9 SEPTEMBER 1966
This was another rich, multi-layered slice of 'sunshine pop' from a group enjoying a brilliant breakthrough year. Things weren't so rosy behind the scenes, however. The lyrics (about a man's guilt over seeing a woman he shouldn't be seeing) were inspired by Denny Doherty's brief affair with Michelle Phillips, singer and wife of song co-writer John Phillips. She'd also had a recent affair with former Byrds man Gene Clark and she was expelled from the group for a few weeks, during the recording of their album. As a result of this, some of the songs on that album were sung by her temporary replacement, Jill Gibson. Weirdly, Michelle sang on this one. John later claimed that he slept with the other M&P singer (and Denny's best friend) Cass Elliott as an act of 'revenge' for Denny and Michelle's affair. It's hard to believe this group stayed together as long as they did.
The false start on the third verse was the result of an engineering mistake in the studio, but the producer Lou Adler liked it and left it in.
B-side: 'Even If I Could'
Recorded: April 1966
Released: June 1966
Highest chart position: #11 (UK), #5 (US)
Length: 3:10 (album), 2:50 (single)
Label: Dunhill (U.S.), RCA Victor (Europe)
Writers: John Phillips, Denny Doherty
Producer: Lou Adler