Donovan came to fame in the United Kingdom in early 1965 with a series of live performances on the television pop series, Ready Steady Go!. He first hit the charts in 1965 with his single "Catch the Wind", continuing on with a string of hits, most of them produced by Mickie Most. Donovan's 1966 Sunshine Superman marked not only a transition to the burgeoning psychedelic scene, but is also viewed as a formative album in its genre, inspiring countless contemporaries. His 1967 double album A Gift from a Flower to a Garden—the first major album released as a boxed set—completed the transition from beat poet folkster to hippie troubadour.
As a close friend of The Beatles, he traveled with them to India during their stay at the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and taught them the "clawhammer" finger-picking style, which is featured on several tracks on their seminal 1968 double album The Beatles, better known as "The White Album."
The decline of Donovan's commercial popularity coincides roughly with his split from Most in 1969, as well as gradually lessened interest in psychedelics by artists and the record-buying public alike. With the advent of punk rock during the mid-'70s, Donovan, now viewed as a "nice boy" '60s relic, truly fell from favor. Music critics' tastes too had changed; Donovan's new product, while still quirky and experimental, earned little but scorn and derision. As the decades progressed, Donovan would record and perform only sporadically, often separated by several years.
Donovan's career went through a revival of sorts with the emergence of Britain's rave scene in the '90s. As a result, his most famous works were reissued, and once again viewed favorably by critics. With the release of the back-to-basics Rick Rubin-produced Sutras in 1996, Donovan's career settled into a comparatively steady stream of new releases, coupled with archival material and various reissues. He was inducted into the Rock and Hall of Fame in 2012.
Oh Gosh
Donovan Lyrics
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And the flowers in your hair
You may while away the pleasant hours
To think upon all that is fair
Think about it you'll agree
Many miracles you'll see
Miracles you'll seee ee
You'll see ee ee, see ee ee, ee
And the poems on your tongue
You may chance to see me on your telly
Giving love to the newborn one
To look upon and to touch
Oh gosh life is really too much
Life is really too much
You'll seee ee ee, seee ee ee, ee
The lyrics to Donovan's song Oh Gosh describe a whimsical and joyful existence, complete with a colorful coat and flowers in one's hair. The song suggests that by taking time to appreciate the beauty in the world and reflect on what is fair, one can witness many miracles. The mention of a "baby in your belly" and "poems on your tongue" hint at new life and creativity, while the idea of seeing oneself on television giving love to a newborn further emphasizes the joy and wonder of the human experience. The repetition of the phrase "life is really too much" is an acknowledgement of the overwhelming nature of existence, but also suggests that this overwhelming feeling is not necessarily negative, but instead a testament to the depth and richness of life.
Overall, the lyrics to Oh Gosh convey a sense of whimsy, wonder, and joy in the face of the complexity of life. The song encourages listeners to appreciate the beauty around them and to be open to the miracles that can come from such appreciation.
Line by Line Meaning
With your coat of many colours
Wearing colorful attire,
And the flowers in your hair
Adorned with flowers on your head,
You may while away the pleasant hours
You can enjoy your time leisurely,
To think upon all that is fair
Contemplating the beauty of the world,
Think about it you'll agree
Reflecting on the notion that everything is connected,
Many miracles you'll see
There are many wonders to observe,
Miracles you'll seee ee
There are infinite miracles to see,
You'll see ee ee, see ee ee, ee
There are countless experiences of wonder,
With the baby in your belly
While carrying a child in your womb,
And the poems on your tongue
With poetry ready to be spoken,
You may chance to see me on your telly
It's possible you'll see me on your TV,
Giving love to the newborn one
Sending love to the newly born baby,
To look upon and to touch
To be admired and felt,
Oh gosh life is really too much
Life can be overwhelming at times,
Life is really too much
There are too many things happening at once,
You'll seee ee ee, seee ee ee, ee
There is always something to be amazed by,
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DONOVAN LEITCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind