What is the message of this song? What do you think they meant by "get together"? What was the songwriter's goals in writing the song—getting everyone to think alike?
Point out some of the metaphors and symbols in this song. Love is "a song we sing"; "mountains ring"; "angels cry;" "moment's sunlight." What do each of them mean? Together what do they mean? We are only here a short time, but we make a difference; we need to work with each other while we are here, etc.
What were the songwriter and performers really trying to get people to do? What would make them feel that their song had met their goals and made a difference?
Why did the 1960s and 70s inspire so many songs about unity and brotherhood? What issues were dividing people? How would it help to "get together"? Was it naive to think that love could solve these problems?
What songs in recent years have the same theme? Are people "loving one another" or "getting together" more or less than they were in the 1960s?
What does it mean to be "idealistic"? Why do we need idealism? Why do we need realism? How can they work together? What are the dangers of being too idealistic or too realistic?
Originally formed in Boston, the Youngbloods achieved popularity with audiences in New York with their mixture of folk, rock, and pop styles. Initially a regional hit in California, "Get Together" became known in 1969 after being used on a TV public service ad for brotherhood.
Rights have not been secured to reprint the words for this song. For the lyrics please consult this online source:
Dino Valenti (1943–94) was born Chester Powers in New York City. He performed in Greenwich Village in the early 1960s, then moved to Los Angeles and San Francisco. Arrested in 1964 on a drug charge and needing cash, Valenti sold the rights for this song and others to his manager. The song was subsequently recorded by the Youngbloods, led by Jesse Colin Young, and taken to the pop charts.
Research slogans from the 1960s. What idealistic messages do we need for the twenty-first century? Make bumper stickers (typical 1960s art forms) with your slogans.
Research slogans from the 1960s. What idealistic messages do we need for the twenty-first century? Make bumper stickers (typical 1960s art forms) with your slogans.