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.
Welcome Back Kotter 1976
John Sebastian Lyrics
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Welcome back, to that same old place that you laughed about
Well the names have all changed since you hung around
But those dreams have remained and they've turned around
Who'd have thought they'd lead ya
(who'd have thought they'd lead ya)
Back here where we need ya
(back here where we need ya)
Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back, welcome back
Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back
We always could spot a friend, welcome back
And I smile when I think how you must have been
And I know what a scene you were learning in
Was there something that made you come back again
And what could ever lead ya
(what could ever lead ya)
Back here where we need ya
(back here where we need ya)
Yeah we tease him a lot cause we got him on the spot
Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back, welcome back
Welcome back, welcome back
And I know what a scene you were learning in
Was there something that made you come back again
And what could ever lead ya
(what could ever lead ya)
Back here where we need ya
(back here where we need ya)
Yeah we tease him a lot cause we got him on the spot
Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back, welcome back
Welcome back, welcome back
Yeah we tease him a lot, welcome back, welcome back
Cause we got him on the spot, welcome back, welcome back
Yeah we tease him a lot cause we got him on the spot
Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back, welcome back
Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back
Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back
The song "Welcome Back" by John Sebastian is the theme song for the TV show "Welcome Back, Kotter." The song welcomes back someone who had traveled away and is now returning to the same old place that they had laughed about previously. The names have changed, but the dreams of the person have remained the same, and those dreams have led them back to the place where they are needed. The singer of the song wonders why the person came back, and what made them return after all that time away. The song implies that the person who has returned was a close friend, and the people around them are teasing them because they are happy to have them back.
The narrative of the song is simple and straightforward, but it manages to convey a sense of love and support for the person who has returned. The song speaks of the value of friendship and connection with people, and the importance of returning to the familiar. The tone of the song is nostalgic, and it is reflective of the 1970s where the show was set. The song has become an iconic tune that is often used to represent the 1970s and the nostalgic feeling of that era.
Line by Line Meaning
Welcome back, your dreams were your ticket out
We're glad you're back, and it's great to see that the dreams you had when you left are what have propelled you forward.
Welcome back, to that same old place that you laughed about
It's funny how things come full circle, because now you're back at the place you joked about before you left.
Well the names have all changed since you hung around
A lot has happened since you were last here, and there are new faces and names to learn.
But those dreams have remained and they've turned around
Even though things have changed, those same dreams that brought you here before have had a positive impact on your life.
Who'd have thought they'd lead ya (who'd have thought they'd lead ya)
It's surprising that your dreams have led you back here, but it's an unexpected yet welcome outcome.
Back here where we need ya (back here where we need ya)
We're happy to have you back because there's a need for someone like you here.
Yeah we tease him a lot cause we got him on the spot
We're only teasing you because we're glad you're here and we want to make you feel included.
We always could spot a friend, welcome back
We have a strong bond, and we're happy to see you again because we've always considered you a friend.
And I smile when I think how you must have been
Your presence here brings a smile to my face as I think about the way you used to be.
Was there something that made you come back again
I'm curious to know what brought you back here again after all this time.
And what could ever lead ya (what could ever lead ya)
I'm wondering what it was that motivated you to come back to this place after so long.
Yeah we tease him a lot cause we got him on the spot
Again, we're only teasing you because we like you and want to make you feel welcome.
Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back, welcome back
We're really happy that you're back and want to make sure you know that.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PATRICK GIRARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind