Originated from a surf rock group called the Crossfires, the Turtles delved into many genres such as breezy pop, psychedelic music, and folk rock. A precursor to the bubblegum pop of the late 60s and early 70s as well as a foil to the more self-consciously hip and "serious" acts of the era, the Turtles produced at least a dozen memorable, radio-friendly chart singles. Yet they remain best known for 1967's "Happy Together", which was their only chart-topping single.
The Turtles wound down their career in 1970.
The two prominent singers - Howard Kaylan ("Eddie") and Mark Volman ("Flo" a.k.a. "Phlorescent Leech") - collaborated with Frank Zappa for a short but very intensive period of one and a half years (between 1970-72) and were the cornerstone of what was known to be the Zappa "Vaudeville" band; two of the most famous achievements of that period being the albums Fillmore East – June 1971 and 200 Motels, the soundtrack of the film by the same name.
Eve of Destruction
The Turtles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
dont you understand what im trying to say
think of all the hate there is in red china
violence flaring and bullets loading
and cant you feel the fears that im feeling today
then take a look around to selma alabama
youre old enough to kill but not for voting
if the button is pushed theres no running away
you dont believe in war but whats that gun youre toting
theyll be know one to save with tha world in a grave
but when you return its the same old place
even the jordan river has bodies floating
take a look around you boy its bound to scare you boy
the pounding of the drums the pride and disgrace
you can bury your dead but dont leave a trace
hate your next door neighbor but dont forget to say grace
chorus
but ya tell me over and over and over again my friend
ah you dont believe were on the eve of destruction
yer my bloods so mad feels like coagulating
im sitting here just contemplating
i cant twist the truth it knows no regulation
hand full of sedatives dont pass legislation
and marches alone cant bring integration
when human respect is disintegrating
this whole crazy world is just to frustrating
The lyrics of The Turtles' song "Eve of Destruction" address the turmoil and violence of the mid-1960s. The song's opening lines describe the explosive state of the Eastern world, referencing the ongoing tensions between the United States and China during the Cold War. The lyrics express frustration and fear about the state of the world, noting that violence is flaring and bullets are loading. The song then shifts its focus to the domestic political climate of the United States, calling attention to the hypocritical nature of a society in which 18-year-olds are old enough to be drafted and sent to fight in the Vietnam War, but not old enough to vote in their own country.
The song highlights the injustices and inequities within American society, from institutionalized racism in Selma, Alabama to the hypocrisy of owning guns while claiming not to believe in war. The bridge section of the song addresses the disillusionment and despair that many Americans felt during this era, noting that even religious faith seems to offer little solace in a world experiencing such chaos and violence.
Overall, "Eve of Destruction" is a powerful reflection on a tumultuous period in American history, and it continues to resonate today as political and social issues continue to divide and polarize the nation.
Line by Line Meaning
the Eastern world it is exploding
The nations in the East are experiencing violent conflicts that could potentially lead to a full-blown war.
dont you understand what im trying to say
I'm urging you to pay attention to the current events and the dangerous situations that are unfolding.
think of all the hate there is in red china
Consider the tremendous animosity and hostility that exists within the borders of Communist China.
violence flaring and bullets loading
Physical violence is erupting and firearms are being prepared for use as conflicts escalate.
and cant you feel the fears that im feeling today
Do you not share the same sense of apprehension and concern that I'm experiencing right now?
then take a look around to selma alabama
Observe the ongoing civil rights struggle and the protests taking place in Selma, Alabama.
youre old enough to kill but not for voting
You are old enough to be drafted to fight in wars, but you are still not granted the right to vote due to discriminatory policies.
if the button is pushed theres no running away
If a nuclear war breaks out and the decision to launch weapons is made, there will be nowhere to run or hide.
you may leave here for four days in space
You might have the opportunity to escape the conflicts on Earth by leaving on a four-day trip to space.
you dont believe in war but whats that gun youre toting
You claim to be against war, but why are you carrying a gun then?
theyll be know one to save with tha world in a grave
If we don't resolve these conflicts and prevent a global catastrophe, there will be no one left to save or help.
but when you return its the same old place
After your trip away, you will come back to the same world that will still be plagued by the same issues.
even the jordan river has bodies floating
The Jordan River, a holy site in the Middle East, now has dead bodies floating in it as a result of the ongoing conflicts.
take a look around you boy its bound to scare you boy
Take a good look at your surroundings, and you'll realize that the dangerous and chaotic state of the world is definitely cause for alarm.
