Countless songs have been written about hippies and the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s.
Some artists have captured hippies’ free-spirited, peace-loving nature, while others have addressed critical social issues that were prevalent during this time.
These Most Popular Songs About Hippies capture the essence of being a hippie and shed light on important historical events and themes that defined this era.
1. “Going Up The Country” by Canned Heat
“Going Up The Country” by Canned Heat is a timeless classic that embodies the free-spirited and carefree atmosphere of the 1960s hippie movement.
With its groovy guitar riffs and catchy harmonica solos, this song has become an anthem for those seeking to escape the constraints of society and embrace a more straightforward, more natural way of life.
The lyrics speak of leaving behind the hustle and bustle of city life to find peace and happiness in the countryside.
2. “Special Rider Blues” by Insect Trust
“Special Rider Blues” by Insect Trust is a hidden gem among the best hippie songs ever.
Released in 1968, this bluesy tune captures the essence of the counterculture movement with its captivating lyrics and groovy melodies.
The song tells the story of a rider who embarks on a journey through life, facing challenges and embracing the freedom of self-expression.
3. “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan
“Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan is a timeless classic that has resonated with generations of listeners since its release in 1963.
The song’s simple yet powerful lyrics ask thought-provoking questions about war, peace, and social justice, making it a defining anthem of the civil rights and anti-war movements.
With its melodic folk sound and Dylan’s evocative vocals, “Blowin’ in the Wind” captures the essence of the counterculture movement of the 1960s and remains a beloved song among hippies and activists alike.
4. “Feeling Groovy” by Simon and Garfunkel
“Feeling Groovy” by Simon and Garfunkel is a timeless classic that has become an anthem for the hippie movement.
Released in 1966, it remains one of the most popular songs of all time. The upbeat melody and catchy lyrics transport listeners to a carefree state of mind, evoking feelings of peace, love, and unity.
5. “Light My Fire” by The Doors
Released in 1967, “Light My Fire” by The Doors became an instant hit and is considered one of the greatest songs from the hippie era.
Its hypnotic lyrics and psychedelic sound encapsulated the free-spirited vibe of the time and became an anthem for the countercultural movement.
The song mixes rock, jazz, and blues elements, with an iconic organ solo by Ray Manzarek and charismatic Jim Morrison vocals.
The lyrics speak of desire, escape from societal constraints, and embracing one’s true self without fear or shame.
6. “Heart Of Gold” by Neil Young
“Heart Of Gold” by Neil Young is often considered the quintessential hippie song of all time.
Released in 1972, this folk-rock anthem captured the spirit of the counterculture movement with its heartfelt lyrics and serene melody.
The iconic chorus, “Keep me searching for a heart of gold / And I’m getting old,” reveals the universal desire for something pure and genuine that transcends age and time.
7. “California Dreamin” by Mamas and the Papas
“California Dreamin” by Mamas and the Papas is considered one of the most iconic hippie songs ever.
Released in 1965 during the height of the counterculture movement, it captured the sentiments and yearnings of a generation seeking an escape from societal norms.
The song tells the story of a person longing for warmer weather and freedom, painted against a backdrop of cold winter days in New York City.
8. “For What It’s Worth 1967” by Buffalo Springfield
“For What It’s Worth” is a highly influential song by the American-Canadian rock band Buffalo Springfield, released in 1967.
The song is often associated with hippie culture due to its lyrics and catchy melody that captured the essence of the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
The song’s lyrics discuss a clash between young people and authority figures, particularly police officers, during social unrest.
9. “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season)” by The Byrds
“Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season)” is a beloved song by the American rock band The Byrds that holds a special place in the hearts of many hippies and counterculture enthusiasts.
Released in 1965, during the peak of the hippie movement, this song reflects the ideals and beliefs of this subculture.
Its lyrics are inspired by Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 from the Bible, which speaks about how everything in life has its season and purpose.
The repetitive yet comforting chorus “turn, turn, turn” serves as a reminder to embrace change and go with the flow of life.
10. “Time Of The Season” by The Zombies
“Time Of The Season” by The Zombies is a classic song that captures the essence of the hippie movement in the 1960s.
