"Get Together", often called "Everybody Get Together" or "Let's Get Together," is a peace anthem written by Chet Powers (aka Dino Valenti) in the early 1960s. The Youngbloods recorded the most famous version in 1967, and after a slow start, it became a defining song of the late 1960s counterculture and the Summer of Love123456.
Songwriting and Early Versions
Chet Powers, a folk singer active in Greenwich Village and later California, wrote "Get Together" as a plea for peace, brotherhood, and unity during a time of social upheaval1234. The song was first performed and recorded by Powers as "Let's Get Together" in 1963, but his version wasn't officially released until decades later3. Early covers by The Kingston Trio (1964), We Five (1965), and Jefferson Airplane (1966) brought the song to wider attention, but it was The Youngbloods' version that became iconic345.
The Youngbloods' Version and Success
The Youngbloods, a folk-rock band from New York’s Greenwich Village scene, recorded "Get Together" for their debut album in 1967. Lead singer Jesse Colin Young was captivated by the song after hearing it performed at Café au Go Go and brought it to his band1245. Initially, their single stalled at #62 on the charts, overshadowed by other hits of the era245.
In 1969, the song gained new life when it was used in a public service announcement for the National Conference of Christians and Jews, promoting brotherhood and unity. The exposure led to a re-release, and this time "Get Together" soared to #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over a million copies, earning gold certification2456. It became a signature anthem of the 1960s counterculture, symbolizing hope, peace, and communal love during the Vietnam War era12456.
Lyrics and Meaning
The song’s message is simple yet profound:
"Come on people now, smile on your brother,
Everybody get together, try to love one another right now."
The lyrics present a choice between love and fear, urging listeners to embrace unity and compassion. Verses reference the fleeting nature of life ("We are but a moment’s sunlight fading in the grass") and the power each person holds ("You hold the key to love and fear / All in your trembling hand")134. The chorus’s repeated plea for togetherness became a rallying cry for the peace movement and remains relevant in times of division.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
"Get Together" is often called the "hippie national anthem" and has appeared in films (Forrest Gump), TV (The Simpsons), and countless commercials12. It has been covered by many artists, including The Dave Clark Five, The Carpenters, and The Staples Singers123. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its universal message and sing-along chorus, making it a highlight of Youngbloods concerts even decades later1.
Key Facts Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Writer | Chet Powers (Dino Valenti) |
| First Recorded | 1963 (Powers, unreleased until 1996) |
| Famous Version | The Youngbloods, 1967 (hit in 1969) |
| Chart Performance | #5 US Billboard Hot 100 (1969) |
| Notable Features | Peace anthem, sing-along chorus, message of unity |
| Legacy | Icon of 1960s counterculture, widely covered, media staple |
Summary
"Get Together" by The Youngbloods is a timeless anthem of peace and unity, urging listeners to choose love over fear. Its journey from folk clubs to the top of the charts—and its enduring presence in popular culture—reflects its power to inspire hope and togetherness across generations123456.
