They are best-known during the late 1960s and early 1970s for popularizing the hits "Up, Up and Away", "Wedding Bell Blues", "Stoned Soul Picnic", "One Less Bell to Answer", "(Last Night) I Didn't Get to Sleep at All", and "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In", as well as the eponymous 5th Dimension and The Magic Garden LP recordings.
The five original members were Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue, Marilyn McCoo, Lamonte McLemore, and Ron Townson. They have recorded for several different labels over their long careers. Their first work appeared on the Soul City label, which was started by Imperial Records/United Artists Records recording artist Johnny Rivers. The group would later record for Bell/Arista Records, ABC Records, and Motown Records.
Some of the songwriters popularized by The 5th Dimension later went on to careers of their own, especially Ashford & Simpson, who wrote "California Soul". The group is also notable for having more success with the songs of Laura Nyro than Nyro did herself, particularly in the cases of "Wedding Bell Blues", "Stoned Soul Picnic", and "Save the Country" The group also covered music by well known songwriters such as the song "One Less Bell to Answer", written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. And perhaps best of all, they became great interpreters of the songs and music of Jimmy Webb, who penned their original mega-hit "Up, Up, and Away", including an entire recording of memorable Webb songs called The Magic Garden.
Let The Sunshine In
The 5th Dimension Lyrics
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And Jupiter aligns with Mars
Then peace will guide the planets
And love will steer the stars
This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius
Age of Aquarius
Aquarius
Aquarius
Harmony and understanding
Sympathy and trust abounding
No more falsehoods or derisions
Golden living dreams of visions
Mystic crystal revelation
And the mind's true liberation, Aquarius
Aquarius
When the moon (when the moon) is in the Seventh House
And Jupiter (Jupiter) aligns with Mars
Then peace will guide the planets
And love will steer the stars
This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius
Age of Aquarius
Aquarius
Aquarius
Aquarius
Aquarius
Let the sunshine, let the sun shine in
The sun shine in
Let the sunshine, let the sun shine in
The sun shine in
Let the sunshine, let the sun shine in (oh, let it shine)
(Come on) the sun shine in (now everybody just sing along)
Let the sunshine (and let the sun shine on in), let the sun shine in
(Open up your heart) the sun shine in (and let it shine on you)
(And when you lonely) let the sunshine (hey, let it shine), let the sun shine in
(You gotta open up your heart) the sun shine in (and let it shine on in)
(And when you feel like you been mistreated)
Let the sunshine, let the sun shine in (and your friends turn their backs upon ya)
(Just open up your heart) the sun shine in (let it shine on in)
(You got to feel it) let the sunshine (you got to feel it), let the sun shine in
(Oh, open up your heart) the sun shine in (and let it shine on in)
(Now, let me tell you one thing)
Let the sunshine, let the sun shine in (I want you to sing along with the 5th dimension)
(Hey, and open up your heart) the sun shine in (oh c'mon)
Let the sunshine (and let it shine), let the sun shine in
(Glory day) the sun shine in
(Hey, you got to feel it) let the sunshine (you got to feel it), let the sun shine in
(When you open up your heart) the sun shine in (you got to let the sun come on in)
(Now I say, in the morning) let the sunshine, (late in the evening), let the sun shine in
(Open up your heart) the sun shine in
(Hey, when you're feeling low) let the sunshine
The lyrics of The 5th Dimension's "Let The Sunshine In" reflect the idea that peace and love will spread throughout the world when Jupiter aligns with Mars and the moon is in the Seventh House, marking the dawning of the Age of Aquarius. This millennium is characterized by harmony, unity, mutual trust, and a heightened sense of consciousness. The song also emphasizes that the Age of Aquarius will bring about an end to deception and ridicule, and people will be capable of living out their dreams and idealistic visions. The Age of Aquarius will be marked by an awakening, a spiritual revolution where people will have the opportunity to pursue their own mystical truths and achieve true liberation of their minds.
The chorus "Let the sunshine in" speaks to the idea that people can and should let positive energies and light into their lives. The song encourages people to open their hearts and allow the sun to shine in, no matter their current circumstances. The lyrics suggest that by doing so, people can feel better, experience change, and help bring about a better world.
Overall, the song conveys a powerful message of hope for a better future and encourages people to be open-minded and embrace positive change. It encourages people to let go of their past grievances and embrace the light that the new age is bringing.
Line by Line Meaning
When the moon is in the Seventh House
The alignment of celestial bodies is significant for peace and love
And Jupiter aligns with Mars
The specific alignment involving Jupiter and Mars is important
Then peace will guide the planets
The alignment will result in planetary peace
And love will steer the stars
The alignment will cause the stars to move through love
This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius
This moment represents the beginning of a new era
Harmony and understanding
The era will be characterized by these attributes
Sympathy and trust abounding
These qualities will be abundant
No more falsehoods or derisions
Dishonesty and mockery will cease to exist
Golden living dreams of visions
The dreams and visions of a thriving future are realizable
Mystic crystal revelation
There will be spiritual awakening and understanding
And the mind's true liberation, Aquarius
The Age of Aquarius brings freedom of thought and expression
Let the sunshine, let the sun shine in
Invite positivity and happiness
The sun shine in
Allow positive things to come to you
(oh, let it shine)
Emphasize the importance of the sun shining in
(Come on) the sun shine in (now everybody just sing along)
Invitation to all to join in the positive vibes
(Open up your heart) the sun shine in (and let it shine on you)
Open your heart to receive the positivity
(And when you lonely) let the sunshine (hey, let it shine), let the sun shine in
Even in loneliness, invite positivity
(You gotta open up your heart) the sun shine in (and let it shine on in)
Positivity requires an open heart
(And when you feel like you been mistreated)
Even in situations of mistreatment
Let the sunshine, let the sun shine in (and your friends turn their backs upon ya)
Positivity should be invited even in the face of friends betraying you
(Just open up your heart) the sun shine in (let it shine on in)
An open heart invites positivity
(You got to feel it) let the sunshine (you got to feel it), let the sun shine in
Positivity is a feeling that requires allowing in
(Oh, open up your heart) the sun shine in (and let it shine on in)
Invite positivity with an open heart
(Now, let me tell you one thing)
An emphasis is about to be made
(I want you to sing along with the 5th dimension)
Encouragement to join in the positive vibe
(Hey, and open up your heart) the sun shine in (oh c'mon)
An emphasis on opening the heart to allow in positivity
(Glory day) the sun shine in
An expression of excitement for the positivity
(When you open up your heart) the sun shine in (you got to let the sun come on in)
Opening your heart allows positivity to come in
(Now I say, in the morning) let the sunshine, (late in the evening), let the sun shine in
Positivity should be invited at all times
(Hey, when you're feeling low) let the sunshine
Positivity should be invited even in low moments
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Gerome Ragni, James Rado, Galt MacDermot
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind