Sunny Goodge Street
Donovan Lyrics


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On the firefly platform on sunny Goodge Street
Violent hash-smoker shook a chocolate machine
Bobbed in an eating scene.

Smashing into neon streets in their stillness
Smearing their eyes on the crazy Kali goddess
Listenin' to sounds of Mingus mellow fantastic.
"My, my", they sigh,
"My, my", they sigh.

In dull house rooms with coloured lights swingin'
Strange music boxes sadly tinklin'
Drink in the sun shining all around you.

"My, my", they sigh,
"My, my", they sigh, mm mm.

"My, my", they sigh,
"My, my", they sigh.

The magician, he sparkles in satin and velvet,
You gaze at his splendour with eyes you've not used yet.
I tell you his name is Love, Love, Love.

"My, my", they sigh,




"My, my", they sigh.
"My, my" - sigh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Donovan's song Sunny Goodge Street describe a scene of carefree and hedonistic life in London's Goodge Street in the 1960s. The reference to a "firefly platform" is likely a reference to a street lamp post, and the "violent hash-smoker" represents the drug culture that was prevalent in London's underground scene at the time. The chocolate machine being shook is likely an allusion to the act of buying drugs from a vending machine. The phrase "bobbed in an eating scene" further reinforces the idea of carelessness and frivolity. The scenery changes to "neon streets" and "crazy Kali goddess", which is an unmistakable allusion to the Indian goddess of destruction, Kali. This is a nod to the Counterculture movement's fascination and exoticism with Eastern culture.


The reference to "Mingus mellow fantastic" in the song is a direct reference to the musician Charles Mingus and his jazz style. It showcases the eclectic musical taste of the people who frequented the Goodge Street scene, which likely consisted of artists, poets, and musicians of all genres. The refrain of the song, "My, my", is a sigh of pleasure and contentment, possibly inspired by the use of drugs, alcohol, or other mind-expanding experiences.


The final verse describes a "magician in satin and velvet" whom the listener sees with "eyes you've not used yet". This is a reference to the opening of the listener's mind and senses to new experiences, ideas, and people. The name of the magician is "Love, Love, Love", which is likely a reference to the counterculture movement's emphasis on and advocacy for love and peace.


Line by Line Meaning

On the firefly platform on sunny Goodge Street
The singer is describing a location on Goodge Street where people gather on a warm evening. The scene is lively and has an element of magic and mystery to it.


Violent hash-smoker shook a chocolate machine
Amidst the crowd of people, there is a person who is consuming drugs and behaving recklessly. They are disruptive and unpredictable, causing chaos wherever they go.


Bobbed in an eating scene.
The person using drugs is completely unfazed by the commotion they are causing, and seem to be in their own world – as if they are part of a movie scene.


Smashing into neon streets in their stillness
The scene on Goodge Street is in sharp contrast to the stillness of the neon streets nearby, which seem almost lifeless in comparison.


Smearing their eyes on the crazy Kali goddess
In this electric atmosphere, people seem entranced by the goddess Kali, known for her frenzied and destructive energy. The reference to 'smearing their eyes' suggests they are hallucinating or perhaps blinded by her power.


Listenin' to sounds of Mingus mellow fantastic.
The music playing in the background is by jazz musician Charles Mingus, known for his complex and innovative melodies. The music seems to perfectly complement the frenetic energy of the scene.


"My, my", they sigh,
The people in the scene are overcome by the intense atmosphere and are sighing with excitement, disbelief or awe.


In dull house rooms with coloured lights swingin'
The scene now shifts to a dull and uneventful location, possibly inside someone's home. Despite the dullness, the colored lights and other decorations lend a festive atmosphere to the room.


Strange music boxes sadly tinklin'
The music playing inside this room is not nearly as exciting as the scene on Goodge Street. It is described as 'strange' and 'sadly tinkling', which suggests it is melancholy and perhaps off-key.


Drink in the sun shining all around you.
Despite the dullness of the location, the artist encourages the listener to appreciate the sunshine and good weather – to find joy in what they can, even if they are in a less-than-ideal place.


