Sunshine Superman

Donovan

About Sunshine Superman

"Sunshine Superman" is a song written and recorded by Donovan. The "Sunshine Superman" single was released in the United States through Epic Records (Epic 5-10045) in July 1966, but due to a contractual dispute the United Kingdom release was delayed until December 1966, where it appeared on Donovan's previous label, Pye Records (Pye 7N 17241). The "Sunshine Superman" single was backed with "The Trip" on both the United States and United Kingdom releases. It has been described as "[one of the] classics of the era," and as "the quintessential bright summer sing along". "Sunshine Superman" reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, and subsequently became the title track of Donovan's third album, Sunshine Superman. Chart positions were No. 1 (US), and No. 2 (UK) (the single was released in December 1966 in the UK). It was Donovan's only single to reach No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100. A different mix of "The Trip" (without harmonica) is also included in the album. It was the first product from the highly successful three-year collaboration between Donovan and producer Mickie Most and is generally considered to be one of the first examples of the musical genre that came to be known as psychedelia. The song features styles of psychedelic pop, folk rock, psychedelic folk, and psychedelic rock. Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones, later of Led Zeppelin, play on the recording. 


Year:
1991
397 
#2

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Sunshine came softly through my a-window today
Could've tripped out easy a-but I've a-changed my ways
It'll take time, I know it but in a while
You're gonna be mine, I know it, we'll do it in style
'Cause I made my mind up you're going to be mine

I'll tell you right now
Any trick in the book now, baby, all that I can find
Everybody's hustlin' just to have a little scene
When I say we'll be cool I think that you know what I mean
We stood on a beach at sunset, do you remember when?
I know a beach where, baby, a-it never ends
When you've made your mind up forever to be mine

Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm
I'll pick up your hand and slowly blow your little mind
'Cause I made my mind up you're going to be mine
I'll tell you right now
Any trick in the book now, baby, all that I can find

Superman or Green Lantern ain't got a-nothin' on me
I can make like a turtle and dive for your pearls in the sea, yeah
A you-you-you can just sit there a-thinking on your velvet throne
'Bout all the rainbows a-you can a-have for your own
When you've made your mind up forever to be mine
I'll pick up your hand and slowly blow your little mind
When you've made your mind up forever to be mine

I'll pick up your hand
I'll pick up your hand

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Donovan

Donovan (born Donovan Philips Leitch, 10 May 1946) is a Scottish singer, songwriter and guitarist. Initially labelled as an imitator of Bob Dylan, Donovan quickly developed an eclectic and distinctive style that blended folk, jazz, pop, psychedelia, and world music (notably calypso). He has variously lived in Scotland, London, California and Ireland, and currently lives with his family in County Cork in Ireland. more »

2 fans

Written by: Donovan Leitch

Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Sunshine Superman" was written and recorded by the Scottish singer-songwriter named Donovan.
Album
It was released in December 1966 as the title track of Donovan's third studio album.
Chart Success
The song was a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, making it Donovan's only No. 1 hit in the U.S.
Genre
The song is known for its mix of folk, pop, and psychedelia. It is often credited as one of the first examples of the psychedelic pop genre.
Father of Psychedelic
Donovan has been referred to as the "Father of Psychedelic" due to his creation of this song.
Jimmy Page
Legendary guitarist Jimmy Page, who would later gain fame with Led Zeppelin, played as a session musician on this track.
delay in Release
While initially recorded in 1965, a contractual dispute led to a delay in the release of "Sunshine Superman" by nearly a year.
Lyrics
The song's lyrics reference Superman and Green Lantern, making it one of the earliest popular songs to reference comic book characters.
Instrumentation
The song is known for its distinctive sitar part, a feature that would become common in psychedelic rock.
Cover Versions
Over the years, "Sunshine Superman" has been covered by many artists, including Husker Du and Mel Tormé.
Influence
The song influenced numerous other artists and fostered a fascination with eastern instruments and sounds in psychedelic rock.
LP Album
The "Sunshine Superman" LP, while having different track listings in the US and UK, was critically acclaimed and is considered a quintessential album of the 60's psychedelic scene.
Connection to Beatles
Donovan shared his unique guitar finger-picking style to The Beatles, influencing their songs such as "Julia" and "Dear Prudence".
Movie Reference
The song was also included as part of the soundtrack for the 2010 film, "An Education".

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    Sunshine Superman

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1966

    Billboard #1


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