The Lovin' Spoonful - You Didn't Have to Be so Nice (Audio)

"You Didn't Have to Be so Nice" by The Lovin' Spoonful
Listen to The Lovin' Spoonful: TheLovinSpoonful.lnk.to/ListenYD
Subscribe to the official The Lovin' Spoonful KZbin channel: TheLovinSpoonful.lnk.to/Subsc...
Lyrics:
You didn't have to be so nice
I would have liked you anyway
If you had just looked once or twice
And gone upon your quiet way
Today I said the time was right for me to follow you
I knew I'd find you in a day or two
And it's true
You came upon a quiet day
You simply seemed to take your place
I knew that it would be that way
The minute that I saw your face
And when we've had a few more days (When we've had a few more days)
I wonder if I'll get to say (Wonder if I'll get to say)
You didn't have to be so nice (Be so nice)
I would have liked you anyway (Would have liked)
Today I said the time was right for me to follow you (Today, said that the time was right to follow you)
I knew I'd find you in a day or two (I knew that I would find you in a day or two)
And it's true
You didn't have to be so nice (Didn't have to be so nice)
I would have liked you anyway (Would have liked you anyway)
If you had just looked once or twice (Once or twice)
And gone upon your quiet way (Quiet way)
#TheLovinSpoonful #YouDidntHavetoBesoNice #OfficialAudio

[@robertmccann8079]

This was the first record I gave to the woman who would be my wife for over 50 years. I lost her 2 years ago but this song still brings tears to my eyes. I wish I had told her more often how much I LOVED her. The night she died she smiled and held my hand and I knew that we would meet again someday.

[@rev.jimjonesandthekool-aid4488]

God bless. She waits for you on the shores of the afterlife. She smiles and waves. She is young again.

[@madprofessor5966]

@@floogelhornzzz4770 Don't rain on his parade, and our wishes for him and his beloved. Oh, just go away and be quiet !! Adults are in the room now and speaking, foolish children should just be quiet, suck on their thumbs in the corner. Practice your voodoo and superstitions somewhere else when there is a full moon.

[@traceypay8082]

😢😇

[@melissamorris8046]

Sorry for your loss

[@buffysmith4278]

Your wife knows how much you loved her. And yes you will be together again.

[@DenNorskeFyren]

I’m 29 years old. Back when I was little my uncle was my neighbor and after work everyday he’d sit on the front porch and drink beer with Jack Daniels and listen to the oldies. My mom on the weekends would drink and they’d listen to the oldies. I hated the oldies at that time. All my friends listened to rap so unfortunately that’s what I listened to. Around the time I was 15 I listened to heavy metal. Metallica and Three Days Grace were my favorite. At that time I also began to listen to the oldies. Around the time I was 19 my uncle passed away. He was my favorite uncle. Everyday since then I’ve only listened to the oldies and classic rock. I now know more about the oldies than my mom. I know every lyric to every song.

[@michpackfan]

Keep up with it!

[@bonniehays1787]

That is so awesome

[@williamj.sheehan2001]

That is great, man! I know that every generation thinks its music is the best, but honestly, the sixties and seventies were something special!

[@reerobinette7460]

Thanks for sharing your story Thanks for loving your family in the midst of your search through music. Thanks for being a preserver of this great old style and especially for concentrating on the lyrics. Music is truly a life saver and a life changer. And it doesn’t matter which Genre. Because down the line ( if Earth survives) people will have the music as the true history. Consider yourself a historian. Thanks again ✌️❤️✌️

[@haynakuSG]

I'm 14 and this is my current favorite song! Modern music has it's gems, but just about all older music is pure gold

[@ederle-laradioperduta4546]

14 too from Italy

[@angeles_faith]

welcome to the club :p

[@ItsAshley08]

Awe. I love it too!!!!

[@ItsAshley08]

You will probably Like this song too then! This is another great song from the old days that is GREAT! kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5bTZ5qrqLSkd6c

[@haynakuSG]

@@ItsAshley08 That's already on my playlist, lol! Thank you though!

