About the song
The Monkees, a band often associated with their lighthearted pop hits, ventured into a more experimental realm with their fourth studio album, Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. One of the standout tracks from this album, “Daily Nightly,” offers a glimpse into their psychedelic rock side, showcasing their willingness to embrace the innovative sounds of the late 1960s.
Written by Michael Nesmith, one of the band’s key members, “Daily Nightly” is a testament to his introspective and experimental tendencies. The song is notable for its innovative use of a Moog synthesizer, an early example of this electronic instrument’s application in popular music. This distinctive sound, coupled with the evocative lyrics, gives the track a unique place in The Monkees’ catalog.
Released in 1967, at the height of the psychedelic rock movement, “Daily Nightly” perfectly captures the spirit of the era. The album itself was a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Top LPs chart, and it was praised for its eclectic mix of styles and creative risks. “Daily Nightly” contributed to this reputation with its forward-thinking approach, reflecting the band’s evolving artistic vision.
While “Daily Nightly” may not have achieved major chart success as a single, it remains a favorite among fans and critics for its bold experimentation and reflection of the 1960s counterculture. The song’s use of the Moog synthesizer, a novel feature at the time, is a testament to The Monkees’ adaptability and willingness to push the boundaries of popular music.
Overall, “Daily Nightly” is an essential piece of The Monkees’ discography, demonstrating their versatility and innovative spirit. It represents a significant moment in their career, highlighting their ability to engage with the musical trends of the time while maintaining their own distinctive voice. The track continues to be celebrated for its creativity and its role in defining the sound of the late 1960s.
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Lyrics
Darkened rolling figures move
Through prisms of no color
Hand-in-hand, they walk the night
But never know each other
Passioned pastel neon lights
Light up the jeweled traveler
Who, lost in scenes of smoke filled dreams
Find questions, but no answers
Startled eyes that sometimes see
Phantasmagoric splendor
Pirouette down palsied paths
With pennies for the vendor
Salvation’s yours for just the time
It takes to pay the dancer
And once again such anxious men
Find questions, but no answers
The night has gone and taken its infractions
While reddened eyes hope there will be a next one
Sahara signs look down upon
A world that glitters glibly
And mountain sides put arms around
The unsuspecting city
Second hands that minds have slowed
Are moving even faster
Toward bringing down someone who’s found
The questions but no answers