So many nostalgic songs from the 1960s are loved, and for many different reasons. Maybe you’re attached to a particular song as a 60s kid because it reminds you of a different era, of your family, or it just resonated with you on a musical level. And some songs, I believe, can shape us into who we are. Let’s look at a few nostalgic songs from the 1960s that might have influenced the kind of person you became as an adult.
“Hey Jude” by The Beatles (1968)
This heartwarming tune really defined a generation, and not just because it sounded good. This beautiful little pop-rock ballad was written by Paul McCartney to comfort a young Julian Lennon after his father, John Lennon, divorced his mother. It’s a sympathetic and encouraging song to a young boy that McCartney treated as his own, and one that was meant to encourage him to seek love at every turn. If you heard this song and learned its backstory back in the day, it might have shaped you into a more sympathetic person.
Videos by American Songwriter
“Like A Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan (1965)
This jam is one of Bob Dylan’s most beloved songs of his career, and it’s usually the one people think of when they think of the Bard himself. Not only did this song likely contribute to your love of folk and rock, but it also likely turned you on to protest anthems and the use of music for the greater good. This song, which is about the downfall of a wealthy individual, likely resonated with you if you grew up in poverty or struggled to get by.
“The Sound Of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel (1966)
This is by far folk duo Simon & Garfunkel’s most famous song, and it’s a beautifully written piece of work that has stood the test of time. “The Sound Of Silence” is one nostalgic songs of the 1960s, and its message is particularly of interest. This song, written by Paul Simon, is about the difficulties people tend to have when communicating with each other, and the shallow culture that keeps us separated from one another. It’s full of empathy, and it might have opened more than a few eyes back in the day. Maybe it opened your own.
Photo by Chris Walter
More The List
-
(Original Caption) A singer called Joni. Joni Mitchell, Canadian singer-songwriter, United Kingdom, 1968. The guitar-pickin' gal is Joni Mitchell, a long blonde haired Canadian folk singer. Pictured last night outside the Revolution club, Joni is here (until 1st October) for radio, television and concert appearances. Apart from concert appearances, 25 year old Joni will be heard on "Top Gear" on Radio One and "The Monday Show" on BBC 1. (Photo by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images) -
English rock band the Beatles arrive at London Airport from the USA, with their manager Brian Epstein (1934 – 1967, in coach doorway), 2nd September 1965. From left to right, John Lennon (1940 – 1980), George Harrison (1943 – 2001), Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. (Photo by George Stroud/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) -
George Jones, who released several country songs about whiskey -
Elvis Presley and Scotty Moore (left) performing on The Milton Berle Show at NBC's Hollywood studio, Los Angeles, California, 5th June 1956. Presley performed 'I Want You, I Need You, I Love You' and 'Hound Dog'. Press reaction to his performance was largely negative with his gyrating movements during 'Hound Dog' proving particularly controversial. (Photo by Bettmann Archive/Getty Images) -
Singer and musician Merle Haggard performs at the Poplar Creek Music Theater, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, August 16, 1983. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images) -
John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls at event, New York, 1990s. (Photo by Steve Eichner/Getty Images) -
Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images -
Pop group The Byrds (l to r): Chris Hillman; Dave Crosby; Mike Clark; Jim McGuinn; and Gene Clark. (Photo by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)