Aquarius Let the Sunshine Style
This is one of those songs everyone has heard at one
point or another. Aquarius Let the Sunshine In was not just a song it was an
anthem! This told the basis of what the hippies stood for, a shift from old
ways to a new peaceful and love-filled time. Its meaning, catchy tune, and repetitive
nature got it engrained in the minds of all who listened to it. What more could
you want in a song? When a song has a happy feel to it you’re drawn to love it,
no matter what the words are. The choral and joyful nature of the song made it
feel more welcome and easier to jump up and sing along. In fact, in the musical
Hair, where it originated, sometimes
audience members would join the cast on stage for this song. It has since worked
its way into movie soundtracks and just about anything that has to do with the
sixties.
Be careful with your opening generalization; neither my roommate nor I have heard the song before! It would be cool to hear an analysis of some of the symbols found in the song, that were associated with the style of the hippie movement, such as the symbol of sunshine!
ReplyDelete~Greg Fiola
I have not heard of it either. However, I really liked your analysis of the effect of the song on the audience and specific example of the audience jumping on stage to sing along. I find that the music of mid-century America certainly reflected the atmosphere of desire for change and the counterculture. Do you find that modern day America has a counterculture? And if so, what does it aim to change?
ReplyDelete-Lina Bauer
Theatre geek that I am, I've heard this song and absolutely love it. That said, it would be interesting to see a couple clips or examples of how the song has been worked into movies that aren't Hair (which I also loved).
ReplyDeleteThat said, the symbolism of the lyrics perpetuates such a clear desire for change, which was essential to the hippie movement. Which of the hippie symbols do you think is most important, though?
- Hayley A.
I haven't heard this song before (too busy listening to show tunes from Phantom of the Opera and Sweeney Todd lol!) I also like your analysis on the structure of the song in terms of its lyrics, its tune, and its repetition. The message it wants to convey to the audience also kind of reminds me of John Lennon's "Imagine". Although, the beat in this song is slower, the tune is not upbeat, and the instrumentation is relatively simplistic because it only has voice and piano, it still has the same message which is we should all be peaceful and good to one another. We shouldn't let greed, hatred, or anything that divides us get in the way of achieving peace.
ReplyDeleteMy Keys