One Fine Day

Album: One Fine Day (1963)
Charted: 29 5
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about a girl who has a crush on a boy who doesn't appear interested in her. She expects that he'll eventually fall for her, and waits eagerly for that day. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Brett - Edmonton, Canada
  • "One Fine Day" was written by songwriters Carole King and Gerry Goffin, who were married. It was intended for their babysitter, Little Eva, who had a hit the year earlier with their song "The Loco-Motion." Her voice did not sound right when they recorded it, so the song went to The Chiffons, who were coming off another "fine" hit: "He's So Fine," which went to #1 in March 1963. Carole King played piano on that track and was familiar with the group. The Chiffons took "One Fine Day" to #5 in July 1963.
  • Four different versions of "One Fine Day" charted. Julie Budd took it to #93 in 1976, and Rita Coolidge to #66 in 1979. Carole King, who co-wrote the song, became a top recording artist in the '70s. In 1980 she released an album called Pearls: Songs of Goffin and King, where she performed some of the hits she wrote with Goffin in the '60s. Her version of "One Fine Day" was released as a single and went to #12.

    Other popular covers are by S Club Juniors in 2002 and by the all-male a cappella group The Nylons in 1991; they changed the line "one fine day, you're gonna want me for your girl" to "one fine day, you're gonna want me for your guy."
  • This was used as the title and theme song for a 1996 romantic comedy starring George Clooney and Michelle Pfeiffer. It's about two people who meet on the worst day of both their lives- until they fall in love. A version by Natalie Merchant was also included on the soundtrack. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Greg - Calgary, Canada
  • The Carpenters covered this on their 1973 album Now And Then as part of a '60s medley. Theirs is a reasonably faithful shoo-wop version cleaned up and with the very distinctive Carpenters' production. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Patrick - Matthews, NC

Comments: 14

  • Jennifur Sunfor Betty Bourne the sax may have been either Sid Jekowsky or Joe Grimaldi
  • Richard from AzOne Fine day is a teriffic song, The Chiffons really did great with this song, numerous artists have covered. Billboard put in it's top 500 songs of all time.
  • Betty Bourne from FloridaI've always wanted to know who played that mean sax in this great oldies song.
  • Jennifur Sun from RamonaCarols piano opening is a KILLER. Still trying to find out who played drums on this song.
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn January 11th 1976, Julie’s* covered version of "One Fine Day" entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #94; it stayed on the chart for four weeks, and peaked at one position higher, #93...
    * Julie is Julie Budd, on November 30th, 1969 she appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show', she was fifteen years old at the time and performed a song titled "Skylark".
  • Randy from Fayettevile, ArI bought this 45 rpm single back in '63 and my oldest sister bought the album. I still love this song because of the intro and the bass line. And that piano was sounding so tough! I heard that Carole King herself played piano on the recording sessions. I didn't realize the song was meant for Little Eva. Her voice wasn't right for this song. Thank goodness the Chiffons recorded it. They were such strong, smooth harmonizers on their records. And who was their lead vocalist? This was released by Laurie Records (where Dion had his early hits) out of New York City. Awesome hit song from 1963.
  • Don Hertel from Dover, NjKen Sparkes, can you send me a label scan of your record? snap07801_/AT/_yahooDOTcom. I created an entry at http://www.discogs.com/Ken-Sparkes-One-Fine-Day-Lonely-Weekends/release/3087193 and would like an image to go with it.
  • Dave from Cardiff, WalesIt was featured in an episode of The Simpsons in 1991 as well
  • Gina from North Babylon, Nydonna from santa clarita, ca... i have also been looking to find out that same tv series and finally found it.. It's called "rags to riches"
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rags_to_Riches_(TV_series).
  • Ken Sparkes from Sydney, AustraliaI recorded One Fine Day in Melbourne Australia around 1966 for no main reason other than as a DJ I liked the song and changed the lyric to "You're gonna want me for your BOY" The song was produced by David Mckay ledgendary hot shot Aussie producer who includes John Farnham amongst his great libary of success.Main difference we used a strong brass sound.
    The song charted and was recently re-discovered in a programme "Lost 45's"
  • Teresa from Mechelen, Belgium"One fine day" = one fine song.
  • Donna from Santa Clarita, CaPlease Help me!!!
    I am sure this sone "One Fine Day" was a theme song for a TV show in the mid 80's? Can anyone remember the name of the tv show.
    Thanks
    Donna
  • Mark from Lancaster, OhI always considered this the finest song of its genre. It's pretty indestructable; both Carole King and the Carpenters have covered it, and both of these renditions are excellent as well.
  • AnonymousThis song would have been perfect for any movie about the Peanuts gang. I can imagine Lucy singing it to Schroeder and Sally singing it to Linus!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Second Wind Songs

Second Wind SongsSong Writing

Some songs get a second life when they find a new audience through a movie, commercial, TV show, or even the Internet.

Taylor Dayne

Taylor DayneSongwriter Interviews

Taylor talks about "The Machine" - the hits, the videos and Clive Davis.

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New York

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New YorkSong Writing

Can you be married in one country but not another? Only if you're part of a gay couple. One of the first famous singers to come out as a lesbian, Janis wrote a song about it.

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the Song

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the SongSong Writing

How a goofy detective movie, a disenchanted director and an unlikely songwriter led to one of the biggest hits in pop history.

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman Jack

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman JackSong Writing

The story of the legendary lupine DJ through the songs he inspired.

Carol Kaye

Carol KayeSongwriter Interviews

A top session musician, Carol played on hundreds of hits by The Beach Boys, The Monkees, Frank Sinatra and many others.