cff where have all the flowers gone? | Simple and Serene Living

where have all the flowers gone?

Saturday, February 1, 2014

With the passing of Pete Seeger recently I was reminded of one of my favorite songs Where Have All The Flowers Gone?.



I grew up loving folk music. It soothed me through many troubles, and I think I related to its simplicity. It reminds me of the oral traditions of the south, where stories are shared and handed down through the generations. Folk music is another way of telling these stories.

There is a sense of peace and serenity in the cadence of many of these songs. 



And while there is a feeling of simplicity in these songs, many of them address issues that are in no way simple, because they tell us the stories of life, and life is not always simple.

I am reminded of some of my favorite singers of folk music from the 1960's. Peter Paul and Mary, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Judy Collins, and more.



As a teenager during the 60's, I was probably unaware of the underlying themes of many of these songs. It wasn't until later that they spoke to me in a different way. That there was more in life that I needed to understand and think about. 

Folk music is still with us today, but I think of the music from the past and the singers who have begun to pass on. I am happy that I can still enjoy their contributions. 



They contribute to bringing me the simple life.



 

Comments

  1. Yes, music doesn't have a language. It keep us moving....

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  2. Yeah, I hadn't realized just how many of those songs were written by him until I saw a short bio. The songs I loved in the '60s and had no idea at the time (since I was young and didn't care about things like that) that many were anti-war songs. I just loved them for the music. And BTW, I love that second photo! I haven't raised glads for a long time because I need to put them someplace where they can get help standing up. They're so spectacular!

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    1. I love gladiolas, too. Those were down the street from me last summer.

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  3. They are so easy to sing along to and can really set the mood when you listen. Enjoy your day my friend!

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  4. love the hollyhocks (i think that's what they are). maybe glads?

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  5. I love all of the old folk songs. Where have all the flowers gone is a favorite of mine.

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  6. I grew up in the 60's listening to these folk songs too. And, like you, didn't really know the meaning of the words at the time. Judy Collins was a favourite of mine. Your flower photos are beautiful. Have a happy weekend.

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  7. I recently discovered 'the Bridge' on Sirius (satellite) radio, and you would love it! Folk rock, classic 60-70's vintage, mostly. It's become my favorite radio station in the car!

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    1. I guess if I ever get Sirius I will have to check it out. For now I have to rely on my FM radio.

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  8. what's unfortunate is the absence of music programs in school. instead children grow up listening to "god knows what" and half clothed musicians.

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    1. I agree, Laura. The arts programs are the first cut. What a shame.

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  9. We love music at our house and we loved Pete Seeger. Last winter i did a post of his rendition of May You Stay Forever Young. I just smile every single time that song pops up on my iPod when I am driving.

    Gorgeous flower photos.

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  10. Always loved folk music, especially Where Have All The Flowers Gone. Great photo of the hydrangea. Hope you're having a good weekend, Laura!

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    1. Thanks, Katie. Hope you are having a great weekend, too.

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  11. I love all that music and that's what I grew up on. The first song I learned to play on the guitar was "Leaving on a Jet Plane."

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  12. Replies
    1. I think we pretty much do always talk the same language, Brenda :)

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  13. AH i love the gladioli !! :)

    SO are you saying that you prefer this sort of music to RAP ? :) :) :)

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  14. I was also very saddened to hear about it - but he lived such a great fulfilled long life -
    And he'll live forever through his music - ( this land was his land - this land is our land )
    XOXO

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  15. I didn't think that I knew who he was when they started to mention his passing, and then when they played all of his songs....I realized just how important he was in my life. I'm thankful that I had a chance to be exposed to his beautiful music.

    Jen

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  16. Me too, Jen and I am so glad that they are still here for us to enjoy.

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