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.
Grim Reaper of Love
The Turtles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Looks through her window, clouds hide the sun
She thinks of her love, gone like the wild ones
She knows he'll never return
CHORUS:
Grim reaper of love, grim reaper of love
Grim reaper of love, grim reaper of love
Grim reaper of love thrives on pain; people, beware
(instrumental)
Missed her sadness of the loss of his loaning
But in his past thinking, love can't last
We were so happy, peaceful & dear
But now his life's a little miser
(chorus
):
The Turtles' song "Grim Reaper of Love" is a lamentation for the loss of love. The singer is sitting alone and regretting the departure of her love. She looks outside her window and sees clouds covering the sun, which symbolizes the darkness and sadness that have engulfed her life. She reminisces about the moments she had with her love, which are now gone, like wild animals. She’s aware that her love won’t ever come back. The chorus describes the "grim reaper of love," who kills the joy of living and lives to kill. He thrives on pain, and people should beware of him.
Line by Line Meaning
Movin' on slowly, sittin' forlornly
She's taking her time, feeling sad and lonely
Looks through her window, clouds hide the sun
As she gazes out, the clouds obscure the sun
She thinks of her love, gone like the wild ones
Her lover has left her and moved on, like wild animals
She knows he'll never return
She has accepted that he will never come back
Grim reaper of love, grim reaper of love
The destroyer of love, the destroyer of love
Killing the living & living to kill
Destroying those who are alive and thriving on causing pain
Grim reaper of love thrives on pain; people, beware
The destroyer of love finds pleasure in causing pain; people should be cautious
Missed her sadness of the loss of his loaning
He failed to understand the pain she was feeling after he left
But in his past thinking, love can't last
He had the belief that love cannot endure over time
We were so happy, peaceful & dear
They were previously content, calm, and cherished each other
But now his life's a little miser
However, now his life is lacking and unhappy
Grim reaper of love, grim reaper of love
The destroyer of love, the destroyer of love
Killing the living & living to kill
Destroying those who are alive and thriving on causing pain
Grim reaper of love thrives on pain; people, beware
The destroyer of love finds pleasure in causing pain; people should be cautious
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