About the song
“A Trip Back to the Swinging Sixties with the Small Faces”
If you’re a fan of classic rock, or even if you’re just curious about the music that defined a generation, then you’ve likely heard of the Small Faces. This English band, formed in the mid-1960s, made a significant contribution to the British Invasion sound. One of their most memorable tracks, “Itchycoo Park”, released in 1967, remains a timeless classic.
The song’s title alone evokes a sense of mystery and intrigue. “Itchycoo Park” is a place where one can escape the mundane and immerse themselves in a world of dreams and imagination. The lyrics, penned by Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane, paint a vivid picture of a carefree youth, filled with excitement and adventure. The line, “Over the bridge of sights to rest my eyes in shades of green,” transports the listener to a serene and idyllic setting.
Musically, “Itchycoo Park” is a prime example of the psychedelic pop sound that was so popular in the late 1960s. The song’s distinctive organ riff, combined with the band’s tight harmonies, creates a hypnotic and infectious groove. The use of flanging, a sound effect that was relatively new at the time, adds a touch of experimentalism to the track.
Released in 1967, “Itchycoo Park” quickly became a hit in both the UK and the US. It reached number three on the UK Singles Chart and number sixteen on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal themes of youth, freedom, and the search for something more.
“Itchycoo Park” is more than just a catchy pop song; it’s a snapshot of a particular moment in time. The song captures the spirit of the 1960s, a decade marked by social and cultural upheaval. It’s a reminder of a time when music was a powerful force for change and a source of inspiration for millions.
If you’ve never heard “Itchycoo Park” before, or if it’s been a while since you’ve listened to it, I encourage you to give it another listen. You’ll be transported back to a simpler time and reminded of the power of music to connect people across generations.
Video
Lyrics
Over bridge of sighs
To rest my eyes in shades of green
Under dreaming spires
To Itchycoo Park, that’s where I’ve been
I got high
(What did you feel there?) well, I cried
(But why the tears there?) tell you why
It’s all too beautiful, it’s all too beautiful
It’s all too beautiful, it’s all too beautiful
I feel inclined to blow my mind
Get hung up, feed the ducks with a bun
They all come out to groove about
Be nice and have fun in the sun
I’ll tell you what I’ll do (what will you do?) I’d like to go there now with you
You can miss out school (won’t that be cool?) why go to learn the words of fools?
we’ll get high
(What will we touch there?) we’ll touch the sky
(But why the tears there?) I’ll tell you why
It’s all too beautiful, it’s all too beautiful
It’s all too beautiful, it’s all too beautiful
I feel inclined to blow my mind
Get hung up, feed the ducks with a bun
They all come out to groove about
Be nice and have fun in the sun
It’s all too beautiful, it’s all too beautiful
It’s all too beautiful, hah
It’s all too beautiful, it’s all too beautiful
It’s all too beautiful, it’s all too beautiful
It’s all too beautiful, it’s all too beautiful