the pounding of the drums the pride and disgrace
The loud beats of the drums can be heard, symbolizing the pride and honor of war, but also the shame and humiliation that it brings.
you can bury your dead but dont leave a trace
You may bury your victims in the war, but don't forget that their deaths still leave a significant and lasting impact.
hate your next door neighbor but dont forget to say grace
Even if you dislike your neighbor, you should still try to show respect and civility, perhaps even saying a prayer before meals.
chorus
The repeating chorus emphasizes the message that the world is on the brink of destruction, yet people are still in denial or unwilling to take action.
but ya tell me over and over and over again my friend
People keep telling me repeatedly that I'm being paranoid or exaggerating the situation in the world.
ah you dont believe were on the eve of destruction
Many people refuse to see that the world is heading towards disaster and devastation.
yer my bloods so mad feels like coagulating
I am filled with anger and frustration to the point that it feels like my blood is thickening and clotting.
im sitting here just contemplating
I am just sitting here, pondering the dire state of the world and the impending doom that seems to be just around the corner.
i cant twist the truth it knows no regulation
I cannot manipulate or distort the truth to make it more palatable because the truth has its own rules and cannot be changed.
hand full of sedatives dont pass legislation
Even with a handful of sedatives to calm my agitation and anxiety, I still cannot pass laws or make a difference in the world.
and marches alone cant bring integration
Mere peaceful protests and demonstrations cannot solve the deep-seated issues of integration and equality in society.
when human respect is disintegrating
When basic human respect and dignity are falling apart, it becomes impossible to build a better and peaceful world.
this whole crazy world is just to frustrating
The world is so chaotic and confusing that it is driving me to the point of intense frustration and exasperation.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EVE JEFFERS, MELVIN CHARLES BRADFORD, LEON HAYWOOD, MARSHALL MCQUEEN, BILL JR. WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@evilcowboy
I thought McGuire's was the first one to come out since his was recorded in a single take with P.F. Sloan present and was a demo recording just for him to learn the lyrics. McGuire has said he even messed up in the middle of the song because he dropped the page it was written on in a dark room and had to find his place quickly so you hear an "um" right after the words "I can't twist the truth".
For the Turtles to record it and it not be their song but P.F. Sloan's song kind of makes it impossible to be first since they literally cut half the lyrics in their version. It had to exist in some capacity for the Byrds to turn it down. And since Sloan was with McGuire when it was recorded really quickly I have to believe McGuire's was the first on the radio since he said it was accidentally given to a radio station the same day when it wasn't even a finished song.
P.F. Sloan's version which was released later is the original song because it is how he wrote it.
I do however agree the Byrd's turned it down, but it would have been a cover for them and it is a cover for the Turtles as well. McGuire's I agree is the best version of the song because of the way he belted the song and put a lot of emotion into it. He added some great vocals to a song that was originally less angry sounding, McGuire conveyed that anger and frustration with the world at the time where no other version does.
But yeah one of the most iconic and relevant songs ever written was literally introduced as a demo which is mind boggling that its a single take McGuire did. It showcases his talent well.
@patriciarotelli9247
This song has never been more Relevant than is now.
@ronkirk5099
All of us who came of age on the 60's really took these words to heart. Sadly, they are as relevant now as they were then. The doomsday clock is too close to midnight for so many reasons.
@valerier4308
I agree!
@sishoskins8736
I was a teen in the 60s, and with the president being shot, MLK being shot, Bobby Kennedy being shot, I figured we really WERE on the eve of destruction. But now 50 years later, I realize that we were just getting warmed up for today! I fear that no matter who wins the presidential election, that there will be a civil war.
@sishoskins8736
@@thisguy5611 I think we as a generation have found out all politicians, no matter which party, are against the American taxpayer. They have all sold our souls down the river, for money and power. It's already a done deal. Trump was/is the closest thing we have, and we're damn glad to have him.
@ivviimcmxcix2191
War never changes
@baronsamedi2467
We are living in the last generation
@OTseven
😮 wow. Thank you for posting.i was a teenager when this was released. And now, here we are.same song 60 years later. Let's follow through with what we hoped for then...PEACE and a future we can be proud of.
@stevenholmes4208
Here again...
On the eve of destruction
@northnsouth6813
The song was offered to the Byrds as a potential single, but they rejected it. The Turtles often recorded the Byrds' discarded or rejected material, recorded this version instead. Their version was issued as a track on their 1965 debut album It Ain't Me Babe, shortly before McGuire's version was cut.