"Cuddly Toy" & "Daddy's Song" by the Monkees

Here are the two songs written by Harry Nilsson and performed by the Monkees. The first video (Cuddly Toy) appeared in one of their television episodes. The second (Daddy's Song) appeared in their film, Head, which is one of my favorite films. I have to confess that "Daddy's Song" is actually from 1968, but "Cuddly Toy" is from 1967.

As a new father, I find more meaning in both of these songs. I do not know want my daughter to become a cuddly toy. I hope that if and when I have son, that the second verse of "Daddy's Song" does not come true.

Although I'm not a big fan of Davy Jones, who sings both songs, I am a fan of his performance in both videos. I would say his best songs were written by Nilsson and Neil Diamond, who would become famous in the next few years.

The Monkees were the first band to introduce me to the popular culture of 1967. Even though I was born 9 years later, their TV show entertained me during my afternoon "naps" after kindergarten.