Groovy: A Cultural History

Groovy: A Cultural History

Medieval Dutch and Middle English: Groof is a medieval English word that Chaucer would have known. It comes from the Dutch "groove", which meanings a ditch or mine shaft
Early 20th Century Recording Technology: The association of groove with music probably stems from Thomas Edison's invention of the graphophone, later called the phonograph, which used a sharp device, the stylus, to cut a groove into the material of a spinning disk. A record player's needle follows the groove to create music.
Jazz Ethos (1930's and 40's): This concept associates grooviness with vibrations, music, moving with the flow.
Grooviness has to do with the concept of things effortlessly falling into place. Grooviness is not about trying; it's about letting things happen naturally, spontaneously. There is also a notion of people getting together, whether couples or larger groups. Groovy is a social concept. You wouldn't say, "I was having a groovy time, sitting all by myself." Groovy implies the transfer and sharing of energy.
Groovin' High (1944): The appeal to grooviness begins, perhaps, in the spontaneous improvization of the jazz musician.
"Groovin' High" is one of trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie's bebop tunes (no lyrics!), and now the title of book about him:
http://www.oup-usa.org/isbn/0195091329.html
Dizzy was groovy, alright. The story about his trumpet bell being 45 degrees off alignment is that it happened by accident, and he happened to like the effect of the accident.
The same thing with his distinctive way of puffing up his cheeks when he blew. This is the natural way to blow. Groovy as a synonym of the natural, the unplanned, the untrained, the spontaneously marvellous.
Groovy Beat (1961): Bristol Stomp
The Dovells
(Words and music by Kal Mann and Dave Appell)
The kids in Bristol are sharp as a pistol (Chorus)
When they do the Bristol Stomp
Really somethin when they join in jumpin
When they do the Bristol Stomp
Whoa whoa they start spinnin every Friday night
They dance the greatest and they do it right
Well it´s the latest it´s the greatest sight to see
(whoa, oh, oh , ah-ah-ah, oh)
Whoa whoa it started in Bristol at a dee jay hop
They hollered and whistled never wanted to stop
We pony and twisted and we rocked with Daddy G
(Duh-duh-doo)
It´s got that groovy beat
That makes you stomp your feet
Come along and try
Gonna feel fine
And once you dance with me
You´ll fall in love you see
The Bristol Stomp will make you mine
All mine
The stars are spinnin every Friday night
They dance the greatest if they do it right
But it´s the latest it´s the greatest sight to see
It started in Bristol at a dee jay hop
They hollered and whistled
Never wanted to stop
We pony and twisted
And we rocked with Daddy G
Feel so fine
Oh, got to say, please, mine
I´m talkin (when they do the Bristol Stomp)
Mine baby (kids in Bristol...)
Groovy Beat (con't) (1962): Here's the movement from jazz to rhythm and blues. There's no improvisation. The "groovy beat", however, is like pounding on something, like mashing potatoes.
http://www.50megs.com/webfitz/Lyrics/1962/11962.html
Mashed Potato Time
Dee Dee Sharp
(Written by Jon Sheldon and Harry Land)
It's the latest, it's the greatest,
Mashed Patato, ya, ya ,ya
A Mashed Potato started long time ago
With a guy named Sloppy Joe,
You'll find this dance is so cool to do,
Come on baby, gonna teach it to you.
Mashed Potato, feel it in your feet now,
Mashed Potato, come on get the beat now,
Baby, come on honey, come on baby.
And then they dance it through and through,
They look for records they can do it to,
They got a dance was outta sight,
Doin' the lion sleeps tonight.
Mashed Potato, Ya a weem o wep a weem o wep,
Mashed Potato, ya, ya, ya, ya,
It's the latest, aw baby,
It's the greatest, come on honey,
Ya, ya ya, ya,
Now everybody is doin' fine,
They dance alone or in a big boss line,
And they discovered it's the most, man,
The day they did it to Please Mr. Postman.
Mashed Potato, wait a minute, wait a minute,
Mashed Potato, deliver de letter,
It's the latest, come on baby,
It's the greatest, oh honey,
Ya, ya, ya, ya.
Well they got with more and more,
Ya ought to see 'em around the floor,
The Mashed Potato
They even do it to Dear Lady Twist.
