About The Song
“I’m A Believer” was written by Neil Diamond specifically for The Monkees, capitalizing on their quirky, upbeat persona. It was recorded by The Monkees in 1966 with lead vocals by Micky Dolenz. Produced by Jeff Barry, the single topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart for seven weeks, ending December 31, 1966, marking it as one of their last number-one hits.
Not only a hit for The Monkees, but Neil Diamond also recorded the song as part of the deal. Its success contributed to propelling The Monkees to greater heights of popularity. The song remains iconic, with an original video released in 1966 by RCA Victor, showcasing The Monkees’ performance. Its enduring appeal is evidenced by its continued presence in pop culture and its significance as a chart-topping classic.
The lyrics capture the feeling of falling deeply in love and having faith in it. Initially, the person in the song believed that love was something that only existed in fairy tales, and it wasn’t meant for them. However, upon seeing the face of the loved one, their perspective changed, and they became a believer, unable to leave this person despite any doubts. The song’s catchy chorus is infectious and unforgettable, with the lyrics, “I’m a believer, I couldn’t leave her if I tried.” Despite its upbeat tempo, the lyrics hint at a profound transformation in the narrator’s beliefs about love.