Its psychedelic sound and catchy lyrics make it a fan favorite even today.
The song is about embracing love, peace, and living in the present moment, critical values of the hippie culture.
It speaks of enjoying life without worrying about societal norms or material possessions.
11. “Blowin in the Wind” by Stevie Wonder
“Blowin’ in the Wind” by Stevie Wonder is a heartfelt and soulful song that touches upon questioning and searching for answers to society’s problems.
Written during the height of the hippie movement in the 1960s, it reflects the ideals and beliefs of this counterculture group.
The lyrics are thought-provoking and ask poignant questions about war, peace, and equality, urging listeners to ponder these critical issues.
The haunting melody and Wonder’s powerful vocals create an emotional listening experience.
12. “Imagine” by John Lennon
“Imagine” by John Lennon is a song that encompasses the essence of the hippie movement in the 1960s.
It is an anthem for peace, love, and unity, regardless of race, religion, or nationality.
The lyrics encourage listeners to imagine a world without wars, possessions, or divisions, a utopia that resonated with the ideals of hippies who rejected materialism and advocated for universal love and acceptance.
The song calls for breaking down societal barriers and embracing a sense of togetherness as one human family.
13. “Knights In White Satin” by Moody Blues
“Knights In White Satin” by Moody Blues is a song that holds deep meaning for hippies of the 1960s.
The hauntingly beautiful melody and poetic lyrics captured the essence of the counterculture movement.
The knights in white satin represent the free-spirited and idealistic individuals who rejected societal norms and embraced peace, love, and harmony.
The lyrics speak of seeking truth and finding oneself amidst a world filled with chaos and confusion.
14. “Hotel California” by The Eagles
“Hotel California” by The Eagles is a timeless classic and one of the most iconic songs in rock history.
Released in 1976, the song tells a mysterious tale about a hotel on a dark desert highway.
While its catchy beat and beautiful harmonies have captivated listeners for decades, the song has sparked much debate and speculation about its meaning.
Many believe that “Hotel California” is an allegory for the hedonistic lifestyle of hippies during the 1960s and 70s, with lyrics such as “we haven’t had that spirit here since 1969.”
15. “Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles
“Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles is a timeless song that captures the spirit and optimism of the hippie movement.
Released in 1969, it reflects the desire for peace, love, and freedom that defined this influential countercultural group.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a new beginning, with lines like “Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter” and “It’s all right, it’s all right.”
The upbeat melody and catchy chorus perfectly capture the positivity and hopefulness of this era.
16. “Melody Fair” by The Bee Gees
“Melody Fair” by The Bee Gees is a song that captures the essence of hippie culture in the late 1960s. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, encapsulating the free-spirited and carefree nature of the hippies.
The song talks about finding peace and harmony in a world filled with chaos and turmoil. It also speaks of embracing love and unity, regardless of differences and societal norms.
17. “Sound Of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel
“Sound Of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel is a timeless song that has resonated with listeners for decades.
The duo composed this masterpiece during the social and political turmoil of the 1960s when the hippie movement was at its peak.
The song represents the disillusionment and alienation felt by many young people during that era.
It speaks to the unbreakable silence and disconnect between individuals in society, starkly contrasting the ideals of peace, love, and harmony embraced by hippies.
18. “If I Had A Hammer” by The Weavers
“If I Had A Hammer” by The Weavers is a classic song that has become synonymous with the hippie movement of the 1960s.
With its catchy tune and powerful lyrics, the song embodies the ideals of peace, love, and equality central to the hippie culture.
The repeated phrase “If I had a hammer, I’d hammer in the morning” symbolizes the desire for change and progress through non-violent means.
The hammer represents strength and unity, while the bell symbolizes freedom and justice.
19. “Woodstock” by Joni Mitchell
“Woodstock” by Joni Mitchell is a quintessential song about the hippie movement in the 1960s.
It captures the essence of a generation seeking peace, love, and freedom in a world filled with chaos and war.
Mitchell’s lyrics vividly depict the famous music festival, where thousands of young people gathered to celebrate music and unity.
“Woodstock” also reflects the greater meaning behind being a hippie – rejecting materialism and societal norms in favor of living in harmony with nature and each other.
20. “Ruby Tuesday” by The Rolling Stones
“Ruby Tuesday” by The Rolling Stones is a timeless classic that captures the essence of hippie culture.
Released in 1967, it quickly became an anthem for the countercultural movement of the time.
The lyrics tell the story of a free-spirited girl named Ruby who embraces a carefree and unconventional lifestyle, much like the hippies of the 60s.
FAQs
What music is associated with hippies?
Hippies were known for their unconventional lifestyle and beliefs, which also extended to the type of music they listened to.
The music associated with hippies can be described as a blend of various genres, such as folk, psychedelic rock, and blues.
Artists like Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix were popular among hippies for their soulful lyrics and free-spirited approach to music.
The guitar’s sound played a significant role in hippie music, often accompanied by other instruments like the tambourine and flute.
The songs often revolved around themes of peace, love, and freedom, reflecting the values held by the hippie counterculture.
These uplifting and melodic tunes were not just a form of entertainment but also served as a means of expressing their ideals and protesting against societal norms.
Music was integral to the hippie movement, bringing people together in love and unity through its harmonious melodies.
Even today, listening to this iconic music can transport us back to the carefree days of the hippie era.
What was the number one hippie song?
In my opinion, the number one hippie song would have to be “All You Need is Love” by The Beatles.
Released in 1967 during the height of the countercultural movement, this song captured the essence of love and peace that defined the hippie generation.
Its upbeat melody and heartfelt lyrics spread a message of unity and acceptance, promoting a world without war or boundaries.
What music do hippies like?
Hippies are a free-spirited and open-minded community known for decades for their love of music.
Their taste in music is diverse, but some specific genres and artists have a special place in their hearts.
Some of the most famous music among hippies includes folk, rock, and psychedelic genres. Artists like Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, Joni Mitchell, and Jimi Hendrix are among the favorites.
What did hippies listen to in the 70s?
In the 1970s, hippies were known for their love of peace, freedom, and rebellion against societal norms.
They expressed their ideas and beliefs through various forms, including music.
The hippie subculture was heavily influenced by rock music, particularly psychedelic rock, with its fusion of experimental sounds and lyrics that encouraged questioning authority and promoting peace and love.
Popular bands that resonated with the counterculture movement included The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, and Jefferson Airplane.
Besides rock music, hippies also enjoyed folk music, reflecting their values and ideals. Artists like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Joni Mitchell sang about social justice and anti-war sentiments that resonated with hippie values.
With its emphasis on peace and love, reggae music became popular among hippies in the 70s, with Bob Marley being a prominent figure in their playlists.
Overall, the music of choice for hippies in the 70s reflected their revolutionary spirit and desire to change the world peacefully.
What makes a song hippie?
A hippie song is more than just a genre; it’s a state of mind, a movement, and a way of life.
These songs often celebrate peace, love, and freedom, rejecting societal norms and embracing individualism.
Musically, they incorporate folk, rock, and psychedelic sound elements to create a unique blend that captures the carefree spirit of the 1960s counterculture.
Lyrically, hippie songs often reflect on nature, spirituality, and social issues such as war and civil rights.
They also tend to feature extended instrumental solos and improvisation, further emphasizing the free-spirited nature of the genre.
What genre is hippie music?
Hippie music, also known as psychedelic rock, is a genre that emerged in the 1960s during the counterculture movement.
It is characterized by its fusion of various musical styles, such as folk, blues, and Indian classical music.
The lyrics often have themes of peace, love, and anti-establishment sentiments. Artists like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin were some of the pioneers of this genre.
Hippie music is known for its experimental and improvisational nature, with artists incorporating extended guitar solos and unconventional instruments like sitars and tables.
Conclusion
We hope that this list of songs about hippies has brought back some fond memories or introduced you to new tunes and artists.
These songs capture the essence of the hippie movement, with their messages of peace, love, and freedom.
They remind us of a time when people came together to celebrate life and embrace counterculture ideas.
And even though the heyday of the hippie era may have passed, these Best Hippie Songs continue to resonate with us today.