[@donaldbailey7650]

I sure miss those days. I may be old but I got to see a lot of great bands

[@bobrabe5946]

Me too pal!

[@duanejohns8613]

Ditto

[@talkingtreefrombugaboocree4847]

Very jealous

[@QueenFan12]

I miss when rock acts played at theaters. Nowadays they play at giant arenas with elaborate lighting and sounds.

[@jmehiel]

It was like a renascence. And don’t apologize. :) Old is WAY better than the alternative. And it’s what the young have to look forward to - (if they’re lucky) :)

[@literallyshaking8019]

This sounds so good with headphones on. The split harmonies are brilliant.

[@phillip01ish]

That IS good. Better than the way I've always heard it

[@stoneymall]

Spot on.

[@Tonetwisters]

John Sebastian vocals, all the way. Guy was brilliant.

[@lazur1]

This song alone would've solidified the Spoonful as one of the greatest bands ever, but it's merely one of at least a 1/2-dozen classics.

[@colenewaltersmusicandother9330]

This song makes my heart smile

[@anabanana409]

❤

[@JamesWatheist]

This song is so underappreciated. I think this is hands down their best song even though it usually doesn't make top 5 lovin spoonful songs. I think this song demonstrates how music doesn't have to be incredibly complex to good, this song is simplicity at its best, just straightforward good, it doesn't try to do too much yet it is great in its simplicity. It's just a beautiful song and they performed it perfectly.

[@WilliamTrimm]

...it's better that way...

[@michpackfan]

Best song! Lots of technology

[@RayBecker]

Those Bells...so beautiful. The bass line. The vocal harmonies. I was 3 years old when this was out. We just won't be able to hear music like this ever again. The 1960's and 1970's was a pure assault of wave after wave after wave of the most incredible music ever produced. Being old now sort of sucks but I would never give up what I had in my youth. We created games with our imagination and today's young people are being robbed of that. If you're young, just listen to these songs with your eyes closed then go outside and dig a hole with a stick or throw a tennis ball at the wires on a telephone pole.

[@RedtheCat2014]

Great post!! I'm the same age, and though I live in the present and look forward to the future sometimes by myself thinking back to the past and always wonderful memories of childhood.

[@ajn_0114]

Thank you Sir! Surely, I will!

[@Ocea8i53]

To 89

[@2peter1v2]

I was 13 or 14 when this came out. I've been loving this song for 56 years. Thanks to KZbin, I went back in time a few years ago and listened to all the Spoonful, Bread, Turtles, Hermits, all the bands that were good, but didn't get to shine as much as they could have because of the mastery of the Beatles. John Sebastian is a magnificent wordsmith, and has written songs that reach into our lives and give expression to what we all feel.

[@MarthaRoberts-sh6gf]

How about Felix cavaltti

[@melissa8140]

One of the most beautiful songs ever made. The melody is both haunting and soothing.

[@MarthaRoberts-sh6gf]

Yes

[@jeffreybarkin3177]

Not sure that you're Aware, but some of THE LOVIN' SPOONFUL's and and other late '60s Artists' early recordings were recorded in MONO for AM Radio... Considerable Effort and Engineering was implemented to remaster and restore the Songs into 24-bit digital quality... So Today's Recordings are AWESOME and FAR Better than the Originals. So, Appreciate our Tech Advances that we can Now Enjoy! For example, Love how THIS Song features JOHN SEBASTIAN's vocals primarily on the Left Channel, while the Band's Harmonies are enjoining him through the Right... THIS is more like Hearing THE LOVIN' SPOONFUL performing Live, as their house sound would separate THIS, and this would Reflect This too! Thank You for considering my audio Comments... ❤

[@RalphCramden-tm2gi]

A great group. Very underated in the history of Rock. They infused country into the Rock beat. Listen to their Greatest Hits. And you'll realise how many good songs they put out. They are in the Hall of Fame.

