About the song
“Porpoise Song” by The Monkees is an iconic track from the late 1960s that showcases the band’s adventurous experimentation with sound and lyrical depth. Released in 1968 as part of their album Head, this song stands out not only for its musical innovation but also for the way it captures the complex mood of the era. Written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, two of the most influential songwriters of the time, “Porpoise Song” marks a departure from the band’s usual pop-oriented sound, blending elements of psychedelic rock with introspective lyrics.
The song was first released on October 25, 1968, as part of The Monkees’ album Head, which was the soundtrack to their experimental film of the same name. Head was a bold departure from the traditional Monkees sound, incorporating elements of psychedelia and avant-garde music that were reflective of the counterculture movement of the late 1960s. While the album did not achieve the same commercial success as some of their earlier records, it became a cult classic, with “Porpoise Song” standing out as one of its most intriguing tracks.
The meaning of “Porpoise Song” can be interpreted in various ways, but at its core, it is a reflection on the search for meaning and identity, themes that were pervasive in the 1960s. The song’s surreal imagery, including references to a porpoise and the line “a time to live, a time to die,” suggests a deeper exploration of the human experience and the existential questions that many were grappling with during the era. The use of a porpoise in the title is especially interesting, as it could symbolize innocence, freedom, and the fleeting nature of life — themes that resonated strongly with young people at the time.
On a societal level, “Porpoise Song” and the Head album in general reflect the disillusionment of the 1960s youth, who were questioning established norms and looking for alternative ways of thinking. This was a time when the world was undergoing significant social and political change, and the song’s introspective nature tapped into the feelings of uncertainty and search for deeper meaning that characterized the counterculture movement. The Monkees, initially known for their more commercial pop hits, embraced a more experimental, almost avant-garde approach in Head, and “Porpoise Song” is perhaps the best example of this artistic shift.
The impact of the song on both the band and the music industry was profound, as it marked a turning point in The Monkees’ evolution. While the band was initially seen as a bubblegum pop group, Head showcased their potential for artistic growth and their willingness to push boundaries. “Porpoise Song” continues to be regarded as one of The Monkees’ most enduring and thought-provoking tracks, appreciated by both fans of the band and those interested in the psychedelic music scene of the 1960s.
In summary, “Porpoise Song” by The Monkees is not just a song; it’s a snapshot of a time when young people were questioning the world around them and searching for meaning in an ever-changing society. Its experimental sound, complex lyrics, and societal relevance have ensured that it remains an influential and beloved piece of music history.
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Lyrics
My, my, the clock in the skyIs pounding awayAnd there’s so much to sayA face, a voiceAn overdub has no choiceAn image cannot rejoiceWanting to beTo hear and to seeCrying to the skyBut the porpoise is laughingGoodbye, goodbyeGoodbye, goodbye, goodbyeClicks, clacks, riding the backs of giraffes for laughsS’alright for a whilesings of castlesAnd kings and things that goWith a life of styleWanting to feelTo know what is realLiving is a, is a lieThe porpoise is waitingGoodbye, goodbyeGoodbye, goodbye, goodbyeGoodbye, goodbye, goodbyeGoodbye, goodbye, goodbye