The hippie movement of the 1960s and 1970s was a cultural revolution that left a lasting impact on society. One of the most powerful expressions of this era was the music that came out of it. From classic rock to folk, the music of the hippie era spoke to the hopes, dreams, and fears of a generation, and continues to be an influential and beloved part of our musical heritage. This article will explore some of the best hippie songs of all time, and examine the ways in which these tunes captured the essence of the movement and the spirit of the times. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the music of the hippie era, or someone who is just discovering it for the first time, this article will take you on a journey through some of the most powerful and memorable songs of the hippie movement, and help you understand why these songs continue to resonate with listeners today.
1. “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan
“Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan is a classic protest song and an anthem of the civil rights movement. Released in 1963, the song quickly became a hit and was widely adopted as a symbol of the anti-war and civil rights movements of the era. With its simple yet powerful lyrics, the song asks a series of rhetorical questions about peace, freedom, and equality, and challenges the listener to think about these important issues. Dylan’s poetic, folksy style and powerful message have made “Blowin’ in the Wind” one of the most memorable and enduring songs of the 20th century, and a timeless expression of the human struggle for peace and justice.
2. “Feeling Groovy” by Simon and Garfunkle
“Feeling Groovy” by Simon & Garfunkel is a upbeat and cheerful pop song that was released in 1966. The song has a carefree and happy-go-lucky vibe, with lyrics that express the joy of being young and in love. The song’s cheerful melody, combined with its optimistic lyrics, make it a timeless classic that has become a staple of the folk-pop genre. “Feeling Groovy” is a celebration of the simple pleasures in life and the joys of youth, and its infectious upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus make it a perfect song for brightening up any mood. To this day, “Feeling Groovy” remains one of Simon & Garfunkel’s most beloved songs and a beloved classic of the 1960s.
3. “Imagine” by John Lennon
“Imagine” by John Lennon is a powerful and moving ballad that was released in 1971. With its simple yet profound lyrics, the song calls for a world free of hatred, war, and division, and imagines a world where people live in peace and harmony. The song’s message of unity and hope has made it one of the most popular and enduring anthems of all time, and it continues to inspire people around the world to work towards a more just and peaceful world. The song’s powerful and emotive melody, combined with Lennon’s passionate vocals, make “Imagine” a timeless classic that has become a symbol of hope and inspiration for millions of people. To this day, “Imagine” remains one of Lennon’s most famous and beloved songs and a powerful message of peace and unity for the world.
4. “Nights In White Satin” by Moody Blues
“Nights in White Satin” by The Moody Blues is a classic rock ballad that was released in 1967. The song’s lush, orchestral sound, combined with its haunting melody and romantic lyrics, make it a timeless classic that has become one of the most beloved songs of the 1960s and 70s. With its dreamy, nostalgic feel, “Nights in White Satin” is a nostalgic ode to the beauty of young love and the power of memories. The song’s powerful and emotive melody, combined with its touching and deeply personal lyrics, make it a true masterpiece of the rock genre and a beloved classic of the psychedelic era. To this day, “Nights in White Satin” remains one of The Moody Blues’ most famous and beloved songs and a timeless expression of the power of love and memory.
5. “Light My Fire” by The Doors
“Light My Fire” by The Doors is a classic rock song that was released in 1967. With its driving beat, fiery guitar work, and hypnotic vocals, the song quickly became a hit and remains one of The Doors’ most famous and enduring tracks. “Light My Fire” is a powerful and passionate expression of youthful energy and rebellion, and its lyrics urge the listener to break free from the constraints of society and embrace a life of freedom and adventure. The song’s iconic opening keyboard riff and electrifying performance by the band have made “Light My Fire” one of the most memorable and enduring rock anthems of all time, and a beloved classic of the psychedelic era. To this day, “Light My Fire” remains a timeless expression of the power of rock and roll and a beloved classic of the 1960s.
6. “Heart Of Gold” by Neil Young
“Heart of Gold” is a classic song written and performed by Neil Young. Released in 1972, it was included in his album “Harvest”. The song features Young’s signature guitar style and warm, emotional voice, singing about his search for love and happiness. Its upbeat melody, simple lyrics, and folksy style made it one of the biggest hits of the 1970s and cemented Young’s place as a prominent singer-songwriter of his generation. Despite its age, “Heart of Gold” remains a beloved and enduring classic, cherished by generations of fans for its timeless message of hope and joy.
