Classic Pop Icons

The Monkees’ debut hit “Last Train to Clarksville” is Song of the Week on Classic Pop Icons. “Last Train to Clarksville” was released on single in August 1966, backed with “Take a Giant Step,” and also appeared on the band’s self-titled debut album.

The Monkees were assembled in 1966 for an American musical/comedy television show inspired by the Beatles and other British invasion bands. The band comprised Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork and Davy Jones, but at the outset they had little control over their music. They could all play instruments, with varying degrees of proficiency, but contributed only vocals to their early records, including “Last Train to Clarksville” which featured a great lead vocal from Micky Dolenz.

Despite its feel-good, catchy melody, “Last Train to Clarksville” is actually about a soldier calling his girlfriend to ask her to “get the last train to Clarksville” so that they can spend a night together before he leaves. Although never stated explicitly, the repeated line “And I don’t know if I’m ever coming home” implies that he is going off to war.

Musically, the song borrows strongly from the Beatles sound, with its great intro and sharp staccato chording. Songwriter Bobby Hart has said that the Beatles’ “Paperback Writer” was the main inspiration for the song. The intro is also not dissimilar to that of the Rolling Stones’ classic track “The Last Time.”

The Monkees – “Last Train to Clarksville”

Authorship

“Last Train to Clarksville” was written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart. The pair had been assigned to the project by Don “The Man With the Golden Ear” Kirshner and they contributed several other songs to the debut album, including “(Theme from) The Monkees,” “I Wanna Be Free,” and “Lets Dance On.”

Recording date/location

“Last Train to Clarksville” was recorded on July 25, 1966 at RCA Victor Studio A, Hollywood.

Musicians

The following musicians appeared on “Last Train to Clarksville”:

• Micky Dolenz – lead vocal
• Tommy Boyce – acoustic guitar
• Wayne Erwin, Gerry McGee and Louie Shelton – electric guitar
• Larry Taylor – bass
• Billy Lewis – drums
• Gene Estes and David Walters – percussion.

Chart performance

“Last Train to Clarksville” was the Monkees’ first number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, hitting the top spot on October 30, 1966. They repeated the feat with “I’m a Believer” later in the year and “Daydream Believer” in 1967. “Last Train to Clarksville” peaked at number 23 in the UK.

“The Monkees” album hit number one on the Billboard 200 album chart on November 6, 1966. This began a remarkable chart run for the band which saw them at number one for eight months straight, save one week when Herp Albert hit the top spot. This amazing success was achieved with three albums – “The Monkees” (13 weeks), “More of the Monkees” (18 weeks) and “Headquarters” (1 week).

“The Monkees” and “More of the Monkees” were also number one albums in the UK.

Other notable versions

Grascals – “Last Train to Clarksville”

The Grascals released a catchy bluegrass version of “Last Train to Clarksville” on their 2010 album “The Famous Lefty Flynn’s.” As you would expect from the genre, the rendition features tight harmonies and some effective banjo licks.

Four Tops – “Last Train to Clarksville”

The Four Tops included covers of both “Last Train to Clarksville” and “I’m a Believer” on their 1967 album “Reach Out.” “Last Train to Clarksville” isn’t a song that would be considered natural territory for the group, but the added touches of soul make this an interesting, genre-hopping cover.

There will be a new Song of the Week on December 12.

The Monkees’ “Last Train to Clarksville” is available on the group’s self-titled debut album, which is available in standard and deluxe editions.

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