[@guapoviejo9135]

My first rock concert was in the summer of '67 in Providence, R.I. Lovin' Spoonful was the headliner. The opening act? Simon and Garfunkle. What a great concert for a 17 year old high school kid from Ohio!

[@norikofu509]

OwO GOD SIR,So Cool!

[@daverose4891]

I can imagine

[@ras9779]

Saw them many years ago: Line up: Blues Magoos; The Association & the Spoonful.

[@GreggDuncanMcLean1]

I wish I could remember my 1st but too many drugs may have clouded the memory but it would have probably been Led Zepplin, Jethro Tull, or Eric Burton and War my best guess all good rock bands along with the sweet ballads of the Spoonful

[@torvilasulvstle362]

Oh, I had that LP!

[@jefffelderman2409]

I remember back in the day when their music was referred to as "Good Time Music." It's not hard to see why. So much great music from a time period that will never be duplicated.

[@johntatoianenterprises]

Now we have shit like Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, and ghetto thug rappers

[@homesteaderswife]

When my Hippie dad died in 2007, we included this song in our video tribute for him. My dad was the nicest, kindness person (who was a quiet introvert) I ever knew, so this was definitely apropos for his service.

[@donrasmusson2417]

Surprised my wife with this song at our wedding. 25 years ago. Best friend coordinated with the band and sang it. Absolutely nailed it! Just me and her danced. Gown and tux! Doesn’t get better th

[@hbo4365]

YES DOES GET BETTER

[@roam1646]

Wow good sht man. I hope I can have that one day

[@donrasmusson2417]

Roam 1. Yep. Pretty special. We were both 40 and had almost gotten married to someone else. Well worth the wait! God’s grace! And HBO. I agree. It does get better. A wedding is just the beginning and when it’s right, the ups and the downs, kids, work...life stuff...it really is all good. Older, better, wiser. Peace

[@roam1646]

@@donrasmusson2417 I'm 41 and still looking for my one and only. Glad you found yours, man 👍

[@donrasmusson2417]

Hey Roam. There is a still quiet voice that speaks to your spirit. You’ll just know. I used to take Gallup polls with my family and friends about potential mates. Finally one of my brothers said “we’ not the one who’s going to marry her, you are! It doesn’t matter what we think!” And he was right. I asked no one because I had peace. And it happened fast! So just listen to that voice! You’ll just know when she’s the right one! Peace

[@robrussell5329]

There are arguably many "better" songs, even within the Spoonful repertoire. But not as "perfect" as this one.

[@brucetowell5208]

Hands down their best tune.

[@oscaralexandermartinez4583]

Totally their best ever, love this song

[@43cjd]

Gotta differ from that. Although I love this song I love do you believe in magic. thanks to my older brother I found the loving spoonful. Gosh I was only in elementary school!

[@oldermusiclover]

@@43cjd me too for that reason as well

[@michaelcarson7866]

"darling be home soon" is great also

[@theshameofthesun]

do you believe in magic

[@steveker5084]

The Lovin' Spoonful........ Great group... GREAAAT TIMES!

[@LeeFred78]

My wife and I were good friends in high school, but I was always too shy to ask her out as she was one of the more popular girls in school. We stayed in touch for about 10 years after we graduated, and then drifted apart. When our 30-year high school reunion came around, I managed to locate her again, we began a long-distance relationship until she moved out to where I lived. We got married and love each other very much. One day, we were listening to this song, and when the line "I knew I'd find you in a day or two, and it's true" played, I changed it to "I knew I'd find you in a decade or two, and it's true". She got teary eyed over that. :)

[@Tonetwisters]

Loved this as a 17 year-old. Probably The Wrecking Crew on instruments, but this is such a great song.

[@billshelly5332]

Such a deceptively simple, wonderful song.

[@tralala1958]

I love everything I've ever heard by the Spoonful, but this one is my favorite. So perfect!

