The Hurdy Gurdy Man
Donovan
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Thrown like a star in my vast sleep I opened my eyes to take a peek To find that I was by the sea Gazing with tranquility 'Twas then when the Hurdy Gurdy Man Came singing songs of love Then when the Hurdy Gurdy Man Came singing songs of love "Hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy gurdy" he sang "Hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy gurdy" he sang "Hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy gurdy" he sang Histories of ages past Unenlightened shadows cast Down through all eternity The crying of humanity 'Tis then when the Hurdy Gurdy Man Comes singing songs of love Then when the Hurdy Gurdy Man Comes singing songs of love "Hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy gurdy" he sang "Hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurd Hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy gurdy" he sang "Hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy gurdy" he sang Here comes the Roly Poly Man He's singing songs of love "Roly poly, roly poly, holy poly poly" he sang "Hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy gurdy" he sang "Hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy gurdy" he sang
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10 facts about this song
Song Creation"The Hurdy Gurdy Man" is a song by Donovan, a Scottish songwriter and performer, known for his folk-rock and psychedelic music in the 1960s. It was recorded and released in 1968.
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Composition DetailArguably one of Donovan's most iconic tracks, the song features influential Indian music elements, with the use of drones and sitar, reflecting the period's fascination with Eastern spiritualism and musical influence.
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Song InspirationThe song was inspired by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a spiritual figure Donovan met in India while he was studying transcendental meditation.
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Notable CollaboratorsThe track features John Paul Jones on bass, who later became a member of the rock band Led Zeppelin. Additionally, the song may also have guitar contributions from Jimmy Page, another founding member of Led Zeppelin, but there is controversy about whether Page actually played on the track.
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Different VersionsA lesser-known fact is that there are two recorded versions of the song - the version released as a single and the version present on the Hurdy Gurdy Man LP. The latter features an extra verse with backing vocals by the Beach Boys.
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Chart SuccessUpon release, "The Hurdy Gurdy Man" achieved commercial success, particularly in the U.S. where it reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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Cover VersionsSince its release, the song has been covered by multiple artists, including Butthole Surfers and Steve Hillage, showcasing its enduring popularity and influence.
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Influence in Popular CultureThe song has been used in various film soundtracks, including 'Zodiac' by David Fincher, further cementing its status as a cultural and artistic landmark.
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The Hurdy Gurdy ReferenceThe title of the song refers to a medieval European instrument, the hurdy-gurdy. However, the instrument does not actually feature in the music.
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Less Known Labelling ControversyIn 2005, Donovan revealed in an interview that the song was labelled as a drug song, misinterpreted by a U.S narcotics squad, because of the psychedelic vibe the song carries.
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Citation
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"The Hurdy Gurdy Man Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/6135079/Donovan/The+Hurdy+Gurdy+Man>.
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