THE MONKEES - LAST TRAIN TO CLARKSVILLE

Released: August 16, 1966

Charts: US: #1 (1 week)   UK: #23 

“Last Train to Clarksville” was the Monkees’ debut single, released on August 16, 1966, and later included on their self-titled album. Written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, the song was recorded in July 1966 and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 by November 5. Micky Dolenz provided lead vocals. The song gained popularity after being featured in multiple episodes of the Monkees’ TV show, eventually becoming a major hit as the show gained traction.

“Last Train to Clarksville” was subtly written as a protest against the Vietnam War. Songwriters Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart crafted the song to reflect the story of a man being drafted, heading to an army base, and uncertain if he’ll return—hinted at in the lyric, “I don’t know if I’m ever coming home.” Because of the Monkees’ mainstream pop image, the anti-war message had to be disguised. The name “Clarksville” was chosen for its sound, though coincidentally, there is a military base near Clarksville, Tennessee, aligning perfectly with the theme. The song features lyrical dissonance, with its upbeat, danceable tempo contrasting the somber subject matter. Session bassist Carol Kaye noted that maintaining the brisk tempo was crucial for danceability, which made the emotional weight of the lyrics less apparent in the song’s energetic delivery.

Bobby Hart was inspired to write “Last Train to Clarksville” after mistakenly hearing The Beatles’ “Paperback Writer” lyric as “Take the last train.” Realizing his error, he used the misheard line to craft the Monkees’ debut single. Aware that the Monkees’ TV show was modeled after The Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night, Hart intentionally echoed their style by including a catchy guitar riff and the “Oh No-No-No” vocal line, a nod to the Beatles’ iconic “Yeah Yeah Yeah.” Micky Dolenz was the only Monkee to perform on the track, as the group was initially cast more for TV appeal than musical skill.