[@robertcavalier6133]

Mr. Mellow from the late 1960s! John and his band played the way folks should treat each other = WITH A TOUCH OF LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP! Who knew?! We only get 1 chance at life. Better get it correct the first time. Thanks! Have a nice life! * Cav *

[@timroberson722]

I am so happy I grew up to music like this. What special times we lived pure music, takes me back it takes me back 50+ yrs.

[@brianduncan2793]

Great Band , around to short a time , I loved the sixties so glad i was a teen then

[@bobrabe5946]

Me Too!

[@canpat719]

Yeah, now THAT was great music back then!!!!

[@555shortstop]

Ditto Brian..would not change anything

[@JohnSmith-kz8yo]

Just like the Mamas and the Papas..around for a short time..but a magical time..

[@jbyesterday3959]

I'm 68 & know just what you mean !

[@randyjimmiejamesbowles]

One of the greatest songs ever. First time I heard it circa 1965 I was floored. Heard it again tonight (12/29/22) and I'm back on the floor. I would learn it; but it's actually pretty hard.

[@koololdman5409]

takes me back to summer days with AM radio

[@gerriblekicki7555]

yeah

[@JohnSmith-kz8yo]

and the great commercials..why are commercials on radio today so boring?

[@pleasesteponmepaulsimon5689]

@@JohnSmith-kz8yo they're all buy buy buy, you need this, you want this. Not convincing or morally right.

[@JimmyT132]

My older sisters played music like this on their radios. I was still a kid in gradeSchool and not really interested in music. One of my sisters passed away nearly 3 years ago, the other lives far away. Dear God, what I wouldn’t give to get just one of those days back. “I’d trade all of my tomorrows for a single yesterday.”

[@chrishansen9357]

me too

[@capismama2922]

You know all those stupid CD music collections called "Now THIS is what I call music"? Well, they're wrong. THIS is what I call music.

[@rogerfarrar8923]

MY FAVOURITE LOVIN' SPOONFUL SONG ,I WAS ALWAYS VERY FOND OF THE LINE (YOU CAME UPON A QUIET DAY ).... THE SINGING .PRODUCTION ,BACKGROUND VOCALS ,INSTRUMENTS USED AWESOME ,,,ROG

[@FredPickett]

One of the best Groups We ever had.

[@michaelglickman1300]

For those wondering, the musicians are lead vocalist-guitarist-harmonica player-autoharpist John Sebastian, lead guitarist Zal Yanovsky, bassist-pianist-chimer Steve Boone, and drummer Joe Butler.

[@kentclark6420]

I think Zal was unhappy with the direction John was taking with the music writing. But John turned out to be right, as the songs were diverse, and I liked the differing moods of their songs.

[@tracytucci2464]

U

[@josephlemko3027]

The Lovin Spoonful have been one of my favorite bands since the 60s. The music still holds up after all these years. I still catch John Sebastian in concert every chance I get.✌😎

[@user-mn1ck5wu7e]

The music of our Golden Years. I was 15 in 1966 and I remember exactly where I was when my friend put this on the radio.

[@puffinbilly6826]

...you kids and your music...

[@durandjohnson1321]

I was fourteen!

[@robertjancewicz1689]

I love it that the backup vocals are just as loud as the lead

[@Titusaduxars]

This sends a shiver down my spine.....takes me back to being 15 again....so many good memories.

[@SoItGoesCAL34]

Good times

[@michaeloneale1566]

Recently lost my dad. He liked this band. I'm just tryin to get with it. Keep playin it loud and keep the faith. Keep safe

[@MrDesiredylan]

You simply seemed to take your place, I'm glad you didn't go your silent way. Becky ! ❤

[@bonniehays1787]

Love this song always. Today is May 7 2024 still listening❤

[@timholt9948]

I can't resist this song

[@ricwilcox2537]

Love this song! Brings back so many, many fond memories of my high school days and a very special person in my life!!

[@BetamaxBabe]

This song is pure sunshine! Makes me want to run and frolic in a field!

