Songs That Changed the World--The Most Important Songs of the Rock Era: "Crystal Blue Persuasion" by Tommy James and the Shondells

One of the top groups of the 1960's is up next in our feature.  There are negative songs of criticism and pessimism included in The Most Important Songs of the Rock Era*.  But sometimes the ones that do the best and have the most influence are positive songs, hopeful songs that give us an image of what could be.  This is one such song from Tommy James and the Shondells.  The message is taken from the Book of Revelations in the Bible and tells of a crystal lake, a goal of peace and brotherhood.  We go back to 1969 for this one--the great song "Crystal Blue Persuasion".

"Crystal Blue Persuasion"
by Tommy James and the Shondells

Written by Jerry Gray, Tommy James and Mike Vale

Look over yonder what do you see
The sun is a-risin' most definitely
A new day is comin' people are changin'
Ain't it beautiful crystal blue persuasion

Better get ready gonna see the light
Love, love is the answer and that's all right
So don't you give up now so easy to find
Just look to your soul and open your mind

Crystal blue persuasion, mm-hmm
It's a new vibration
Crystal blue persuasion, crystal
Blue persuasion
Maybe tomorrow when He looks down
Every green field and every town
All of his children every nation
There'll be peace and good brotherhood
Crystal blue persuasion