosmoLupertazzi]

Well actually, Jim Yester, who was the one singing the song, says in a video interview that for the song (written by the late Tandyn Almer, friend of L.A. artist like Brian Wilson), the instruments were played by members of the Wrecking Crew, a group of studio musicians who played on mostly all of the records coming out of L.A. in the Sixties.Still, it was a great tune, and the Association was one of my personal favorites in that day...

[@mysticmaverick1]

Michael Luther While it is true the Wrecking Crew played on the Association's records, the band could play instruments themselves. The recording studio required this arrangement. The Association played instruments in live performances. They were the opening at at Monterey Pop Festival but because they performed the 1:20 Association Machine bit, festival organizer John Phillips edited the band out of the film. He told them it wasn't the image he was looking for! Because of that decision, the Association did not achieve as much notoriety as the other artists in the film had.

[@alondathomas293]

What's interesting about this group was that their songs were more complicated that the usual pop songs of that era--that's what made them stand out---plus they clearly had a good and unique stage show down. Always loved the hell out of this song, even if I thought it was strange and didn't get some of the lyrics. Cool to hear them sing this live instead of lip-synching like more groups of that era did.

[@alondathomas293]

mysticmaverick: They still were popular and had major hits of their own--including this one, which is one of their best known hits, and was a staple of classic rock stations for years. Loved their performance at the Monterey Pop Festival when I saw it years ago. Apparently they weren't hippyish and wild enough for the Monterey fest,lol!

[@davidskeeterskeeter1835]

I’d forgotten how fabulous this was,,the 60s was truly epic folks,! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🇬🇧

[@bobphillips3222]

Unlike most shows that featured music acts of the day, the Smothers Brothers actually let the bands perform live, and not lip sync.

[@osamabinladen824]

Yup.

[@lukpac]

The vocals are live, but except for the "machine" intro, the backing is mimed from tape. Which was the norm at the time (mimed backing, live vocals).

[@bobbillings]

They are definitely singing live here . And they are also plugged in live with their instruments. And yet when the song starts, the music itself is a backing track so they are pretend playing their instruments through the whole song, which I find strange since they went through the trouble of the first two points I mentioned. Regardless, they sound great here vocally at least.

[@orbitaljellyfish808]

They’d have fooled me but for the (pretty great) opening guitar riff sounding like a 12-string yet dude has a 6-string. Wish that riff repeated more in the song. Off to find recorded version now...

[@satanlaffing]

@@bobbillings a lot of times the acoustics in these studios weren't very good, or sometimes other audio "issues" Would Arise So It Was Easier To "cheat".

[@thom-mark6443]

Written about the joys of Mary Jane.

[@spideydew20]

Now THIS is music!!!!

[@williampremo3096]

I haven't heard this song in decades. Great pop music, not made anymore. I'm enjoying this.

[@marshhill9720]

Definitely my favorite song from that time and genre. And we never missed the Smothers Brothers!

[@marybrittain5945]

This was one of my late husband's favorite when he was in Vietnam because his girl (me) was back home waiting for him to come back to her in one piece. Never got the respect that they get now!

[@kataisa3]

The harmony and vocals on this group is as good as any Beach Boys song.

[@LaserPossum]

oh my god. i have never heard this, or of these guys. i happened upon this video on accident. this is pure art

[@dnae760]

Hope u n joy

[@laurachristianson1688]

I love these videos but they are lip syncing and pantomiming.... really electric guitars and mikes with no wires amps etc.....

[@notanother7396]

@@laurachristianson1688 That's the way everyone did it on TV back then. I've seen them do this for real, live, and it sounds just as good.

[@Alisonws]

@@laurachristianson1688 the music is a track but those vocals were live 🎶❤🎤🎶

[@alexadvorson1090]

Now my empty cup is as sweet as the punch. RIP Terry Kirkman. I will forever be grateful for this Rumi-esque line.

