A Warm Ode to Connection in the Midst of Pop Stardom
Though “Being Together” was never issued as a standalone single, it opens David Cassidy’s debut solo album Cherish, which climbed to No. 15 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and soared to No. 2 on the U.K. album charts in early 1972. Crafted under the keen ear of producer Wes Farrell, the song introduced listeners to Cassidy’s more mature artistic voice at the height of his teen-idol fame.
From its very first bars, “Being Together” offers a gentle reprieve from the bright bubblegum pop that made The Partridge Family a household name. Penned by veteran Brill Building songwriter Tony Romeo, whose pen had delivered hits like “I Think I Love You,” the track marries a simple, heartfelt lyric with an arrangement both lush and restrained. Under Farrell’s guidance—and with the same cadre of L.A. session musicians who backed Cassidy on the TV recordings—the song unfolds over twinkling acoustic guitar, subtle piano motifs, and warm string swells, inviting the listener into an intimate embrace.
Lyrically, “Being Together” celebrates the solace found in shared moments, even amid the swirl of fame and expectation. Lines such as “All I really need is being together / Baby, you and me” speak to a yearning for genuine human connection—a theme that resonated deeply with Cassidy as he navigated the transition from television heartthrob to standalone recording artist. By avoiding grandiose romance tropes, Romeo’s words feel remarkably personal, as though plucked from a private journal rather than a pop songwriter’s brief.
Musically, the song’s arrangement underscores its lyrical intimacy. Hal Blaine’s gentle brushwork on drums and Mike Melvoin’s understated piano lay a warm foundation, while Dennis Budimir and Louis Shelton’s acoustic guitars interweave with melodic fiddle flourishes—subtle nods to the rootsy currents that would soon permeate mainstream pop. The Love Generation’s soft backing vocals, arranged by John Bahler, hover just behind Cassidy’s lead, their presence enfolding his voice in a delicate cushion of harmony.
In the broader context of Cherish, “Being Together” serves as a thematic gateway. Following the emotionally driven title track and preceding uptempo singles like “Could It Be Forever,” it reminds listeners that underneath Cassidy’s carefully crafted image lay an artist eager to explore authenticity and emotional nuance. Though overshadowed by its charting counterparts, the song quickly became a fan favorite—its warm glow offering comfort to those who felt the loneliness that often accompanies public adoration.
Decades later, “Being Together” endures as a quietly powerful testament to Cassidy’s versatility. It has appeared on numerous compilations and continues to surface in fan playlists devoted to his deeper cuts. In live performances, he often introduced it with a wistful smile, acknowledging that even through the frenzy of screaming crowds, what mattered most was the simple act of sharing music—and life—with another soul. For listeners seeking the heart beneath the pop veneer, “Being Together” remains a timeless reminder that true connection is the song we all wish to hear.