The song was recorded as the Monkees finally achieved the independence that enabled them to freely produce their own material, with the actual band members featured on both vocals and instrumental arrangements.

However, under the direction of music supervisor Don Kirshner, the group was almost completely barred from studio work, aside from recording as vocalists and writing some original material.

[3] With his departure, the band was finally given the ability to direct production and play instruments themselves, making the Headquarters sessions the first to feature the Monkees on the arrangements.

"[5] Although it was unknown to the record-buying public upon its release, "The Girl I Knew Somewhere" was the first song recorded by the Monkees containing instruments performed by the band members.

An early demo of "The Girl I Knew Somewhere" is included on The Headquarters Sessions, along with a rendition with additional backing vocals, and a stereo version was first released on More Greatest Hits of the Monkees.