7. “Going Up The Country” by Canned Heat
“Going Up the Country” is a classic blues rock song by Canned Heat, first released in 1968. The song is an upbeat, upbeat anthem about the freedom of leaving the city and heading to the countryside. Its catchy melody, driven by harmonica and guitar, is backed by a pulsing beat and sing-along lyrics that invite listeners to join in. The song became a hit in the late 1960s, reaching the top 40 on the charts and becoming one of Canned Heat’s most enduring hits. It has since been covered by numerous artists and has been used in numerous films and TV shows, solidifying its place as a classic of the blues rock genre.
8. “Special Rider Blues” by Insect Trust
“Special Rider Blues” is a traditional blues song recorded by Insect Trust in 1970. The song is an arrangement of a traditional blues tune, featuring a sparse and haunting acoustic guitar melody, accompanied by minimal percussion and harmonica. The lyrics, sung in a deep and soulful voice, tell the story of a traveler on a journey, facing the challenges and hardships of the road. Insect Trust’s version of “Special Rider Blues” is a haunting and atmospheric interpretation of the classic blues song, showcasing the band’s ability to bring new life to traditional blues tunes with their unique style and approach. Despite its age, the song remains a powerful and moving piece of blues music, cherished by fans of the genre.
9. “California Dreamin” by Mamas and the Papas
“California Dreamin'” is a classic pop song by The Mamas & The Papas, first released in 1965. The song is a nostalgic and melancholic tribute to the golden state of California, with its sunny skies, warm beaches, and relaxed lifestyle. The song’s catchy melody, supported by lush harmonies, captures the longing for a simpler, more carefree time and place. The Mamas & The Papas’ version of “California Dreamin'” became a huge hit, reaching the top of the charts and becoming one of the defining songs of the 1960s. Its enduring popularity has made it a classic of the pop and folk rock genres, covered by numerous artists and used in countless films and TV shows.
10. “For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield
“For What It’s Worth” is a classic protest song by Buffalo Springfield, first released in 1967. The song was written in response to the Sunset Strip curfew riots in Los Angeles and addresses the social and political tensions of the time, with lyrics that call for peace and understanding. The song’s distinctive guitar riff and haunting melody, backed by Stephen Stills’ soulful voice, creates a powerful and emotional atmosphere. Despite its age, “For What It’s Worth” remains relevant and powerful today, addressing timeless issues of social justice and the need for peace and understanding. The song has become an enduring classic of the folk rock genre, influencing countless musicians and serving as an important cultural touchstone of the 1960s.
11. “Blowin in the Wind” by Stevie Wonder
“Blowin’ in the Wind” is a classic protest song originally written and performed by Bob Dylan. Stevie Wonder’s version, released in 1963, is a soulful and powerful interpretation of the song. Wonder’s rendition features his trademark harmonica playing and upbeat tempo, bringing a unique energy and optimism to the song’s message of peace and freedom. The song’s simple but powerful lyrics, asking rhetorical questions about the answers to life’s big questions, have made it a timeless anthem for social justice and equality. Stevie Wonder’s version of “Blowin’ in the Wind” is a soulful and passionate tribute to one of the most iconic songs of the 20th century, showcasing his ability to bring new life to classic material.
12. “Hotel California” by The Eagles
“Hotel California” is a classic rock song by The Eagles, first released in 1976. The song is a dark and surreal tale of a traveler’s journey to a mysterious hotel, where he finds himself trapped in a world of luxury, excess, and temptation. The song’s memorable guitar riffs, catchy melody, and haunting harmonies have made it one of the most recognizable and beloved songs in the rock genre. The lyrics have been widely interpreted as a commentary on the excesses of the 1960s and 1970s, as well as a metaphor for the darker aspects of the American dream. Despite its age, “Hotel California” remains a popular and enduring classic, cherished by generations of fans for its timeless sound and powerful message.
13. “Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles
“Here Comes the Sun” is a classic rock song by The Beatles, first released in 1969 on the album “Abbey Road”. The song is a sunny and optimistic celebration of spring, with lyrics that capture the joy and energy of the changing seasons. The song’s cheerful melody, supported by George Harrison’s delicate acoustic guitar playing and lush harmonies, creates a light and uplifting atmosphere. Despite its age, “Here Comes the Sun” remains a popular and beloved song, cherished by generations of fans for its timeless sound and positive message. The song has become one of The Beatles’ most recognizable and enduring classics, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest pop songs of all time.
14. “Melody Fair” by The Bee Gees
“Melody Fair” is a classic pop song by The Bee Gees, first released in 1970. The song is a lush and romantic ballad, with lyrics that celebrate the power of music to bring people together and heal the heart. The song’s sweeping melody, backed by the Bee Gees’ trademark harmonies, creates a nostalgic and sentimental atmosphere. Despite its age, “Melody Fair” remains a popular and beloved song, celebrated by fans of the Bee Gees and the pop and disco genres. The song has become one of The Bee Gees’ most recognizable and enduring classics, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest love songs of all time. With its timeless sound and emotional message, “Melody Fair” continues to touch the hearts of listeners around the world.
