About the song
Peter, Paul and Mary’s “Blowing in the Wind” is a timeless folk classic that has captivated audiences for decades. Released in 1963, the song became a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, solidifying the trio’s status as one of the most influential folk music acts of their generation.
The song’s intro immediately sets the stage with a haunting guitar riff and Peter Yarrow’s distinctive, soulful vocals. The lyrics explore themes of peace, war, and social justice, posing thought-provoking questions about the human condition.
One of the song’s most memorable aspects is its repetitive chorus, which asks, “How many times must a man look up before he sees the sky?” The chorus’s simple yet powerful message has resonated with audiences for generations.
The song’s production is simple yet effective, with Yarrow’s acoustic guitar providing the primary accompaniment. The arrangement allows his vocals and the lyrics to take center stage, creating a raw and intimate atmosphere.
“Blowing in the Wind” is a testament to the power of music to inspire and provoke thought. Its timeless melody, evocative lyrics, and the trio’s harmonious vocals have made it a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Peter, Paul and Mary’s talent and their ability to create music that transcends time and genre.
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Lyrics
How many roads must a man walk down
Before they call him a man?
How many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
How many times must the cannon balls fly
Before they’re forever banned?The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.How many years must a mountain exist
Before it is washed to the sea?
How many years can some people exist
Before they’re allowed to be free?
How many times can a man turn his head
And pretend that he just doesn’t see?The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.How many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky?
How many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
How many deaths will it take ’til he knows
That too many people have died?The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.