Mashed Potato, ya, ya, ya, ya,
It's the latest, come on baby,
It's the greatest, oh honey,
Mashed potato, feel the groovy beat now.; http://www.50megs.com/webfitz/Lyrics/1962/371962.html; Let Me In
The Sensations
(Words and Music by Yvonne Baker)
Let me in whee-ooh (whee-ooh, whee-ooh, hoop-whee-ooh)
(Whee-ooh, whee-ooh, hoo-ooh-oop-whee-ooh, whee-ooh)
I can see the dancin' (let me in)
The silhouettes on the shade
I hear the music (music), all the lovers on parade
Open up (let me in), I wanna come in again
I thought you were my friend
Pitter patter of those fee-ee-ee-ee-eet
Movin' and a-groovin' with that be-eat
Jumpin' and stompin on the flo-o-o-o-oor
(Lemme in) Let me in!
(Open up) Open up!
Why don't you open up that door? (let me in)
I-uh (open up) hear music let me in (music)
I wanna come in again
Let me in (let me in), a-well I heard it just then
I thought you were my friend
(Whee-ooh, whee-ooh, hoop-whee-ooh)
(Whee-ooh, whee-ooh, hoo-ooh-oop-whee-ooh, whee-ooh)
[sax interlude]
Pitter patter of the fee-ee-ee-ee-eet
Movin' and a-groovin' with that be-eat
Jumpin' and stompin on the flo-o-o-o-oor
(Lemme in) Let me in!
(Open up) Open up!
Why don't you open up that door? (let me in)
I-uh-I-uh-I (open up) hear music, let me in (music)
Oh I heard it just then
Let me in (let me in)
I wanna come in again
I thought you were my friend
(Whee-ooh, whee-ooh, hoop-whee-ooh)
(Whee-ooh, whee-ooh, hoo-ooh-oop-whee-ooh)
(Hoo-ooh-oop-whee-ooh)
(Hoo-ooh-oop-whee-ooh)
(Hoo-ooh-oop-whee-ooh)
1963: Groovy Beat (con't.): http://www.50megs.com/webfitz/Lyrics/1963/561963.html; South Street
The Orlons
Where do all the hippist meet? (South Street, South Street)
Where the dancin is elite (South Street, South Street)
Side by side we're loose and neat
When we're stompin down the street
Hurry down, baby she's the hippist street in town!(Oh baby)
Meet me, on South Street, oh yeah, hurry on down
Come on now, meet me on South Street
The hippist street in town
Well you take West Street, East Street, North Avenue (Cause I know)
South Street's the best street
To have a ball with you
Do you hear that groovy beat? (South Street, South Street)
Don't it make you move your feet? (South Street, South Street)
Everybody gathers round
Cause they dig that crazy sound
Now hurry down, baby she's the hippist street in town (Oh baby)
Meet me on South Street, (come on) oh yeah, hurry on down
Come on now, meet me on South Street, the hippist street in town
(Well you take) West Street, East Street, North Avenue
(Cause I know) South Street's the best street
To have a ball with you
1966: British Invasion of USA Pop Music: The "groovy" kind of love makes one quiver. One becomes the needle being played. Surrender to a different kind of groovy beat, the heart beat of the beloved.; http://www.50megs.com/webfitz/Lyrics/1966/281966.html
A Groovy Kind Of Love
The Mindbenders
(Phil Collins)
When I'm feeling blue, all I have to do
Is take a look at you, then I'm not so blue
When you're close to me, I can feel your heart beat
I can hear you breathing near my ear
Wouldn't you agree, baby you and me got a groovy kind of love
Anytime you want to you can turn me onto
Anything you want to, anytime at all
When I kiss your lips, ooh I start to shiver
Can't control the quivering inside
Wouldn't you agree, baby you and me got a groovy kind of love, oh
When I'm feeling blue, all I have to do
Is take a look at you, then I'm not so blue
When I'm in your arms, nothing seems to matter
My whole world could shatter, I don't care
Wouldn't you agree, baby you and me got a groovy kind of love
We got a groovy kind of love
We got a groovy kind of love, oh
We got a groovy kind of love

Here's a groovy example that corresponds to the myth of the noble savage, the natural, wild. tactile, non-verbal way of being groovy.
http://www.50megs.com/webfitz/Lyrics/1966/271966.html; Wild Thing
The Troggs
(written by Chip Taylor)
Wild thing
You make my heart sing
You make everything groovy
Wild thing
Wild thing, I think I love you
But I wanna know for sure
Come on and hold me tight
I love you
Wild thing
You make my heart sing
You make everything groovy
Wild thing.
Wild thing, I think you move me
But I wanna know for sure
So c'mon and hold me tight
You move me
Wild thing
You make my heart sing
You make everything groovy
Wild thing
Wild thing
C'mon, c'mon, wild thing
Shake it, shake it, wild thing
1967: Groovin': "Groovin'" is the title of a hit song and album by The Young Rascals.
http://www.50megs.com/webfitz/Lyrics/1967/51967.html
Groovin' on a Sunday afternoon
Really couldn't get away too soon
I can't imagine anything that's better
The world is ours whenever we're together
There ain't a place I'd like to be instead of
Movin' down a crowded avenue
Doing anything we like to do
There's always lots of things that we can see
You can be anyone we like to be
All those happy people we could meet
Just groovin' on a Sunday afternoon
Really, couldn't get away too soon
We'll keep on spending sunny days this way
We're gonna talk and laugh our time away
I feel it coming closer day by day
Life would be ecstasy, you and me endlessly
Groovin' on a Sunday afternoon
Really couldn't get away to soon
No, No, No, No
Groovin'
Groovin'

1960s or 70s: Groovy Low Fare: radio jingle for Pacific Southwest Airlines in the style of Beach Boys surf rock
(associating youth, fun, travel, with hints of sexual promiscuity); http://www.jetpsa.com/radio/radio.html; PSA is the boss way to fly; make it PSA; I'll tell you why; So many jets go from ... that leave everyday.; With a groovy low fare, it's the swingingest all the way; Fly PSA now; With a groovy low fare, it's the swingingest PSA; Go all the way now; With a groovy low fare, it's the swingingest PSA
Groovy versus Groovin' Paul Simon in 1967 saw "groovy" as freedom from obligation, a natural state of timeless growth. The adjective "groovy" was a white, middle-class counter-cultural transformation of "groovy beat" and "groovin'" into the context of a social movement that idealized the natural, the gentle, all that was counter to the culture of the Vietnam War.: http://www.50megs.com/webfitz/Lyrics/1967/881967.html
59th Street Bridge Song
Harper's Bazarre
(Written by: Paul Simon)
Slow down, you move too fast.
You got to make the morning last.
Just kicking down the cobble stones.
Looking for fun and feelin' groovy.
Hello lamppost, What cha knowing?
I've come to watch your flowers growing.
Ain't cha got no rhymes for me?
Doot-in' doo-doo, Feelin' groovy.
Got no deeds to do, No promises to keep.
I'm dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep.
Let the morning time drop all its petals on me.
Life, I love you, All is groovy.

The ultimate groovy song is John Sebastian's Loving Spoolful's hippy hymn to magic:
http://mlcorbin.home.mindspring.com/mlcorbin/Music/music-believe-magic.html
Do you believe in magic in a young girl's heart
How the music can free her, whenever it starts
And it's magic, if the music is groovy
It makes you feel happy like an old-time movie
I'll tell you about the magic, and it'll free your soul
ut it's like trying to tell a stranger 'bout rock and roll
If you believe in magic don't bother to choose
If it's jug band music or rhythm and blues
Just go and listen it'll start with a smile
It won't wipe off your face no matter how hard you try
Your feet start tapping and you can't seem to find
How you got there, so just blow your mind
If you believe in magic, come along with me
We'll dance until morning 'til there's just you and me
And maybe, if the music is right
I'll meet you tomorrow, sort of late at night
And we'll go dancing, baby, then you'll see
How the magic's in the music and the music's in me
Yeah, do you believe in magic
Yeah, believe in the magic of a young girl's soul
Believe in the magic of rock and roll
Believe in the magic that can set you free
Ohh, talking 'bout magic
Do you believe like I believe
Do you believe in magic
Do you believe like I believe
Do you believe, believer
Do you believe like I believe
Do you believe in magic?

The ethos of grooviness pervades the lyrics of John Sebastian's Loving Spoonful songs, even if they don't always make explicit use of the word, such as this song:
http://www.50megs.com/webfitz/Lyrics/1966/901966.html
You Didn't Have To Be So Nice
The Lovin' Spoonful
( written by John Sebastian and Steve Boone)
You didn't have to be so nice
I would have liked you anyway
If you had just looked once or twice
And gone upon your quiet way
Today I said the time was right for me to follow you
I knew I'd find you in a day or two
And it's true
You came upon a quiet day
You simply seemed to take your place
I knew that it would be that way
The minute that I saw your face
And when we've had a few more days (when we've had a few more days)
I wonder if I'll get to say (wonder if I'll get to say)
You didn't have to be so nice (be so nice)
I would have liked you anyway (would have liked)
Today I said the time was right for me to follow you (today said that the time was right to follow you)
I knew I'd find you in a day or two (I knew that I would find you in a day or two)
And it's true
You didn't have to be so nice (didn't have to be so nice)
I would have liked you anyway (would have liked you anyway)
If you had just looked once or twice (once or twice)
And gone upon your quiet way (quiet way)

Here, "groovin'" is the social act of dancing.
http://www.50megs.com/webfitz/Lyrics/1967/91967.html

Little Bit Of Soul
The Music Explosion
(Carter-Lewis)
Now when you're feelin' low and the fish won't bite
You need a little bit o' soul to put you right
You gotta make like you wanna kneel and pray
And then a little bit of soul will come your way
Now when your girl is gone and you're broke in two
You need a little bit o' soul to see you through
And when you raise the roof with your rock'n'roll
You'll get a lot more kicks with a little bit o' soul
And when your party falls 'cause ain't nobody groovin'
A little bit of soul and it really starts movin', yeah
And when you're in a mess and you feel like cryin'
Just remember this little song of mine
And as you go through life tryin' to reach your goal
Just remember what I said about a little bit o'soul
A little bit o' soul, yeah (a little bit o' soul)
1968: Hippies: A Social Movement During the social unrest of the anti-Vietnam War hippy movement, "groovy" took on a social meaning, a grass roots atmosphere of sit-ins, "joints" as jointly smoked marijuana cigarettes, and a striving for communes and communication. Here "groovy" is synomymous with reconciliation.: http://www.50megs.com/webfitz/Lyrics/1968/331968.html; Reach Out of the Darkness
Friend and Lover
I think it's so groovy now
That people are finally getting together
I think it's so wonderful and how
That people are finally getting together
Reach out in the darkness
Reach out in the darkness
Reach out in the darkness
And you may find a friend
I knew a man that I did not care for
And then one day this man gave me a call
We sat and talked about things on our mind
And now this man he is a friend of mine
Don't be afraid of love
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid to love
Everybody needs a little love
Everybody needs somebody
That they can be thinking of; The Classics IV, smooth pop with a jazzy saxophone, associated grooviness with the natural letting go of the day as it falls into night time.
http://www.50megs.com/webfitz/Lyrics/1968/351968.html
Spooky
The Classics IV
In the cool of the evening when ev'rything is gettin' kind of groovy,
I call you up and ask you if you want to go and meet and see a movie,
First you say no, you've got some plans for the night,
And then you stop, and say, "All right."
Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you.
You always keep me guessin', I never seem to know what you are thinkin'.
And if a fella looks at you, it's for sure your little eye will be a-winkin'.
I get confused, 'cause I don't know where I stand,
And then you smile, and hold my hand.
Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you.
Spooky!
If you decide someday to stop this little game that you are playin',
I'm gonna tell you all what my heart's been a-dyin' to be sayin'.
Just like a ghost, you've been a-hauntin' my dreams,
So I'll propose... on Halloween.
Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you.
Spooky,
Spooky,
Spooky,
Oh-whoa, all right,
I said Spooky!
Already by 1968, "groovy" can shift into a a trite cliche: "I think you're groovy, let's go out to a movie."
http://www.50megs.com/webfitz/Lyrics/1968/561968.html
Elenore
The Turtles
You got a thing about you
I just can't live without you
I really want you, Elenore, near me
Your looks intoxicate me
Even though your folks hate me
There's no one like you, Elenore, really
Elenore, gee I think you're swell
And you really do me well
You're my pride and joy, et cetera
Elenore, can I take the time
To ask you to speak your mind
Tell me that you love me better
I really think you're groovy
Let's go out to a movie
What do you say, now, Elenore, can we?
They'll turn the lights way down low
Maybe we won't watch the show
I think I love you, Elenore, love me
Elenore, gee I think you're swell
And you really do me well
You're my pride and joy, et cetera
Elenore, can I take the time
To ask you to speak your mind
Tell me that you love me better
Elenore, gee I think you're swell ah-hah
Elenore, gee I think you're swell ah-hah
...hah
1969: By 1969, groovy still equates the natural with the real and has its pastoral, bovine, flower children ethos, yet begins moving toward rhythm and blues:
http://www.50megs.com/webfitz/Lyrics/1969/471969.html
Grazing in the Grass
Friends of Distinction
(Hou/Elston)
Sure is mellow grazin' in the grass (grazin' in the grass, yes, baby, can you dig it?)
What a trip just watchin' as the world goes past (grazin' in the grass, yes, baby, can you dig it?)
There are too many groovy things to see while grazin' in the grass (grazin' in the grass, yes, baby, can you dig it?)
Flowers with colours for takin', everything outta sight (grazin' in the grass, yes, baby, can you dig it?)
The sun peekin' out between the leaves (grazin' in the grass, yes, baby, can you dig it?)
And the bir-ir-ir-irds dartin' in and out of the trees (grazin' in the grass, yes, baby, can you dig it?)
