The band originally consisted of Ed King (lead guitar), Mark Weitz (keyboards), Lee Freeman (rhythm guitar), Gary Lovetro (bass), and Randy Seol (drums). On their first and most famous single, Incense and Peppermints, lead vocals were sung by Greg Munford, a 16-year-old friend of the band.
Strawberry Alarm Clock's song reached #1 on the Billboard pop singles chart in late 1967, and it has since been included in many mutli-artist collections and also appeared in many films as an iconic tune of the swinging sixties. After that success, the band added George Bunnell (bass and rhythm guitar) before making their first LP in 1967, also titled Incense and Peppermints. Bunnell would also become their main songwriter.
Membership changes were many. which sadly foretold the band's falling fortunes. Gary Lovetro left the band before their second album, Wake Up It's Tomorrow, which was also released in 1967. Their single from that album, Tomorrow, was a minor hit and their only other top 40 appearance, reaching #23 in early 1968. Although the group followed up with more LPs in 1968 (The World in a Seashell) and 1969 (Good Morning Starshine), Strawberry Alarm Clock had begun to fall apart and their audience was mostly gone The group managed to keep performing in various forms until 1971, when Strawberry Alarm Clock finally broke up.
Strawberry Alarm Clock as a band has made two notable appearances in films, first in the 1968 Jack Nicholson movie Psych-Out, where they played several songs including Incense and Peppermints, Rainy Day Mushroom Pillow, and The Pretty Song from Psych-Out. They second' appeared in the 1970 Russ Meyer camp classic Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.
Ed King went on to join Lynyrd Skynyrd. Several members of Strawberry Alarm Clock reunited in the 80s to perform on oldies concert tours as well. Still, no additional albums came of that.
The original band lineup reunited one last time to perform an approximately one-hour set at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign, IL, on April 29, 2007. The event was part of the last day of film critic Roger Ebert's ninth annual Overlooked Film Festival and was preceded by a screening of Beyond the Valley of the Dolls. Despite being unable to speak due to recent surgery, Ebert made prepared remarks with the use of a device given to him by a U of I professor.
Sit With The Guru
Strawberry Alarm Clock Lyrics
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Yesterday's invalidated
Hip mankind on, turn your mind on
Sit with the guru
Meditation, ooo-ooo, high, high where eagles fly
Leave today untouched in the sky
Stretch out your mind to humanity
Good life livin', party givin'
No one walks who can be driven
Blunt the starkness, light the darkness
Sit with the guru
Meditation, ooo-ooo, high, high where eagles fly
Leave today untouched in the sky
Stretch out your mind to humanity
How many tomorrows can you see
How many tomorrows can you see
Pussy willows, dew-kissed pillows
Silver cloud puffs up and billows
Full potential, transcendental
Sit with the guru
Meditation, ooo-ooo, high, high where eagles fly
Leave today untouched in the sky
Stretch out your mind to humanity
How many tomorrows can you see
How many tomorrows can you see
The lyrics of Strawberry Alarm Clock’s “Sit With The Guru” encourage listeners to turn their minds on, stretch out their consciousness, and explore all that life has to offer through meditation and transcendence. The first stanza suggests that we should not cling to the past, but instead look to the future with open minds and hearts. The second stanza emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and not being driven by outside forces. In the final stanza, the lyrics take on a spiritual tone, as they refer to the natural world and the potential of the human spirit.
The chorus of the song, which repeats the phrase “Sit with the guru,” emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and wisdom from those who have dedicated their lives to helping others grow and learn. The lyrics suggest that through meditation and introspection, we can reach higher states of consciousness and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. The imagery of eagles flying and silver clouds billowing creates a sense of awe and wonder, further emphasizing the idea that we are capable of transcending our current limitations and achieving something greater.
Overall, the lyrics of “Sit With The Guru” encourage listeners to embrace the power of meditation, transcendence, and self-discovery. They remind us that we are all capable of reaching greater heights and finding deeper meaning in life if we are willing to open our minds and hearts to new experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Life's created, automated
Life is made and functions automatically without any deliberate action or intervention from individuals.
Yesterday's invalidated
The past is not relevant or meaningful in the present moment.
Hip mankind on, turn your mind on
Be cool and keep up with the times by activating and focusing your mental faculties.
Sit with the guru
Meditate and listen to the wisdom of a spiritual teacher or guide.
Meditation, ooo-ooo, high, high where eagles fly
Meditation can lead to a transcendent state of consciousness akin to the sensation of soaring like an eagle.
Leave today untouched in the sky
Allow the present moment to exist without interference or alteration.
Stretch out your mind to humanity
Broaden your perspective to consider the collective experiences and struggles of all humans.
How many tomorrows can you see
How far into the future can you imagine and plan for?
Good life livin', party givin'
Enjoying a privileged and fun lifestyle through socializing and hosting events.
No one walks who can be driven
People tend to take advantage of transportation rather than walking if possible.
Blunt the starkness, light the darkness
Diminish the harshness and illuminate the obscurity of life's challenges.
Pussy willows, dew-kissed pillows
Flowers and natural phenomena that evoke a peaceful and soothing sense of tranquility.
Silver cloud puffs up and billows
Clouds that expand and roll across the sky with a gleaming brightness.
Full potential, transcendental
Realizing your complete capabilities leads to a spiritual and intangible state of being.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ed King, Mark Weitz, Roy Freeman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind