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.
Moment Of Truth
Barry McGuire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With no way of knowing, when the
Whee'll stop spinning cause we don't
Know where we're going...
And here we are, on the best day of our lives.
And it's a go, lets make it last, so cheers you
All to that, 'cause this moment's never comin' back
Knew I loved her, 'till the day she laid her
Eyes on me. Now I'm jumpin' up and down,
She's the only one around, and she means
Every little thing to me
I've got your picture in my wallet, and your
Phone number to call it, and I miss you more,
Whenever I think about you. I've got
Your mixed tape in my Walkman, been so
Long since we've been talkin' and in a few
More days, we'll both up, forever and ever
And here I am, on the west coast of
American and I've been tryin' to think for weeks of
All the ways to ask you, And now
I've brought you to the place, Where I've
Poured my heart out, a million times, for a million
Reasons, To offer it to you
I used to know her brother, but I never
Knew I loved her, 'till the day she laid her
Eyes on me. Now I'm jumpin' up and down,
She's the only one around, and she means
Every little thing to me
I've got your picture in my wallet, and your
Phone number to call it, and I miss you more,
Whenever I think about you. I've got
Your mixed tape in my Walkman, been so
Long since we've been talkin' and in a few
More days, we'll both up, forever and ever
I used to know her brother, but I never
Knew I loved her, 'till the day she laid her
Eyes on me. Now I'm jumpin' up and down,
She's the only one around, and she means
Every little thing to me
I've got your picture in my wallet, and your
Phone number to call it, and I miss you more,
Whenever I think about you. I've got
Your mixed tape in my Walkman, been so
Long since we've been talkin' and in a few
More days, we'll both up, forever and ever
The lyrics of "Moment of Truth" by Barry McGuire talks about being in the present moment, fully enjoying it, and cherishing it because it will never come back. The first stanza describes the uncertainty of life and how nobody knows where they're going, despite being in the best years of their lives. The second stanza talks about the realization of love, how it can happen unexpectedly, and how it can change one's life completely. The last stanza seems to be a proposal of some sort, where the singer brought their loved one to a place where they have poured their heart out many times before.
Line by Line Meaning
Here we are, in the best years of our lives.
We are currently in the prime of our existence and should make the most of it.
With no way of knowing, when the Wheel'll stop spinning cause we don't Know where we're going...
We are unsure of our future and have no control over what may happen.
And here we are, on the best day of our lives.
This day is significant and one that we will always cherish.
And it's a go, lets make it last, so cheers you All to that, 'cause this moment's never comin' back
Let's enjoy this moment and make it last because it will not occur again.
I used to know her brother, but I never Knew I loved her, 'till the day she laid her Eyes on me.
I was familiar with her brother but it was not until she showed an interest in me that I realized my feelings for her.
Now I'm jumpin' up and down, She's the only one around, and she means Every little thing to me
I am ecstatic to be with her because she is special and important to me.
I've got your picture in my wallet, and your Phone number to call it, and I miss you more, Whenever I think about you.
I treasure her photo and phone number, and I feel a sense of longing whenever I think about her.
I've got Your mixed tape in my Walkman, been so Long since we've been talkin' and in a few More days, we'll both up, forever and ever
I still have the mixtape she gave me and it has been a while since we last spoke, but soon we will be reunited and that bond will be eternal.
And here I am, on the west coast of American and I've been tryin' to think for weeks of All the ways to ask you, And now I've brought you to the place, Where I've Poured my heart out, a million times, for a million Reasons, To offer it to you
I have been contemplating for weeks on how to express my deep emotions for her, and I have chosen this special location to express my love to her.
Contributed by Reagan A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Greg Coleman
I gave my life to Jesus in January 1980 in a jail cell in Ventura County Jail, CA. I ended up doing almost 20 years in prison, but I followed Jesus all those days, and still do today 19 years being after being released. I first heard this tape in prison, as well as To The Bride. Love them both. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Saviour and has come in the flesh. All glory to You, Lord Jesus! :)
Ken Shiloh
Those who are in Christ Jesus are free indeed! What a great trophy of Christ you are. Thanks bro!
4y6857
Greg,
I am so blessed to read your testimony. By God’s Grace, my life took a very different path than yours, but...
There is no “but”. Whether in a jail cell in Ventura, CA or a barracks room at Castle AFB near Merced, CA, God has showered His Grace on us. Be blessed, brother.
Евген Гурж
Greetings from Kazakhstan! Glory to Christ for your salvation and your loyalty to the Lord
Gma Pati
I have known "about" Jesus since I was a young child, I even taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, but I did not know his love and did not accept him as my Savior until 12 years ago. Thank you Lord God in Jesus name, Amen!!
Jean Michel Pick
hello from France...........wishing you the best for 2023
Will McDonald
Barry's live albums are the best because the stories and analogies were the best part of the concert.
john p
Love Barry's music 🎶
The Worlds Worst Wrestler
Thanks for uploading this, This is one of my all time favorites....
Stephen Dobbins
Great Album. I used to have a copy I made from an LP many years ago. I lost the copy somehow and never thought I'd ever be able to listen to this album again until I came across your upload. Thanks! This a classic treasure. Any time I can find classic Christian albums is wonderful! I was born in the 70's and throughout the 80's my dad would go to the local Christian bookstore and buy the latest contemporary Christian album on l.p. So I was exposed to Barry McGuire and many other Christian Artists. It's so great to hear this album again.