[@michealmacwilliams4247]

Oh man I still really love this song and group

[@mikehunt7355]

I don't know why but I think these guys are so damn cool in this ancient low tech video. I had their greatest hits "album" but never actually saw them until this....

[@philipatoz]

When I see this golden age of pop - the songs are just superbly constructed - as opposed to harder rock that is often carried by a dominating guitar or a certain instrument - as songs like this have simple parts of each instrumentalist blended as an orchestra would - the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts - which tends to provided richer, more textured and interesting layers to the music.

[@gregoryjclark81]

A memory I shall never lose: There I was, toiling away at the age of 17 at the Wherehouse Music (and no, not Warehouse but Wherehouse Music, successor to Blockbuster Music, or the Whorehouse as I affectionately called it) store at which I worked in 1999 when this dude came in looking for some assistance. Naturally he approached my coworker first as she was a much better looking designed humanoid than I, but when I heard his inquiry for The Association--of which she knew not--I stepped in to help this fella. When I directed him to our stocked section for the group, pulling the precise album for which he was looking, we began shooting bull specifically of how I came to know of The Association as I was but a teenager in the late 1990s. After explaining my devout love of all shapes and sizes of music and that music is all about chasing the impossibility of the perfect song, the perfect score, the perfect composition, dude exclaimed to me his testimony of how he believed without a doubt The Association were the greatest musical anything to have ever transpired--that there was everything pre-Association, and everything that came after, with those few precious years of actively recording before they became just another cog on the Oldies Circuit. Now this isn't to discredit the group in any way whatsoever, but the greatest of the greatest in all of music history?!? Gonna have to kindly disagree, which I did, and which of course did not go well. Tourists, am I right?!? This song will forever remind me of that interaction, as it was this very number he claimed was THE greatest written and/or recorded song in the annals of music.

[@conniedavis172]

Agree! Should be in Hall of Fame. Remember the songs, but I was just a little girl listening on my transistor radio.

[@jacobdavis000]

I must've watched this video about 20 times already in the past 2 or 3 months since I found it. I was about 9 years old when this song came out. This is one of those bands that had a lot of hit songs. I love bands like that. Also, I think it's real impressive for a singer to even remember the tangle of verses without making a mistake during a performance. Great singing!

[@no444se27sabe]

I was about 14, and practicing " The Jerk " in front of my mirror to this song. Those were Magical Days. It's true what they say, this Band was underated. Great video.

[@papmaster47zarate14]

I was lucky enough to the Association at Disneyland for grad night in 1966. It took us months to get 5he words straight. Now there are a select few who can sing along. I highly recommend the entire album. Enter the young, Requiem For the Masses, and Everything that Touches You. BTW Carol H. I miss you!

[@billdean8223]

Girl FLsh3s

[@WinstonBartholomewIII]

I got here from my search for bloodhound gang. This did not disappoint.

[@mikey111482]

I never realized how much THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS drew inspiration from the Association. You can really hear it in this song. The intro was a solid indicator, and then the rest fell into place.

[@ricjai]

now ur talkin blob, TMBG

[@jasonchumley532]

What a great band, and how awesome of an introduction!

[@MrSahansdal]

I worked for Dick Smothers briefly in the 70's. I cleared his backyard for his vineyard in Scotts Valley, CA. Nice guy. I used to swim in his pool with his kids.

[@thomaskelly6554]

Great material...plus instruments. Sound's 🎼🎶🎶🎵🎸🥁🎹

[@jeanvermaelen1620]

That is too cool

[@marysuesagor5187]

My cousin Mike (Nick) Nicholson was one of 3 studio musicians who sang and over-dubbed their songs to make it sound like there were actually 6 band members. When their recordings became big hits, they had to add 3 more to the group. Nick played drums, flute, chimes, and sang. When he was recovering from a horrible motorcycle accident, they taped the drumsticks to his hands and locked his wheelchair in place behind the drums - and he played his heart out. He was one of the writers of this song - he said he wrote it with me in mind. And I've only seen his name ONCE in conjunction with this group!

