The Zombies – She’ Not There

About The Song

“She’s Not There” is a song by the English rock band The Zombies, written by keyboardist Rod Argent. It was the band’s debut single, released in August 1964. The song reached number 12 in the UK Singles Chart and number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.

In addition to its commercial success, “She’s Not There” is considered one of the Zombies’ best songs and a classic of the British Invasion. It has been covered by many artists, including The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, and Van Morrison.

She's Not There - Compilation by The Zombies | Spotify

History

“She’s Not There” was written by Argent in early 1964. He was inspired by a girl he had seen on a train, who he thought was beautiful but also unattainable. Argent said: “I was on a train, and I saw this girl across the carriage. She was beautiful, but she was also very aloof and unapproachable. I started thinking about how she was like a dream, and that’s when I wrote the song.”

The Zombies recorded “She’s Not There” on June 22, 1964, at Decca Studios in West Hampstead, London. The song was produced by Ken Jones, who was also the producer for The Rolling Stones. “She’s Not There” was released as a single in August 1964.

Reception

“She’s Not There” was a commercial success in both the UK and the US. The song reached number 12 in the UK Singles Chart in September 1964. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US in December 1964.

The song was also praised by critics. NME called it “a haunting and beautiful song.” AllMusic said that it was “a classic of the British Invasion.”

Video

Lyrics

Well, no one told me about her
The way she lied
Well, no one told me about her
How many people cried

But it’s too late to say you’re sorry
How would I know? Why should I care?
Please don’t bother trying to find her
She’s not there

Well, let me tell you ’bout the way she looked
The way she acts and the color of her hair
Her voice was soft and cool
Her eyes were clear and bright
But she’s not there

Well, no one told me about her
What could I do?
Well, no one told me about her
Though they all knew

But it’s too late to say you’re sorry
How would I know? Why should I care?
Please don’t bother trying to find her
She’s not there

Well, let me tell you ’bout the way she looked
The way she acts and the color of her hair
Her voice was soft and cool
Her eyes were clear and bright
But she’s not there

But it’s too late to say you’re sorry
How would I know? Why should I care?
Please don’t bother trying to find her
She’s not there

Well, let me tell you about the way she looked
The way she acts and the color of her hair
Her voice was soft and cool
Her eyes were clear and bright
But she’s not there