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Hurdy Gurdy Man
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I've know this song for a long time. However, I've never liked the tremolo drenched vocals nor the rather harsh sounding electric guitar solos of the original. So, this version is mainly an acoustic guitar based arrangement.
whimsical psychedelia
Artist picture
Pop/Rock, Psychedelic, Ambient, Rhythm & Blues and beyond.
Major Snagg is the invented name of the 'band' that perform all my own musical creations. (songs and instrumentals). I play guitars, bass, rudimentary keyboards, harmonica, and sing. Melody has always been important to me... lyrics and guitar solos have to say or communicate something. I create musical worlds that I hope that you dear listener, will also want to explore and live in for a few moments...or longer if you feel that way inclined.
Song Info
Genre
Acoustic • Acoustic Vocals
Charts
Peak #11
Peak in subgenre #1
Author
Donovan Leitch
Rights
original song writer
Uploaded
September 09, 2022
Track Files
MP3
MP3 12.1 MB • 320 kbps • 5:18
Lossless
WAV 53.5 MB
Story behind the song
In 1968 Donovan, The Beatles and a coterie of others went to Rishikesh in India to study transcendental meditation with the often giggling Maharishi Yogi. We may pour scorn on this today...mocking the naivety of such a thing. But it happened. The world is a very different place today. Apparently, Ringo came home early, declaring to to the waiting world press... (quote) "I didn't like the spicy food...and it was a bit like Butlins".
Lyrics
Hurdy Gurdy Man by Donovan (1968) ... arranged in 2022 by David A Briggs 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 'twas 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, Ahhhh ... Histories of ages past, unenlightened shadows cast. Down through all eternity, the crying of humanity. 'twas then when the hurdy gurdy man came singing songs of love 'twas then when the hurdy gurdy man came singing songs of love 'twas 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, Ahhhh ... ( a verse written by George Harrision) When the truth gets buried deep, beneath a thousand years of sleep. Time demands a turn-around and once again the truth is found. 'twas then when the hurdy gurdy man came singing songs of love 'twas then when the hurdy gurdy man came singing songs of love. Love ... Oooh ... Ahhh. ... ... sexy Sadie, you're the one ... sexy Sadie, you're The One. ...you tell us you're the Cosmic One. ...sexy Sadie, you're the one. songs of Love ... songs of Love ... songs of Love
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Comments 9
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GeeS1
Sep 10
yeah, great Donovan cover David, so well done - love it mate! Your vocals are just so good, great work and you totally nail these sixties songs (you'd smash sunshine superman for a six!) and yes, with Steve below that only Ringo could say what he said about Indian food and Butlins, lol haha! love the sexy sadie nod in there! what a time they all must of had! Excellent cover, great guitar as usual!
jameydarnold
Dec 31, 2023
My first. listening experience with distorted guitar way back when. Now my first without and love it both ways! great listen. J.D.
MichaelDuran
Sep 12, 2022
Nice aura to this mix David, very smooth and easy on the ears.
Bob Forbes
Sep 11, 2022
Great 60s Rock ballad vibe David! Especially liked the vocals with harmonies and counterpoint - just an excellent arrangement filled with originality. Bravo!
Ridiculousdream
Sep 10, 2022
One of my fav classics! The Major done right by this one. Some great energy here.
AlexisPatrick
Sep 10, 2022
So beautiful..... Great guitar playing and your vocals are magnificent. I like your version much better than the 60's recording.....Well done, David.
steveweyman
Sep 10, 2022
Agree with Rodz much prefer your version ! excellent guitar and vocals and production spopt on ! very psychedelically polished ! love the Butlins quote from Ringo !
rodrica
Sep 10, 2022
I think this is how it should have been recorded back in the 60's - I agree with you, the production on the original seemed a bit over the top. This is a more gentle psychedelic trip. Excellent guitar work, fantastic vibe and great production/arrangement. LOL...and I love that comment by Ringo in the write up!! :))
KeithMitchell
Sep 10, 2022
This is sounding great David. To me one of your very best covers. Will check out the original. What you've done is superb. Fantastic sound quality. Excellent mix...definitely worth the wait. 5 stars!!!