[@velvetbees]

I wish studio musicians got more credit. The credit they deserve. This is a thought provoking song, and I think it opened the gates to more imaginative lyrics.

[@onlineenglishadventures7190]

When I saw thes guys live at a festival in Virginia in about 1986 I was astouded at how good they were. I thought when they came out it was gonna be lame and sound sorry. I was never more wrong in my life. We went to check out 3 dog night and BS&T (who were also excellent...) and drink beers..my friends and I were in bands at the time, doing rock music. We were all amazed at these guys' perfect harmonies and the dynamics. Also the music rocked...they didn't avoid doing their vocally complex songs. They introduced me to a song I hadn't heard before - Everything That Touches You. I can't explain the effect the music had on the crowd. Just to be standing in the middle of all those people getting a huge dose of 60s vibes was an experience...like standing in a river of happiness or something. The sun was shining and people were really smiling and groovin' to the music.You could see the joy and surprise on people's faces when they played yet another hit...evevryone seemed to relieved and energized by the fact that these guys actually CAN play their songs live - and even the hard ones! People seemed stupefied by it, I remember. by the time they had left the stage we were all different. The came, they conquered, they left. I'm glad I didn't pass on that show. It was perhaps the most impressive live show I've seen. Impressive for the professionalism they displayed. They were tight and they really delivered.

[@GCAT-zv9in]

Excellent visual comment.

[@Wiromax3]

I am a kid of the 80s and 90s, i'm so grateful of having such a broad taste in music. I love this!

[@ETandAssociates]

This clip is so creative and engages the audience on an intellectual level. Then, the real fun starts. Great hook throughout! Bands like this really worked on harmonies and fundamental skills to deliver memorable music that lasts.

[@Kate-hu5uz]

They were a class act all the way.

[@ETandAssociates]

Kate Nelson And they are still performing on occasion - to the best of my knowledge.

[@MemeGreen777]

If I remember correctly, this show was on NBC, but forgot what day; want to say Sunday?

[@gregdenis5191]

Hi EVAN ... Good post . I loved the introduction & it was refreshing to see the Smothers brothers have great live performances instead of the lip-synching.

[@paskuniag]

Chicago Window Tint By Major Tint Unlimited CBS, who famously fired the bros for speaking against the War in Vietnam. But it was okay for Uncle Walter to say the same thing. PS It came on at 9, right after Ed Sullivan.

[@paterpull]

Got to open for these guys back when. One of the best shows I have ever witnessed.

[@connecticutskier2]

They had many good songs, Never My Love, Windy and of course one of the greatest hits of all time Cherish.

[@Natureboy10307]

So glad I found this song easily. Hell yea for the 60s-70s man, real glad we have KZbin and past generations to show newer ones this music.

[@Mr54nomore]

I cannot believe it's been 51 years since this song came out. And how a song about marijuana back in 1967 went to number #7 on the Billboard charts. Should of gone to number #1. Only these men could pull off a song about cannabis. Awesome!

[@untruelies]

WHAT!! I am sure this was about a real person named Mary-not marijuana. Shesh. lol :)

[@gregward6173]

www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=1877 Nope- It is about pot

[@cajuncocoa]

@Mr54nomore: Peaked at #7 in 1966 But it's a great song! It should have gone to #1!!

[@Mr54nomore]

cajuncocoa Thanks for that update. I stand corrected...Peace!

[@waldoparsnip1025]

mr54nomore, they got a few by the censors, Windy was about blow jobs . That's what the y called a blowjob. "who's bending down to give me a ... rainbow,every one knows it's Windy "

[@OscarBravoUSA]

Hadn't heard this in a while so I called it up. Nothing prepared me for Brian Cole's spoken intro. That took my breath away more than Jim Yester's vocal performance. And, yes, "Mary" refers to marijuana.

[@hollywood5199]

I always admired this group. They never rode the Hippie train but they still remained cool with their collar-length hair and fine tailored suits.

[@marks.3303]

Actually, no... kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2PNeWmNnd-psK8