The Greatest Therapist Of The 60s

During the turbulent times of the 60s, what was the soothing touch that helped us get by back then? Was it drugs? No! Was it booze? Well booze did help, but mainly it was the stars. Yes, the stars in all fields of entertainment however, the recording stars, the songs sung by the artist of that trying era helped us get through our worst scenarios.

 

Stars like the late"Roger Miller" Roger’s unique style defies easy classification. He had a string of pop hits in the 1960s, and also his own TV show in 1966. Many of his recordings were humorous novelty songs with whimsical lyrics, coupled with vocalist riffs filled with nonsense syllables. Others were sincere ballads, which also caught the public's fancy, none more so than his signature song, King of the Road (song) King of the Road, a major 1965 hit, about a presumed "hobo" who relishes his life and freedom, riding the rails.

 Roger Miller

King of the road a very big hit that put Miller on the top of the charts in ‘65. of course those of us with responsible jobs and a concern for what was happening out in the real world the song of a hobo with lyrics depicting “knowing which lock to pick when no one’s around" was an escape from reality to dwell on for a moment in time of the life lived by this carefree hobo. Although purely fictional, we could place ourselves in those imaginary boots for a while.

Another song he sang which may have been just what the doctor ordered. "Walking In The Sunshine" with lyrics as such:

Walking in the sunshine, sing a little sunshine song,
Put a smile upon your face as if there was nothing wrong.

Think about a good time had a long time ago,
Think about forgetting about your worries and your woes,

Walking In The Sunshine, sing a little sunshine song.
La la la la la dee oh, Whether the weather be rain or snow,

Pretending can make it real,
A snowy pasture, a green and grassy field.

I remember while working and listening to The Carpenter’s big hit in 1969 “We’ve Only Just Begun To Live" when they sang the lyrics “We Start Out Walking and Learn To Run" I would look back in time seeing us as a people evolving from an aggressive creature to a more passive and civilized being. Although I didn’t actually place myself at the scene of the hippie, movement that is wearing flowers in my hair. “an ex marine?" but I did love and respect those flower children, and the song said just that.

Now although the young people were living outside of traditional family values, when Simon & Garfunkel sang “Cecilia" I couldn’t see any evil coming from the lifestyle these young people were living.

 Simon & Garfunkel

The entertainer I could always rely on to back up the young was the late great Johnny Cash and when he sang

 Johnny Cash

“What Is Truth" at the white house, I knew there was hope.

Sonny and Cheer’s “I’ve Got You Babe" would portray life with love and little possessions were all we needed.

There were times when I boozed it up just to have a good time then I’d sing one of old Dino’s (Dean Martin) songs “Bumming Around" When I would sing the lyrics “I’m as free as a breeze and I’ll do as I please, just bumming around" I really did feel free! For a period.

Scott McKenzie’s “If Your Going To San Francisco" with lyrics: A whole generation with a new explanation"

 

Yes the 60s were special what most people could see on television with the youth movement of that day wasn’t what the 60s were about. The stars of that day were translating the language these baby boomers were speaking with all their long hair, rebellious behavior, and drug use. into what they were saying with their hearts

So what does it all mean? is it different today? Well I’ll tell you the peace symbol the young portrayed in those days found its way into the hearts of those who were touched by the times back then. I’m not going to go into the condition of today’s world it’s completely different from yesterday's world.

I’m just giving reverence to the therapist whom didn’t need to have us lie on a couch and listen to our troubles. They painted the picture of the times with their songs, and to those whom appreciate good art could see that picture with every creative lyric they sang.

» left by Avis Ward

4 years 211 days ago.
131 fans.

David, thanks for a walk down memory lane. I was but a wee child in the 60's but my siblings were older and listened to some of this stuff. Happy Sunday to you!

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» left by 4 years 211 days ago.

Avis, I just went to check out your (bio) it didn't give any indication of your age. reading some of your articles I always thought you were around my age. just how old are you? Oh and thank you for commenting

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» left by Susan Thom

4 years 211 days ago.
174 fans.

cool david, interesting, and i remember my dad listening to roger miller and johnny cash. (i actually, and ironically, bought johnny's cd, i hurt mysef, because i love that song. he was an ex marine, too, and also listened to his collection of marine marching bands' songs. i like how you put the pictures throughout. a nice, happy story, thank you, best regards, sue thom

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» left by 4 years 211 days ago.

Thank you Susan for commenting. Yeah I've been listening to Johnny since I was 14 yrs. old "take care"

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» left by Judi Lake

4 years 211 days ago.
99 fans. Follow Judi Lake on twitter!

David, what a great travel through time, thanks! I remember as a kid my friends getting sick of me constantly singing, "We've Only Just Begun". Since I often listen to music while working, I rarely listen to 'today's' music and now, because of your article, I have to put in a Simon and Garfunkel album, yep, still have my albums on.... Oh, David, do you remember Nancy Nevins from Sweetwater? Great article!

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» left by 4 years 211 days ago.

Hi Judi, I'm trying to recall but Nancy Nevins and Sweetwater doesn't ring a bell. I remember Nancy Sinatra very well, with "These boots are made for walking" Yes I have many cd's of the 60s. I'll send you an email later I have a few questions I want to ask you.

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» left by Jim Smith

from South Carolina 4 years 61 days ago.

Dave: Excellent Read - Throughout you can feel the longing for yesteryear-days. My only wish is that some day, again we could obtain that kind of morality, togetherness, and love for country. The caliber of artist that emanated from America was unequaled worldwide.

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» left by 4 years 61 days ago.

Well Jim, although yesterday does bring back sentimental feelings. I wouldn't want to go back to those days. We are living in a new world, it has it's bugs that have to be dealt with however I believe we will make it. thanks for commenting

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