"My, my", they sigh,
Again, the people in this location seem overwhelmed by the intense atmosphere, and are sighing with a sense of longing, excitement or even sadness.


"My, my", they sigh, mm mm.
This line is repeated twice, emphasizing the sense of longing and yearning present in both scenes. It suggests that while there is happiness and excitement in these places, there is always a sense that something is missing.


The magician, he sparkles in satin and velvet,
In this final scene, the singer describes another mysterious figure – a magician, who seems to be the source of the magic in the other scenes. He is dressed in opulent clothing, and sparkles and glitters in the light.


You gaze at his splendour with eyes you've not used yet.
The sight of the magician is so dazzling and stunning that the viewer is struck speechless. They are seeing something they have never seen before and are awed by his power and magic.


I tell you his name is Love, Love, Love.
The magician's name is revealed to be Love – perhaps the most powerful force in the universe, capable of creating magic and enchantment wherever it is present. The repetition of 'Love' emphasizes this power, and suggests that it is an all-encompassing force that can transform even the most ordinary scenes into something magical.


"My, my", they sigh,
Finally, the scene ends as it began, with people sighing in wonder and excitement. It suggests that the magic of Love is never far away, and that even in the most ordinary places, it is possible to find wonder and enchantment.




Lyrics Š Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DONOVAN LEITCH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@mommie8581

+hoopaj00

i have hanging on my wall, a depiction of "the magician who sparkles in satin and velvet".....i embroidered the face of donovan from the "troubadour" collection, and built him a sorceror's body with pieces of satin and velvet, and made him sparkle with metallic and pearlized threads.....it's beautiful, if only in my own opinion......

well, not just MY opinion, since i have had to make several copies....

nothing bad will ever happen to you from listening to this song....it's just as beautiful as it feels.....

listen to all of his music.......he's beautiful, definitely one of a kind.....



@elliottswanson9307

In dollhouse rooms
with colored lights swingin'
strange music boxes
sadly tinkling'

--Donovan from the song "Sunny Goodge Street"

In my tiny rented room on Benton Street in Santa Rosa, I had three ancient juke boxes from the 1940s. One had a projector on the top that projected swirling lights on the ceiling. They only played 78rpm records. There was barely enough room left on the floor for my mattress with its paisley bedspread.

So you see, in 1967 I was living inside Donovan's song. 😎



@ElizabeteEnika

On the firefly platform on sunny Goodge Street
Violent ash smokers shook a chocolate machine
Involved in an eating scene
Smashing into neon lights in their stoners
Smearing their eyes on the crazy called goddess
Listening to sounds of Mingus Mellow Fantastic
"My, my, " they sigh
"My, my, " they sigh
In dollhouse rooms with colored lights swinging
Strange music boxes sadly tinkling
Drinking the sun, shining all around you
"My, my, " they sigh
"My, my, " they sigh
The magician, he sparkles in satin and velvet
You gaze at his splendor with eyes you've not used yet
I tell you his name is love, love, love
"My, my, " they sigh
"My, my, " they sigh



All comments from YouTube:

@noelryan8589

I am 70 years old and I still listen to Donovan I think he is very important person. He makes me feel happy so relaxing

@meatgrinder7730

I know this is an old comment but that is so sweet! I am 17 and I also love donovan

@stephensmith799

@@meatgrinder7730 Yes... his observations and imagery is fabulous

@jerryshunk7152

Same age, same thought!

@brandenbauer8942

Did you hear his new song?? Just put it out today!

@Whit-mh9nt

A it's people our age who listen to this sort if thing.. Memories of trips long past..

1 More Replies...

@kirrinisland

Released October 1965, a month before Rubber Soul. Donovan never got the recognition of his amazing talent and his place at the forefront of musical experimentation in the sixties. Sunshine Superman was recorded before Revolver, too.

@KnoxBronson

Total agreement!

@ndogg20

I'll third that comment. Here, here !!

@dougr.2398

Few people know or care about his last name!!

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