The original lineup included three lead vocalists — Danny Hutton, Chuck Negron, and Cory Wells — along with Michael Allsup on guitar, Jimmy Greenspoon on keyboards Floyd Sneed on drums and Joe Schermie (from the Cory Wells Blues Band) on bass.
Three Dog Night recorded some tracks with Beach Boys producer, composer, vocalist, and instrumentalist Brian Wilson before signing with Dunhill Records and at the time went under the name Redwood. The band changed their name based on an article describing how Australian Aborigines slept with their dogs for warmth on cold nights, the coldest being a "three-dog night."
Play Children Play
Three Dog Night Lyrics
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Green trees, how tall will they grow
All men, you reap just what you sow
Ten years, maybe then no more
Sunshine, tell me how long will it warm
Bare, so bare this ole earth we live on
Won't cha tell me who has done the harm
Will our children
Will our children have a place to play
Play children play live for today
Your life is easy you don't have to worry
For within your mind, life is so fine
In your backyard there's no limit on time
Cool breeze how long will it blow
Green trees how tall will they grow
Tomorrow will it be too late
Too late we all share the fate
Green grass, tell me who will hold the earth
One life, tell me how much is it worth
Cool breeze, how long will it blow
Green trees, how tall will they grow
All men, you reap just what you sow
Ten years, maybe then no more
Green grass who will hold the earth
One life, how much is it worth
Sunshine how long will it warm
So bare, bare earth we live on
Cool breeze, how long will it blow
Green trees, how tall will they grow
The lyrics to Three Dog Night's "Play Children Play" can be interpreted as an ode to the environment and a warning about the impact of human actions on the earth. The song poses questions about the longevity of natural resources, such as the cool breeze and green trees, and how human actions, such as reaping what one sows, will affect their future. The lyrics also call for accountability for the harm done to the earth, questioning who has caused it and emphasizing the importance of preserving the natural world for future generations.
The chorus of the song, "Play children play, live for today" can also be seen as a call to enjoy life while it lasts, to revel in the beauty of nature and the present moment, but with a cautionary note that our actions may impact the future. The lyrics urge us to consider the future, posing questions about whether our children will have a place to play.
Line by Line Meaning
Cool breeze, how long will it blow
Questioning the temporary nature of life's joys and pleasures.
Green trees, how tall will they grow
Questioning time and growth, impacts of a fleeting life.
All men, you reap just what you sow
Reflects on karma and reaping consequences of one's choices in life.
Ten years, maybe then no more
The brevity of life, reminding us to live in the present moment.
Sunshine, tell me how long will it warm
Reflects on the uncertainty of nature and external factors that affect our lives.
Bare, so bare this ole earth we live on
Our planet is fragile and we must protect its beauty and resources.
Won't cha tell me who has done the harm
Questioning human's impact on nature and the environment.
Sparrow's song, tell me will it fly away
Questioning the continuity and future of nature and its inhabitants.
Will our children
Concern for the next generation's wellbeing.
Will our children have a place to play
Questioning if we as humans are taking necessary steps to protect the environment for future generations.
Play children play live for today
Encouraging living in the present moment and enjoying the little things.
Your life is easy you don't have to worry
A reminder to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of life.
For within your mind, life is so fine
The importance of one's mindset and perspective on life.
In your backyard there's no limit on time
Encouragement to appreciate and value the moments and memories made in one's own life.
Tomorrow will it be too late
Reflecting on the consequences of inaction and lack of protection toward the environment.
Too late we all share the fate
The impact of climate change is a shared responsibility.
Green grass, tell me who will hold the earth
Reflecting on the vulnerability of the planet and its need for protection.
One life, tell me how much is it worth
Contemplating the meaning and purpose of life.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: GARY D STOVALL, KENT D SPRAGUE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Christine Shire
on My Impersonal Life
Who sang vocals for this