Written by Michael Nesmith of Monkees fame and rejected by the band, it’s a cry for freedom, a polite rejection from someone who isn’t ready to settle down. “I ain't sayin' you ain't pretty, all I'm saying's I'm not ready …”
The wonderful Linda Rondstadt and her backing band made it a big hit in 1967. That’s not me disparaging them, but Ronstadt was the only member of the Stone Poneys who performed on the record, the others just session musicians brought in by the producer Nick Venet. The rest of the band seemed fine with that and were magnanimous in saying it was a great showcase for her vocal talent. I think it’s a sign of a great pop song that I like every cover version I’ve ever heard of it - shout out to in particular to The Lemonheads, who I wouldn’t usually listen to.