15. “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season)” by The Byrds
“Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)” is a classic folk rock song by The Byrds, first released in 1965. The song is a cover of a biblical passage from the Book of Ecclesiastes, set to music by Pete Seeger. The song’s lyrics reflect on the cyclical nature of life, and the inevitability of change and growth. The Byrds’ rendition features their signature jangly guitar sound, creating a bright and upbeat atmosphere that belies the song’s deeper themes. Despite its age, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” remains a popular and beloved song, celebrated by fans of The Byrds and the folk rock genre. With its timeless message and upbeat sound, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” continues to inspire and uplift listeners of all ages.
16. “Time Of The Season” by The Zombies
“Time of the Season” is a classic psychedelic rock song by The Zombies, first released in 1968. The song is a playful and flirtatious celebration of the changing seasons, and the joys of new love and new beginnings. The song’s distinctive organ riff, supported by a funky rhythm section, creates a quirky and upbeat atmosphere. Despite its age, “Time of the Season” remains a popular and beloved song, celebrated by fans of The Zombies and the psychedelic rock genre. The song has become one of The Zombies’ most recognizable and enduring classics, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest pop songs of the 1960s. With its infectious melody and upbeat vibe, “Time of the Season” continues to bring a smile to the faces of listeners around the world.
17. “Sound Of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel
“The Sound of Silence” is a classic folk rock song by Simon & Garfunkel, first released in 1964. The song is a haunting and introspective meditation on the loneliness and isolation of modern life, set against a backdrop of a rapidly changing world. The song’s simple acoustic guitar and tender vocal harmonies create a powerful and emotional atmosphere, as the lyrics explore themes of loneliness, loss, and the search for meaning. Despite its age, “The Sound of Silence” remains a popular and beloved song, celebrated by fans of Simon & Garfunkel and the folk rock genre. The song has become one of Simon & Garfunkel’s most recognizable and enduring classics, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest folk songs of all time. With its powerful lyrics and emotional delivery, “The Sound of Silence” continues to touch the hearts of listeners around the world.
18. “Woodstock” by Joni Mitchell
“Woodstock” is a classic folk rock song by Joni Mitchell, first released in 1969. The song is a nostalgic and celebratory anthem of the counterculture movement of the 1960s, inspired by the legendary Woodstock music festival of the same name. The song’s simple acoustic guitar and tender vocal harmonies create a warm and inviting atmosphere, as the lyrics paint a vivid picture of the peace, love, and freedom of the time. Despite its age, “Woodstock” remains a popular and beloved song, celebrated by fans of Joni Mitchell and the folk rock genre. The song has become one of Joni Mitchell’s most recognizable and enduring classics, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest folk songs of the 1960s. With its nostalgic lyrics and uplifting spirit, “Woodstock” continues to inspire and uplift listeners of all ages.
19. “Ruby Tuesday” by The Rolling Stones
“Ruby Tuesday” is a classic rock song by The Rolling Stones, first released in 1967. The song is a nostalgic and melancholic ballad about lost love, set against a backdrop of the rapidly changing times of the 1960s. The song’s bluesy guitar riff and soulful vocals create a powerful and emotional atmosphere, as the lyrics tell the story of a love affair that has come to an end. Despite its age, “Ruby Tuesday” remains a popular and beloved song, celebrated by fans of The Rolling Stones and the classic rock genre. The song has become one of The Rolling Stones’ most recognizable and enduring classics, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock songs of the 1960s. With its powerful lyrics and emotional delivery, “Ruby Tuesday” continues to touch the hearts of listeners around the world.
20. ” If I Had A Hammer” by The Weavers
“If I Had a Hammer” is a classic folk song originally recorded by The Weavers in the 1950s. The song is an upbeat anthem of hope and social justice, with lyrics that celebrate the power of love and the common good. The song’s simple acoustic guitar and cheerful vocal harmonies create a joyful and optimistic atmosphere, as the lyrics encourage listeners to stand up for what is right and fight against oppression and inequality. Despite its age, “If I Had a Hammer” remains a popular and beloved song, celebrated by fans of folk music and social activism. The song has become one of The Weavers’ most recognizable and enduring classics, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest folk songs of the 20th century. With its uplifting message and inspiring spirit, “If I Had a Hammer” continues to inspire and motivate listeners of all ages.
Jason Smith is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
