Story Behind The Song

Originally released in 1966, “I’m A Believer” became The Monkees’ biggest hit and one of the defining pop singles of the 1960s. Written by Neil Diamond and produced by Jeff Barry, the song was featured on the album More of the Monkees. Sung by Micky Dolenz, whose energetic and expressive vocal performance became one of the group’s trademarks, the record combined an irresistible melody with an infectious rhythm and quickly established itself as a timeless pop classic.

The lyrics tell the story of someone who has lost faith in love after repeated disappointment, only to have their outlook transformed by finding the right person. Its optimistic message is matched by a vibrant arrangement featuring jangling guitars, bright keyboards, driving percussion and memorable harmonies. Neil Diamond’s skilful songwriting, coupled with the band’s youthful enthusiasm, created a song that appealed to audiences of all ages and helped cement The Monkees’ place among the decade’s biggest acts.

Although originally a 1960s classic, “I’m A Believer” enjoyed a successful revival in the UK when it was included on The Monkees EP, released in 1980. The four-track EP reintroduced the band’s greatest hits to a new generation and returned them to the UK charts more than a decade after their original success. Today, “I’m A Believer” remains one of the most recognisable and enduring pop songs ever recorded, continuing to delight listeners with its timeless melody and uplifting spirit.

The song peaked at No. 33 on the UK charts on 19th April 1980.

Eighties Archive Song Number

EA-0115

Highest Chart Position

No. 33

Date Released

February 1980

Genre

Rock, Pop

Date Of UK Top 40 Entry

29th March 1980

Record Label

ARISTA RECORDS

Catalogue Number

ARIST 326

ALL information on this page was obtained from numerous sources. These include The Official Charts website, Discogs, 45Cat, Polyhex, and many other sites.

Some images have been cleaned up using CHATGPT.

A-SIDE & B-SIDE COVERS

The Monkees - I'm A Believer - UK 7'' Cover - Front
UK 7'' Cover - Front
The Monkees - I'm A Believer - UK 7'' Cover - Back
UK 7'' Cover - Back

TRACK LISTING

A-Side (A1)I’m A Believer (2:42)
(Neil Diamond)
Produced By Jeff Barry
A-Side (A2)Last Train To Clarksville (2:48)
(Boyce, Heart)
Produced By Boyce, Heart
B-Side (B1)Daydream Believer (2:55)
(John Stewart)
Produced By Chip Douglas
B-Side (B2)A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You (2:49)
(Neil Diamond)
Produced By Jeff Barry

CHART PERFORMANCE

UK Top 40 Chart Run [5 Weeks] – 29th March 1980 – 26th April 1980
35
38
34
33
37

OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS

I’m A Believer (Single Version) (2:42)

See ALL releases of ‘The Monkees EP – I’m A Believer’ on Discogs.

OFFICIAL VIDEO

LYRICS

I thought love was only true in fairy tales
Meant for someone else, but not for me
Love was out to get me
That’s the way it seemed
Disappointment haunted all my dreams

Then I saw her face, now I’m a believer
Not a trace, of doubt in my mind
I’m in love
I’m a believer, I couldn’t leave her if I tried

I thought love was more or less a givin’ thing
Seems the more I gave, the less I got
What’s the use in tryin’?
All you get is pain
When I needed sunshine, I got rain

Then I saw her face, now I’m a believer
Not a trace, of doubt in my mind
I’m in love
I’m a believer, I couldn’t leave her if I tried

Love was out to get me
That’s the way it seemed
Disappointment haunted all my dreams

Then I saw her face, now I’m a believer
Not a trace, of doubt in my mind
I’m in love
I’m a believer, I couldn’t leave her if I tried

Yes I saw her face, now I’m a believer
Not a trace, of doubt in my mind
And I’m a believer, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Said i’m a believer

Written By Neil Diamond

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