The song is the story of a street musician pleading for someone to give him money. In exchange he ofers to play his green tambourine. The song's instrumentation contains the title tambourine as well as an electric sitar,[4] a frequent signature of the so-called "psychedelic sound." Another hook is the heavy, psychedelic tape echo applied to the word "play" in each chorus and at the end, fading into a drumroll ("Listen while I play play play play play play/my green tambourine.") The echo is noticeably different in the mono and stereo mixes. The mono version also starts fading out slightly earlier than in the stereo version. The musical arrangement also features sweeping orchestrated strings and the distinctive vibraslap percussion instrument.
The single's B-side, "No Help From Me," featured lead vocal by keyboardist Bob Nave and did not appear on either of the group's two albums.
Green Tambourine
The Lemon Pipers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Help a poor man fill his pretty dream
Give me pennies, I'll take anything
Now listen while I play
My green tambourine
Watch the jingle jangle start to chime
Reflections of the music that is mine
Now listen while I play
My green tambourine
Drop a dime before I walk away
Any song you want I'll gladly play
Money feeds my music machine
Now listen while I play
My green tambourine
Listen while I play
The Lemon Pipers's song "Green Tambourine" is a classic example of a psychedelic pop sound from the late '60s. The lyrics of the song begin with a plea to the listener to drop some coins in the singer's tambourine. The poet is asking for charity and makes it clear that he is willing to take anything, no matter how small. The image here is of a poor man who needs financial assistance to realize his dream, and he is hoping that the person listening to his plea will offer him support.
The song continues with a description of the tambourine's sound, which is described as a "jingle jangle." The sound is unique and the singer reflects on the beauty of the music that is made when someone tosses a coin into it. The last stanza of the song concludes with a reminder to drop more money in the tambourine so the singer can continue to play any song requested. The song is therefore a plea for financial support not only for the singer but for his music as well.
Line by Line Meaning
Drop your silver in my tambourine
Put your money in my hand-held percussion instrument
Help a poor man fill his pretty dream
Assist a less fortunate person in achieving their aspirations
Give me pennies, I'll take anything
Even small amounts contribute to my cause
Now listen while I play
Pay attention to the music I am creating
My green tambourine
The specific musical tool I am using to make tunes
Watch the jingle jangle start to chime
Observe the sounds being produced as I play
Reflections of the music that is mine
The music I make is an extension of my own creativity
When you toss a coin you'll hear it sing
Even small contributions can make a difference in the quality of the music played
Drop a dime before I walk away
Donate before I leave
Any song you want I'll gladly play
I am happy to perform any desired piece of music
Money feeds my music machine
Financial support enables me to sustain my artistry
Now listen while I play
Please pay attention to the music I am creating
My green tambourine
The particular instrument used to create the sounds
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: PAUL LEKA, SHELLY PINZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@haroldcampbell8271
In 1960 I was 12, in 1970 I was 22, in 1972 I was 24 and found myself on an aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Tonkin at the end of a bitter war. Now, in 2 days, I will be 75. The music of the time takes me back to so much during those years, but it was the best music. This is only a small sample of the memories of that time, and there were so many good memories. Time is our enemy and our friend, use yours for good.
@renaissance5300
yes I was also born in 1948 reading your story brought me to tears how brave you are and god knows what you went thru when you came back you must have had such a feeling of joy to be home and how thankful you must have been taking nothing for granted in life after that experience. I had dated a guy who went to nam a lot of letters back and forth still have those letters all the best to you
@tracyhoward8228
yeah im 61. the music back then. hope its remembered in a 100 years
@GregorioRosen
Thank you for your service and keeping us safe to enjoy this music🇱🇷
@larryrobinson08
I was 19 in 1970, my lottery number was 89, Nixon was escalating. When I went for my physical I left with a 4f. I really enjoyed the ride back home on the bus
@Gibson45er
Thank you for your service Sir. Yes....the best music.
@bobd3707
I remember where I was when this song came on the radio. We loved it. What happy carefree days we had. Today’s children will never know what we had.
@Nk66222
Then it sounds like your generation dropped the ball. You failed to carry on the torch to those after you.
@mandieseel9530
TRUTH!!
@mahkuntizitchy2083
@@Nk66222 Ya, we were too busy avoiding people that made stupid comments. Like saying the downfall of Detroit & other once-beautiful cities was the peoples fault! The people of today are the result of decisions from the top.