As a folk-rock solo singer in the 1960s, McGuire is best known for his hits "Eve of Destruction" and "Sins of the Family", both written by P.F. Sloan, as were his other chart successes, "Child of Our Times" and "Cloudy Summer Afternoon (Raindrops)." The latter two were co-written by Steve Barri.
McGuire's LP, The Eve of Destruction reached its peak of #37 on the Billboard album chart during the week ending 1965 September 25. That same day the single of that name went to #1 on both charts. McGuire was never again to break into the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100.
The album This Precious Time was released in 1966, his second with Dunhill Records. It includes a version of California Dreamin' with The Mamas and the Papas singing backing vocals.
McGuire appeared in the 1967 movie The President's Analyst with James Coburn and in Werewolves on Wheels in 1971. He also starred for a year in the Broadway musical Hair.
McGuire became a born-again Christian in 1971. In 1973, he joined the Myrrh label and released the album Seeds. This album is also notable for the backing vocals provided by the family trio that would become known as the 2nd Chapter of Acts. In 1974, McGuire released his second Contemporary Christian album Lighten Up, which included a remake of "Eve of Destruction". He toured with 2nd Chapter of Acts and "a band called David" and in 1975 this collaborative effort resulted in the live double album To the Bride.
In 1976, he left Myrrh, joining former Myrrh executive Billy Ray Hearn's new label Sparrow Records. He recorded seven albums on Sparrow, the best known of which is Cosmic Cowboy, released in 1978. That year he also released a top-selling children's album Bullfrogs and Butterflies for Sparrow's subsidiary label Birdwing.
I WONDER
Barry McGuire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I wonder why the stars glow
I wonder when I'm with you
I just see so far
Then you're gone, but still in my heart
Where do you go
I want to know
I just want to see
More of you, and less of me
The lyrics to Barry McGuire's song "I Wonder" reflect the singer's musings about the mysteries of life and love. The first verse begins with the singer expressing his wonder about where the wind goes and why the stars glow. These are transient, fleeting things that are constantly changing and evolving, much like the nature of life itself. When he's with the person he loves, however, he sees farther into the distance and his vision of the world expands.
The second verse contains a lament about the pain of separation. While the singer's loved one may be gone physically, they still remain in his heart, and he wonders where they go when they're not with him. He longs to know more about them and to understand their mysteries. At the same time, he acknowledges that he sees more clearly when he's with them, and that his love for them fills him with a sense of wonder and desire.
Overall, Barry McGuire's lyrics to "I Wonder" capture the ineffable qualities of love and the mysteries of the world around us. His questioning and longing convey a sense of yearning for deeper understanding and connection with the objects of his fascination.
Line by Line Meaning
I wonder where the wind goes
I am curious about the direction and destination of the wind, which makes me contemplate the mysteries of nature.
I wonder why the stars glow
The shining of the stars captures my imagination, and I'm curious to know the purpose and reason behind it.
I wonder when I'm with you
Being in your company leaves me curious about the deeper meaning, purpose, and impact that your presence has on me.
I just see so far
My vision and perspective are vast and far-reaching, which allows me to see beyond the surface level and into the deeper aspects of life.
Then you're gone, but still in my heart
Although you are no longer physically present, I still hold the love and memories of you in my heart.
Where do you go
I am filled with curiosity and wonder about where you go, what you do, and how you spend your time when you're not with me.
I want to know
My desire to understand and know more about you is strong and persistent, as you intrigue and captivate my heart and mind.
I feel your love, oh
I experience and sense the depth, warmth, and power of your affection for me, which fills me with comfort and joy.
I just want to see
My longing to explore and understand the complexities of life is met by my desire to look upon your beauty and greatness with awe and wonder.
More of you, and less of me
I yearn to cultivate humility and selflessness, as I seek to prioritize and focus on you rather than myself in our relationship.
Contributed by Brayden S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.