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.
Magical Connection
John Sebastian Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Paralel direction in between the lines
Just two kids that made it, never knowing why
Chances are created underneath your mind
On a windy street or a subway seat it's like sunshine
When two people meet and speechlessly
are spaced right out of time
Mercy me, it's so far out
And with rach new person is a new first time
Strangers on a train, fate arranged a meeting
Somewhere two spots of rain, two umbrellas beating
Magical connection, genuine affection
Paralel direction in between the lines
Why, why try to be otherwise
Why, why try to be otherwise
Why
The lyrics of "Magical Connection" by John Sebastian tell the story of two people who have a connection that defies explanation. They have a genuine affection for each other and are moving in parallel directions, even though they may not fully understand why. The song describes the feeling of meeting someone who seems to be meant for you, even if you don't know how or why.
The lyrics make reference to chance and fate, suggesting that these two people were brought together by some larger force beyond their control. The song also speaks to the power of first meetings, when two people are so immediately drawn to each other that time seems to slow down and the rest of the world fades away. The lyrics suggest that each new person brings with them a new chance at this magical connection.
Overall, "Magical Connection" is a song about the power and mystery of human connection. It celebrates the moments when two people seem to be made for each other, even if they don't quite understand how or why.
Line by Line Meaning
Magical connection, genuine affection
A connection between two people that is special and true
Parallel direction in between the lines
A connection that is not always visible, but present beneath the surface
Just two kids that made it, never knowing why
A fortunate occurrence where two people connect without fully understanding why it worked
Chances are created underneath your mind
Opportunities arise without conscious awareness, through the subconscious mind
On a windy street or a subway seat it's like sunshine
Regardless of the setting, a magical connection can bring warmth and light
When two people meet and speechlessly are spaced right out of time
A connection that transcends time and space and leaves both parties at a loss for words
And it's what they've dreamed about, Mercy me, it's so far out
An experience that is both surreal and highly sought after
And with each new person is a new first time
Every connection is unique and holds the potential for something special
Strangers on a train, fate arranged a meeting
Destiny brought two unlikely people together in an unexpected way
Somewhere two spots of rain, two umbrellas beating
Even in the midst of rain, there can be a magical connection between two people
Why, why try to be otherwise
There is no need to pretend or put up a front when experiencing a deep and true connection
Why, why try to be otherwise
Embrace the magic and beauty that comes with a genuine connection
Why
The ultimate question, why deny yourself the opportunity for love and connection?
Writer(s): John Sebastian Copyright: Alley Music Corp., Faithful Virtue Music Co. Inc.
Contributed by Sebastian C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.