For the month of January, I’m selecting some of the most memorable and influential songs of the 60’s. While they all hail from the same decade, these are some of my favorite songs of any era. They remind me that the 60’s were so much more than just Woodstock and psychedelic rock. It was a flourishing period for blues, folk, progressive and straight-ahead rock. #31DaysOf60sSongs
On the last day of #31DaysOf60sSongs, I’m reminded of how many great genres, movements, bands, recordings and songs came to fruition during this decade. Arguably it was the single greatest decade of music ever in the modern era. There are songs that exemplify the era. Songs that paved the way to new expressions and genres. And then there are a small handful of songs that helped define the era itself. One of those songs is the iconic “For What It’s Worth”, as monumental as the band lineup itself.
“For What It’s Worth” is a protest song. A countercultural anthem. It is the quintessential 60’s tune. The melody and instrumentation are instantly recognizable from the opening guitar harmonics that quietly appear to the sing-songy chorus. That’s not all though. it has risen above its era to take on a life of its own. “For What It’s Worth” is now part of pop culture – from the Forrest Gump soundtrack to an episode of The Muppets to a sample on a Public Enemy song.
“Paranoia strikes deep. Into your life it will creep. It starts when you're always afraid. Step out of line, the man come and take you away.”