The Woodstock Era, the Summer of 69, moon landing, Vietnam, Nixon. All of these things were alive and happening in 1969. The year was punctuated by great music. Classic songs that are still played today on many radio stations. Some songs reflected the events going on, while others just celebrated life itself. The whole world brought to you in song, in three minutes or less.
Here is a list and description of the top ten songs from the year 1969.
1. Get Back – The Beatles
This great Beatles song ended up on the album Let It Be, and was the Billboard number one song for five weeks in 1969.
lyric: ‘…wearing her high heeled shoes and a low neck sweater, get back home Loretta…
2. Aquarius / Let The Sunshine In – The 5th Dimension
This gem was number one for six weeks in 1969. The song celebrated love, light, and humanity in a new age called Aquarius.
lyric: ‘… when the moon is in the seventh house, and Jupiter aligns with Mars, then peace will guide the planet, and love will steer the stars…’
3. Honky Tonk Women – The Rolling Stones
A number one song for the Stones for four weeks in the summer of 69. Originally written as a country song, the song famously starts with a cowbell, before breaking into the famous guitar work of Keith Richards.
lyric; ‘… I met a gin soaked bar room queen in Memphis, she tried to take me upstairs for a ride…’
4. Bad Moon Rising – Credence Clearwater Revival
A number one song for John Fogerty and his band. Later, heard in the movie, An American Werewolf In London.
lyric: ‘…don’t go around tonight, well it’s bound to take your life, there’s a bad moon on the rise…’
5. Proud Mary – Credence Clearwater Revival
Another number one by Credence in 1969. Later recorded and made into a hit again by Ike and Tina Turner.
lyric: ‘…but I never saw the good side of the city, until I hitched a ride on a riverboat queen…’
6. Suite: Judy Blue Eyes – Crosby, Stills, and Nash
A top forty song by a young, new super group featuring former members of the Buffalo Springfield, The Hollies, and the Byrds. lyric: ‘…it’s getting to the point where I’m no fun anymore, I am sorry…’
7. Spinning Wheel – Blood, Sweat, and Tears
Written by lead vocalist, David Clayton-Thomas, this great top forty song features horns and a popular medley that all can sing along to.
lyric: ‘… what goes up, must come down, spinning wheel got to go ’round…’
8. Spirit In The Sky – Norman Greenbaum
This top forty song alludes to Jesus, and is a space trip, rocking song reminiscent of the vibe felt all summer in 1969.
lyric; ‘…never been a sinner, I’ve never sinned, I’ve got a friend in Jesus…’
9. Something In The Air – Thunderclap Newman
This top forty hit was featured in the movie, The Magic Christian, starring Ringo Starr. The original title of the song was called Revolution.
lyric: ‘…we have got to get together sooner or later, because the revolution’s here, and you know it’s right…’
10. Badge – Cream
Written by Eric Clapton and George Harrison, this Cream anthem featured brilliant guitar work by the masters themselves.
lyric: ‘… talkin’ ’bout a girl who looks quite like you, she didn’t have the time to wait in the queue, she cried away her life since she fell off the cradle…’
So there you have it. 1969. A year of love, mystery, and revolution. All mixed together in ten wonderful songs. Add them to your Ipod or MP3 player and enjoy them all over again, for the glory of what was, the summer of 69.
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