The Turtles were an American pop/rock band led by vocalists Howard Kaylan a… Read Full Bio ↴The Turtles were an American pop/rock band led by vocalists Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman, a duo later known as Flo & Eddie. The band became notable for several Top 40 hits in the 60s, beginning with their version of Bob Dylan's "It Ain't Me Babe" in 1965. The band scored their biggest and best-known hit in 1967 with the song "Happy Together". Formed in Los Angeles, California in 1965, the band was renowned for their both joyously melancholic and occasionally cheeky sound, always being good-natured.

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.

The Owl
The Turtles Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Daylight fades slowly
But dark night drops coldly
The fears of the woods start to show
Restless ground seethes
Frenzied wood symphony
The maddening sounds start to grow

By now the wise owl

Sits on the thrones of
He knows the dark side is best
Restless ground seethes
Frenzied wood symphony
Are stopped for the word of the owl

Whoo, whoo, whoo
Whoo, whoo, whoo

Montage in his bright light
Brings wisdom in dark night
Don′t fear the dark side of you
Don't fear the dark side of you

Don′t fear the dark side of you
Don't fear the dark side of you
Don't fear the dark side of you
Don′t fear the dark side of you
Don′t fear the dark side of you
Don't fear the dark side of you
Don′t fear the dark side of you

Don't fear the dark side of you
Don′t fear the dark side of you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Turtles' song "The Owl" convey a sense of the transition from daylight to night and the eerie atmosphere that accompanies it. The opening lines, "Daylight fades slowly, but dark night drops coldly," suggest the gradual change from day to night, with the darkness enveloping everything in a chilling manner. This sets the stage for the subsequent lines that describe the emergence of fears and restlessness within the woods.

The lyrics speak of the fears manifesting in the woods and the ground becoming restless, as if anticipating something ominous. This restlessness is depicted through the phrase "frenzied wood symphony," evoking the image of various creatures, maybe insects or animals, creating a chaotic and unsettling soundscape. This imagery highlights the mounting tension and unease that permeates the surroundings.

The wise owl then takes center stage in the lyrics, portrayed as sitting on a throne. The owl symbolizes wisdom and knowledge, particularly in relation to the darker aspects of life. The line "He knows the dark side is best" suggests that the owl understands the importance of embracing and acknowledging the darker aspects of existence. The owl's presence exerts control over the frenzied and restless sounds of the woods, emphasizing its significance and power in this context.

The chorus of the song, with the repetition of "whoo, whoo, whoo," adds to the eerie atmosphere and reinforces the owl's presence. It acts as a sonic representation of the owl's call, further cementing its connection to wisdom and insight. The subsequent lines, "Montage in his bright light, brings wisdom in dark night," suggest that the owl's presence brings clarity and understanding, even in the midst of darkness. The refrain "Don't fear the dark side of you" repeatedly emphasizes the importance of accepting and embracing one's own darker nature, as opposed to being afraid or trying to suppress it.

Overall, the lyrics of "The Owl" explore themes of darkness, fear, wisdom, and the acceptance of one's shadow self. The song encourages listeners to confront and embrace the darker aspects of their existence, finding wisdom and understanding within the depths of these experiences.

Line by Line Meaning

Daylight fades slowly
The transition from day to night is gradual

But dark night drops coldly
The arrival of nighttime brings a chilling atmosphere

The fears of the woods start to show
Anxieties and worries of the forest become evident

Restless ground seethes
The earth trembles with unease

Frenzied wood symphony
The chaotic sounds of the forest

The maddening sounds start to grow
The unsettling noises intensify

By now the wise owl
At this point, the knowledgeable owl

Sits on the thrones of
Takes its place of authority on

He knows the dark side is best
Recognizes that the shadowy aspect is valuable

Are stopped for the word of the owl
The commotion halts upon hearing the owl's message

Whoo, whoo, whoo
The owl's signature call