[@Lisa-di1wi]

I was an 8-year-old third grader when this song first came out. I am now 64 and I still love this song.

[@starleemartin1961]

That guitar intro always lifts my spirits. Just a gorgeous song.

[@msbee3407]

One of the best songs ever.

[@nicky0016dd]

I ❤ this song! So smooth and soothing. My favorite Lovin' Spoonful song!

[@dougterry2766]

Great harmonies

[@jbyesterday3959]

Love this classic. While Sebastian's talking/singing style made me smile, it was those bluesy back-up harmonies that always captured my imagination. Great tune !!!

[@scottburton9701]

The Lovin Spoonful put out some great songs & this was one of them.

[@robyoung9968]

John Sebastian and the band turned out so many great songs. This probably my favorite..

[@jeffj9322]

Happy Birthday Steve Boone born on September 23, 1943. He is an American bass guitarist and music producer, best-known as a member of the American folk-rock group The Lovin' Spoonful. Steve co-wrote two of the groups' biggest hits, "You Didn't Have to Be So Nice" and "Summer in the City". - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Boone

[@StormLaker]

I think of my wife every time I hear this song, how a quick stop into our college dorm's "convenience store" changed my life. How many times had I walked in there and not even noticed her....25 years later we're still together:-).

[@theperfectcat9901]

This is my song for all of you that have been so kind to me a abandoned one. Thank you.

[@anitahuie1145]

One of our best. Love you, John Sebastian!

[@phungcanhngo]

wonderful song by the Lovin' Spoonful.

[@mikeboyd7668]

Saw them at Franklin & Marshall College, probably 1967. Bunch of us guys went over in my Dad's Rambler station wagon! The was the opening song!

[@hollycampbell9914]

I was born in 79' so this song is before my time, it's one of my favorites !!!

[@waynejohanson1083]

Love the bass line in this.

[@EmeraldWoodArchives]

Try and tell me that's not a top tune. It is still so damn good. Well done, John.

[@jaime9130]

John B. Sebastian before Woodstock surprise gig and a later solo hit- Welcome Back..love this classy group.

[@robertcoletta5510]

I bought the first Greatest Hits album in 1966- for $2.66 in Mono. Here it is 56 years later and it's the first time I've heard this in stereo and the background vocals are clear!

[@AndySalinger33]

What a gem. The background vocals always captivated me, even when I was a little lad. The Lovin' Spoonful are truly a magical band and this is one of their very best jams. Sundae Driver enhances the experience.

[@brettsoyars4341]

Always loved hearing this song when it was on the radio.

[@ftlauderdalejohn55]

I'm facing some serious surgery and listening to music from my young years helps me remember my life and days gone by.

[@user-zx1ir7jt4c]

The candy coated soundtrack of a safe simple and peaceful America.... If only the boomers realized how good they had it... Amazing how they really played with the Stereo capabilities on this track since it was such a new technology at the time...

[@MichaelOnRockyTop]

You can say that again!

[@ralphshelley9586]

We had radio fun!

[@garyblanchard1084]

Absolutely positively timeless each and every year since 1966!

[@TheArizonagirl1953]

The first album i got, I begged my mom.. $3.00 1960 ? What ever year it came out✌️

[@FR-ed4zy]

J'avais acheté à Toulon le 33 tours dans les années 70, un vinyle en couleur avec une jolie photo. J'ai ainsi découvert ce superbe groupe américain, et ses belles mélodies que j'écoute toujours avec beaucoup de nostalgie. Inscrit au Patrimoine de la pop Music !

[@georgeralph8031]

I never imagined that once we exited the 60's, that songs of this musical quality, would no longer be produced.

[@kentclark6420]

At least after the 70s.

[@will2741]

THERE'S A LOT OF GOOD HIP HOP AND RAP ABOUT THESE DAYS YOU SHOULD TRY IT

[@permanentvacation2406]

@@will2741 is that a joke?

