When this song first came out–sometime in the mid-60s–the words definitely induced in me a huge cringe. Now I think they are hysterical. My understanding is that the Turtles, while in the studio and at the last minute, realized that they needed an additional song to fill out an album. So they simply made this up on the spot. My favorite line is “I really think think you’re groovy, let’s go out to a movie” but I have always wanted to know exactly what was included in the “et cetera”
“You got a thing about you
I just can’t live without you
I really want you, Elenore, near me
Your looks intoxicate me
Even though your folks hate me
There’s no one like you, Elenore, really
Chorus:
Elenore, gee I think you’re swell
And you really do me well
You’re my pride and joy, et cetera
Elenore, can I take the time
To ask you to speak your mind
Tell me that you love me better
Verse 2:
I really think you’re groovy
Let’s go out to a movie
What do you say, now, Elenore, can we?”
They’ll turn the lights way down low
Maybe we won’t watch the show
I think I love you, Elenore, love me”
[repeat chorus]
