They are best-known during the late 1960s and early 1970s for popularizing the hits "Up, Up and Away", "Wedding Bell Blues", "Stoned Soul Picnic", "One Less Bell to Answer", "(Last Night) I Didn't Get to Sleep at All", and "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In", as well as the eponymous 5th Dimension and The Magic Garden LP recordings.
The five original members were Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue, Marilyn McCoo, Lamonte McLemore, and Ron Townson. They have recorded for several different labels over their long careers. Their first work appeared on the Soul City label, which was started by Imperial Records/United Artists Records recording artist Johnny Rivers. The group would later record for Bell/Arista Records, ABC Records, and Motown Records.
Some of the songwriters popularized by The 5th Dimension later went on to careers of their own, especially Ashford & Simpson, who wrote "California Soul". The group is also notable for having more success with the songs of Laura Nyro than Nyro did herself, particularly in the cases of "Wedding Bell Blues", "Stoned Soul Picnic", and "Save the Country" The group also covered music by well known songwriters such as the song "One Less Bell to Answer", written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. And perhaps best of all, they became great interpreters of the songs and music of Jimmy Webb, who penned their original mega-hit "Up, Up, and Away", including an entire recording of memorable Webb songs called The Magic Garden.
Sweet Blindness
The 5th Dimension Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
drink my dady's wine
get happy
down by the grapevine
drink my daddy's wine
get happy
happy
oh sweet blindness
a little kindness
oh sweet blindness
all over me
four leaves on a clover
I'm just a bit of a shade hung over
come on baby do a slow float
you're a good lookin' riverboat
and aint that sweet-eyed blindness good to me
down by the grapevine
drink my dady's wine
good mornin
down by the grapevine
drink my daddy's wine
good mornin
Mornin!
oh sweet blindness
a little magic
a little kindness
oh sweet blindness
all over me
please don't tell my mother
I'm a saloon and a moonshine lover
come on baby do a slow float
you're a good lookin riverboat
and ain't that sweet eyed blindness good to me
(don't ask me cause I)
ain't gonna tell you what I've been drinkin'
ain't gonna tell you what I've been drinkin'
ain't gonna tell you what I've been drinkin'
wine
of wonder
Wonder!
(by the way)
sweet blindness
a little magic
a little kindness
oh sweet blindness
all over me
don't let daddy hear it
he don't believe in the gin mill spirit
come on baby do a slow float
you a good lookin' riverboat
and ain't that sweet eyed blindness good to me
good to me
now ain't that sweet eyed blindness good to me
The opening line of The 5th Dimension's "Sweet Blindness" refers to the Grapevine, a freeway in California that connects Los Angeles and Sacramento. The lyrics suggest that the singer is going down to the countryside, probably to relax and have fun. The repeated line "drink my daddy's wine, get happy" reinforces this idea. The singer is seeking happiness and escape from the mundane aspects of life, and they are doing so by indulging in wine and possibly other substances.
The chorus of the song, "oh sweet blindness, a little magic, a little kindness, oh sweet blindness all over me," is a nod to the psychedelic movement of the late 1960s, and the mind-altering effects of drugs such as LSD. The "magic" and "kindness" mentioned in the chorus may be interpreted as the hallucinogenic effects of the drug inducing euphoria and empathy. The title "Sweet Blindness" is, therefore, a metaphor for the idea that ignorance can be blissful, and that happiness can be found in escaping reality and losing oneself in the moment.
The lyrics of "Sweet Blindness" are ambiguous, and the song's meaning is open to interpretation. Some listeners may perceive it as an ode to the joys of alcohol, while others may see it as a commentary on the social and political landscape of the era, with the search for happiness representing the desire for change and revolution.
Line by Line Meaning
let's go down by the grapevine
Let's go to a place where we can enjoy ourselves and forget our worries.
drink my dady's wine
Let's indulge in some alcoholic beverages and have fun.
get happy
Let's have a good time and enjoy ourselves.
oh sweet blindness
The feeling of being carefree and in a state of pure joy and happiness.
a little magic
A sense of something enchanting or mystical surrounding the experience.
a little kindness
Experiencing a sense of compassion or generosity from others.
all over me
Feeling the effects of the experience all around and within oneself.
four leaves on a clover
Feeling lucky and blessed to be in the moment and experiencing joy.
I'm just a bit of a shade hung over
Feeling a little bit dizzy or lightheaded from the alcohol, but still feeling good.
come on baby do a slow float
Let's relax and take things easy, enjoying the moment without rushing.
you're a good lookin' riverboat
Referring to the beauty of the situation and the surroundings.
and aint that sweet-eyed blindness good to me
Expressing gratitude for the experience and how it is making one feel.
good mornin
Starting a new day with a positive attitude and energy.
please don't tell my mother
Asking for discretion and privacy, maybe because of shame or embarrassment.
I'm a saloon and a moonshine lover
Admitting to enjoying drinking and having a good time in bars and clubs.
ain't gonna tell you what I've been drinkin'
Repeating the sentiment of wanting privacy and not wanting to share too much information with others.
wine
Referring to the alcoholic beverage as part of the experience.
of wonder
Describing the feeling of experiencing something special and unique that fills one with awe and fascination.
sweet blindness
Reiterating the joy and happiness of the experience and how it feels.
don't let daddy hear it
Maintaining the idea of discretion and avoiding getting into trouble or being reprimanded.
he don't believe in the gin mill spirit
Describing someone who doesn't approve of the lifestyle or activities associated with drinking and partying.
now ain't that sweet eyed blindness good to me
Repeating and underscoring the overall sentiment of the song, expressing how much the experience of partying and drinking is making the singer feel good and happy.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: LAURA NYRO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
David Clifton
A very underrated group from the late 60s. Still sounds great today. Love listening to their greatest hits album.
Guy Sharwood
"You're a good lookin' riverboat." Florence was such a doll. All five were incredible.
shuroom57
Classy...women...PERIOD. Keep your clothes on and drive us crazy with your God-given, innate charm.
Lionheart Roar
Marilyn is one of the most beautiful women I've seen anywhere in my 60+ years of life. Head to toe perfection.
Lupe Arenas
Miss Laura Nyro, it is 2020. We are listening to your music. A gifted, talented genius lives forever. Your music warms my heart, lifts my soul and makes me smile. Amazing talent! May you Rest in Peace. Thank you.
aeinberger
And still in 2022!!!!
Emily Tienne
Marilyn is so cute! That face and smile, wow. And what a gorgeous figure. Her amazing voice I remember from childhood in this iconic pop group.
fred sims
and she's in a cat suit too
david W
there was so much humanity in laura nyro's songs. and the 5th brought it out so well
shuroom57
If you ever want to follow up on your claim about Laura Nyro, check out her performance of her song "Poverty Train" at the Monterey Pop Festival 1967. You are 100% correct, sir.