The Grass Roots: “Let’s Live for Today”

The Grass Roots released “Let’s Live For Today” in the summer of 1967  and it became their first Top 10 hit! The original Italian version is about a girl going through a rough time, with the singer offering comfort. The song’s hook, however is universal: “Sha, la, la, la, la…” leading into the title.

This is sung with a huge group chorus – a songwriting technique that would remain timeless. With these powerful dynamics, the song could have been in Swahili and still hit. 

(Source) 

Lyrics for “The Grass Roots”

“When I think of all the worries

People seem to find

And how they’re in a hurry

To complicate their minds

By chasing after money

And dreams that can’t come true

I’m glad that we are different

We’ve better things to do

May others plan their future

I’m busy loving you.

(1,2,3,4) Sha la la la la la live for today

Sha la la la la la live for today

And don’t worry ’bout tomorrow, hey

Sha la la la la la live for today

Live for today.

We were never meant to worry

The way that people do

And I don’t mean to hurry

As long as I’m with you.

We’ll take it nice and easy

And use my simple plan

You’ll be my lovin’ woman

I’ll be your lovin’ man.

We’ll take the most from living

Have pleasure while we can.

(1,2,3,4) Sha la la la la la live for today

Sha la la la la la live for today

And don’t worry ’bout tomorrow, hey

Sha la la la la la live for today

Live for today

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