Everything here is so clear, you can see it
And everything here is so real, you can feel it
And it's real, so real, so real, so real, so real, so real
Can you dig it?
I can dig it, he can dig it, she can dig it, we can dig it, they can dig it, you can dig it
Oh, let's dig it. Can you dig it, baby?
I can dig it, he can dig it, she can dig it, we can dig it, they can dig it, you can dig it
Oh, let's dig it. Can you dig it, baby?
The sun peekin' out between the leaves (grazin' in the grass, yes, baby, can you dig it?)
And the bir-ir-ir-irds dartin' in and out of the trees (grazin' in the grass, yes, baby, can you dig it?)
Everything here is so clear, you can see it
And everything here is so real, you can feel it
And it's real, so real, so real, so real, so real, so real
Can you dig it?
I can dig it, he can dig it, she can dig it, we can dig it, they can dig it, you can dig it
Oh, let's dig it. Can you dig it, baby?
I can dig it, he can dig it, she can dig it, we can dig it, they can dig it, you can dig it
Oh, let's dig it. Can you dig it, baby?
1970: By 1970, the original grooviness is over. Here is strained version.
http://www.50megs.com/webfitz/Lyrics/1970/951970.html
Groovy Situation
Gene Chandler
That girl I'm gonna make her mine
If it takes all night
That girl I'm gonna make her mine
If it takes all night
Good evening sweet darling
May I ask your name
You seem to be lonely
Well don't worry I'm feeling the same
Oh, it's a groovy situation
A splendid combination
That we should meet
At a time like this
Oh it's a groovy situation
a splendid combination
You're something that
I just can't miss
It's been a long time sweet darling
since love has come my way
But I'm trying so hard
To find the right words to say
Oh, it's a groovy situation
A splendid combination
That we should meet
At a time like this
Oh it's a groovy situation
a splendid combination
You're something that
I just can't miss
1970: the 1960's are over: 1970: Beatles use "grooving" in a non-groovy way. The song is about isolation, disorientation, and disease. The "coming together" is not "with" me but "over" me. Disillusionment.; Come Together
The Beatles
(Lennon/McCartney)
Here come old flat top
He come groovin' up slowly
He got juju eyeballs
He want holy rollers
He got hair down to his knees
Got to be a joker
He just do what he please
He wear no shoeshine
He got toe jam football
He got monkey finger
He shoot Coca Cola
He say I know you, you know me
One thing I can tell you is
You got to be free
Come together, right now
Over me
He bag production
He got walrus gumboot
He got Ono sideboard
He one spinal cracker
He got feet down below his knees
Hold you in his armchair
You can feel his disease
Come together, right now
Over me
He roller coaster
He got early warning
He got muddy water
He one Mojo filter
He say one and one and one is three
Got to be good looking
'cause he's so hard to see
Come together right now
Over me
Come together, yeah
Come together, yeah
Come together, yeah
Come together, yeah
Come together, yeah
Come together, yeah
Come together, yeah
Come together, yeah
Come together, yeah
Come together, yeah
1972: plastic commercialism: 1972: Sammy Davis, Jr. turns groovy upside down with a plastic Las Vegas quasi-parody.
The "groovy lemon pie" has nothing to do with nature. Groovy has been domesticated, packaged and sold as a sickeningly sweet product like KoolAid.
http://www.50megs.com/webfitz/Lyrics/1972/31972.html
Candy Man
From "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory"
As recorded by Sammy Davis Jr. with the Mike Curb Congregation
(Leslie Bricusse / Anthony Newley)
Who can take a sunrise, sprinkle it with dew
Cover it with choc'late and a miracle or two
The Candy Man, oh the Candy Man can
The Candy Man can 'cause he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good
Who can take a rainbow, wrap it in a sigh
Soak it in the sun and make a groovy lemon pie
The Candy Man, the Candy Man can
The Candy Man can 'cause he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good
The Candy Man makes everything he bakes satisfying and delicious
Now you talk about your childhood wishes, you can even eat the dishes
Oh, who can take tomorrow, dip it in a dream
Separate the sorrow and collect up all the cream
The Candy Man, oh the Candy Man can
The Candy Man can 'cause he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good
The Candy Man makes everything he bakes satisfying and delicious
Talk about your childhood wishes, you can even eat the dishes
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Who can take tomorrow, dip it in a dream
Separate the sorrow and collect up all the cream
The Candy Man, the Candy Man can
The Candy Man can 'cause he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good
Yes, the Candy Man can 'cause he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good
a-Candy Man, a-Candy Man, a-Candy Man
Candy Man, a-Candy Man, a-Candy Man
Candy Man, a-Candy Man, a-Candy Man