[@eduardo_corrochio]

That's a huge generalization, and there are plenty of quality songs from the Seventies. smh

[@jeffmartin8924]

Perfect! Such a groovy stereo sound on headphones. I love The Lovin Spoonful.

[@ronchapman6525]

When I was a kid this lifted me off of my feet. When I had a crush on a girl, I would play this record and all would be right in the world.

[@jeffj9322]

Happy Birthday John Sebastian born on March 17, 1944. He is an American singer, songwriter and musician who founded the rock band the Lovin' Spoonful. He made an impromptu appearance at the Woodstock festival in 1969 and scored a U.S. No. 1 hit in 1976 with "Welcome Back." - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Sebastian

[@danielgreen7159]

One of my all time favorites.

[@pgh45rpms]

Clever John Sebastian tune that uses just two musical phrases that alternate and repeat. So simple, yet so great.

[@albertvillegas6304]

Great memories with Yolanda Cota , hanging out, the drives 1967

[@whitemughal2]

Fall '65 in my senior year of HS. A lovely young girl had caught my eye and we even went to a couple of school dances together. I think she actually liked me and this song seemed to have been written especially for her. Unfortunately, she was swarmed by the popular "frat boys" and I bowed out of the competition. Maybe I left the field too soon?

[@grokeffer6226]

This is one of my favorite Love songs from that era.

[@randyharmon717]

These guys played some fantastic music even after all these they still sound good. I’m pretty sure they ended up in the Rock n Roll hall of Music.

[@LordKenebutch]

My favorite Spoonful song, And they had some great songs. :)

[@CantUHearMeKnockin59]

talk about a melody ... wow!

[@georgegunzerath489]

One of the greatest 😅songs ever made who couldn't love it

[@toddlear9073]

Another GOOD band

[@joannmiller5014]

R.I.P Mom🥰 this was her favorite song I miss her so much 😭

[@thejonegcle7759]

CLASSIC

[@therussalaska]

Much love for the 60's

[@QueenFan12]

@James mazzone jr. Definitely the better half of the 1960s.

[@michellepost5232]

Pure 1960s! I thought the singer with the wire glasses resembled John-Boy (Richard Thomas) of The Waltons. The music itself has a good beat, but everytime I hear this song, it makes me think of when I was a child during the late 1960s and early 1970s, and sometimes this song would be on the radio when mom would be rolling her hair up and using that Dippity Do hair gel at the bathroom sink. Music has powers of memory for even the petty things... (smile).

[@robertnesfield6321]

Bridget, way back then," you didn't have to be so nice", but you were!

[@ontarioguy2738]

Bridget Bardot?

[@theshameofthesun]

a throwaway simple song...it sounds so beautiful down the years

[@garycotham4546]

One of their best and one of my favorites .

[@argusfleibeit1165]

Ahhhhh..... BLISS!

[@kennethmcclung9399]

This was my first album. I was 15.. I played every morning.. one of the best.!!

[@joanjett8814]

Definitely a true classic

[@davidfurino2987]

This was happy music, Spoonful. Aloha

[@deanshort9011]

A simple song, with lots of great feeling inside it.

[@aprilragsdell2846]

I could dedicate this to a few special people in my life

[@barbaramurphy87]

What a great song!!

[@calamityjenn]

I love this song so much but it always makes me cry because it's just so darn pretty.

[@stevegrow5349]

Smooth, smooth, smooth!!!

[@abe1392]

I love this song so much. Nostalgie can be only defined by music and songs. They were one of my favorite 60s bands alongside with Buffalo Springfield and Simon & Garfunkel. I was lonely and i had no friend or girlfriend, Music was my only friend.

[@bdpvd]

400th comment - anyone else think this would make for a good song for a mother-son dance at a wedding?

[@jamiemartinwebb]

I fudging love this song. I was just 7 when it was released but somehow it got into my psyche and never left.

[@stevebamber4323]

Me too !

[@robertbrowning1527]

What yr did u first here this song?

[@philiptucci2458]

Very Beautiful Masterpiece