Early in their recording and airwave career, Lovin' Spoonful members termed their approach "good-time music". Unlike many pop groups of the day, the Lovin' Spoonful played all the instruments on their records, and aside from a few covers, wrote all their own material.
His group The Lovin' Spoonful played a major role in the mid-'60s rock revolution, but what leader, singer and songwriter Sebastian had in mind was actually a counter-revolution. "We were grateful to the Beatles for reminding us our rock & roll roots," John explains, "but we wanted to cut out the English middlemen, so to speak, and get down to making this new music as an 'American' band."
This the Lovin' Spoonful did like nobody before or since, putting their first seven singles into the Top 10. This was unprecedented, and utterly unthinkable at the height of Beatlemania. At first they'd taken older material from blues, country, folk and jug band sources - what we now term "roots music" - and made it sound modern. Then, in a series of original songs composed and sung by John Sebastian, they did the reverse, creating thoroughly modern music that sounded like it contained the entire history of American music. Which it did.
He embarked on a moderately successful solo career after leaving the Lovin' Spoonful in 1968. Sebastian was popular among the rock festival circuits. He had a memorable, albeit unscheduled appearance at Woodstock, appearing after Country Joe McDonald's set, playing songs such as "I Had A Dream," "Rainbows All Over Your Blues" and "Younger Generation" which he dedicated to a newborn baby at the festival. Documentary remarks by festival organizers revealed that Sebastian was under the influence at the time, hence his spontaneity and casual, unplanned set. Sebastian also returned for Woodstock '94, playing harmonica for Crosby, Stills and Nash. Sebastian released his eponymous LP John B. Sebastian in 1970, which featured him accompanied by various L.A. musicians.
Sebastian played harmonica with The Doors on the song Roadhouse Blues under the pseudonym G. Puglese to avoid problems with his contract, which was featured on Morrison Hotel album, also played on "Little Red Rooster" on the live album Alive, She Cried and on seven songs on Live In Detroit. He is also credited with playing harmonica on Crosby Stills Nash & Young's "Déjà Vu" from the album of the same name.
He had been involved in music for films (most notably Francis Ford Coppola's "You're A Big Boy Now" and Woody Allen's "What's Up Tiger Lily") and Broadway, but when producers of a TV show called "Welcome Back Kotter" commissioned a theme song in 1976, Sebastian's "Welcome Back" became a chart-topping solo record.
Thankfully John's induction into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 hasn't slowed him down. Whether the stage is at Carnegie Hall or a folk festival in some far-flung locale, John is still out there spreading his gospel of American roots music. He is the subject of the current PBS special "Do You Believe In Magic: The Music of John Sebastian," and a new album of duets with David Grisman was released in 2007. He has also lent his music in support of social, environmental and animal rights causes. Recently he joined a delegation of songwriters (including Lamont Dozier, Allen and Marilyn Bergman, and Mike Stoller) in Washington, DC to campaign on behalf of the National Music Publisher's Association.
Perhaps because it has been the product of heart and soul and history, the oldest song in the Sebastian catalog is as fresh and vital as the song he's about to write tomorrow. That's why you still hear his music everywhere - in movies, on television, in cover versions and samples - and why it's always welcome. John is also a welcome media presence; his commentary, insights and anecdotes and stories are regularly featured in print, radio, TV and film documentary projects. John Sebastian is not only a master musician, writer and performer, he remains one of the best ambassadors American music has ever had.
Darlin' Companion
John Sebastian Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Come on and give me understandin'
And let me be your champion
The hand to hold your pretty handin'
Darlin' Companion
Now you know you'll never be abandoned
Love will always light our landin'
I can depend on you
Darlin' Companion
Heaven knows where we'll be landin'
Just as long as we keep laughin'
Keep in mind just what's worth havin'
Darlin' Companion
I'll tell the mountains and the canyons
As long as I got legs to stand on
I'm gonna run to you
a flossy mare like you should have a steed
a little bridlin'down with me is what you need
Darlin' Companion
Come on and give me understandin'
And let me be your champion
The hand to hold your pretty handin'
Darlin' Companion
Now you know you'll never be abandoned
Love will always light our landin'
I can depend on you
The lyrics of John Sebastian's song Darlin' Companion speak of a strong and loving relationship between two people. The singer asks his lover to give him a deeper understanding of their connection and to allow him to be her champion. He promises to hold her hand and assure her that she will never be abandoned, and that love will always light their way. Despite the uncertain future that may lie ahead, the singer encourages his companion to keep laughing and to remember what is truly worth having in life. He declares his love for her and promises to be there for her, even if it means running to her side.
The overall theme of the song is that of an unbreakable bond between two people, characterized by mutual trust, support, and love. The singer's words convey a sense of devotion, reassurance, and unwavering commitment to his companion. The imagery of mountains, canyons, and horses suggests a wild and adventurous spirit, as well as a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors. The repeated phrase "Darlin' Companion" serves as a term of endearment and emphasizes the importance of the relationship to the singer.
Line by Line Meaning
Darlin' Companion
Addressing the beloved and expressing affection
Come on and give me understandin'
Asking for emotional connection and empathy
And let me be your champion
Offering to be protective and supportive
The hand to hold your pretty handin'
Being physically affectionate and holding hands
Darlin' Companion
Repeating the affectionate address to emphasize it
Now you know you'll never be abandoned
Assuring the beloved of loyalty and commitment
Love will always light our landin'
Suggesting that love will guide and illuminate their lives together
I can depend on you
Expressing trust and reliance on the beloved
Darlin' Companion
Repeating the affectionate address to emphasize it
Heaven knows where we'll be landin'
Acknowledging the uncertainty of the future
Just as long as we keep laughin'
Emphasizing the importance of joy and humor in their relationship
Keep in mind just what's worth havin'
Suggesting that they should prioritize what truly matters in life
Darlin' Companion
Repeating the affectionate address to emphasize it
I'll tell the mountains and the canyons
Expressing the depth of love and the desire to proclaim it widely
As long as I got legs to stand on
Expressing perseverance and determination to reach the beloved
I'm gonna run to you
Persistence in pursuing the beloved
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN SEBASTIAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Golden.Lights.Twinkle
Simple but brilliant John Sebastian composition. Cass and John are both supreme professionals and this duet is pure magic. They have great chemistry.
Bladerunner
Simple songs sell the most and the hardest to write successfully
Elmo Bolan
U can tell in this video he admired her so, as did so many other musicians...
Michael Fischer
Cass Elliot and John Sebastian -- two phenomenally talented musical artists
Anthony Seaman
She was truly one of a kind, never repeated.
fshoaps
Certainly in size.
tjfSIM
@fshoaps Unnecessary.
Ronin 46
John has such a distinctive style and voice. He came up with many adaptations to acoustic flat top guitars, he was always experimenting with stuff. Momma Cass was such a great star, and we lost her way too sone.
debussy10
They should have done an album together- their voices blend together perfectly!
Andy Mathewson
Completely agree! This is one of the most charming duets I've ever watched.