The 5th Dimension – “The Age of Aquarius” (1969)

About the song

“The Age of Aquarius” by The 5th Dimension is a timeless anthem that captures the spirit and optimism of the late 1960s. Released in 1969 as part of the album “The Age of Aquarius,” this song became an instant classic, symbolizing the era’s hopes for peace, love, and a brighter future. The song was written by the prolific songwriting duo James Rado and Gerome Ragni, with music by Galt MacDermot, and it originally appeared in the groundbreaking musical “Hair.”

The 5th Dimension, known for their smooth harmonies and blend of pop, R&B, and soul, brought “The Age of Aquarius” to life with their dynamic performance. The song’s lyrics, which herald the dawning of a new astrological age, resonated deeply with the counterculture movement of the time, which was advocating for social change and a new way of thinking.

Upon its release, “The Age of Aquarius” quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It stayed at the top for six weeks, becoming one of the defining songs of the year and earning the group a Grammy Award for Record of the Year. The song’s success helped cement The 5th Dimension’s place in music history and demonstrated the power of music to capture the zeitgeist.

Musically, “The Age of Aquarius” is characterized by its upbeat, infectious melody and rich vocal harmonies. The arrangement features a blend of orchestral and contemporary sounds, including a memorable brass section and driving rhythm that propel the song forward. The medley also includes “Let the Sunshine In,” another powerful piece from “Hair,” which adds an uplifting conclusion to the track.

For many listeners, “The Age of Aquarius” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone that evokes the energy and optimism of the late 1960s. The 5th Dimension’s rendition remains the definitive version, capturing the hopeful vision of a generation seeking to change the world for the better. Even today, the song continues to inspire and remind us of a time when music was a force for social transformation and unity.

Video

Lyrics

When the moon is in the Seventh House
And Jupiter aligns with Mars
Then peace will guide the planets
And love will steer the stars

This is the dawning of the age of Aquarius
Age of Aquarius
Aquarius
Aquarius

Harmony and understanding
Sympathy and trust abounding
No more falsehoods or derisions
Golden living dreams of visions
Mystic crystal revelation
And the mind’s true liberation
Aquarius
Aquarius

When the moon (when the moon) is in the Seventh House
And Jupiter (Jupiter) aligns with Mars
Then peace will guide the planets
And love will steer the stars

This is the dawning of the age of Aquarius
Age of Aquarius
Aquarius
Aquarius
Aquarius
Aquarius

Let the sunshine
Let the sunshine in
The sunshine in

Let the sunshine
Let the sunshine in
The sunshine in

Let the sunshine (oh let it shine)
Let the sunshine in (come on)
The sunshine in (now, everybody, just sing along)

Let the sunshine (let the sun shine on in)
Let the sunshine in (open up your heart)
The sunshine in (and let it shine on in)

(And when you are lonely) Let the sunshine
(Hey, let it shine) Let the sunshine in
(You got to open up your heart) The sunshine in
(And let it shine on in)

(And when you feel like you’ve been mistreated) Let the sunshine
(And your friends turn their back on you) Let the sunshine in
(Just open up your heart) The sunshine in
(And let it shine on in)

(You’ve got to feel it) Let the sunshine
(You’ve got to feel it) Let the sunshine in
(Ah, open up your heart) The sunshine in
(And let it shine on in)

(Now let me tell you one thing) Let the sunshine
(I want you to sing along with the 5th Dimension) Let the sunshine in
(Hey, and open up your heart) The sunshine in
(Ah, come on)

Let the sunshine (and let it shine)
Let the sunshine in (every day)
The sunshine in

(Hey, you’ve got to feel it) Let the sunshine
(You’ve got to feel it) Let the sunshine in
(When you open up your heart) The sunshine in
(You got to let the sun come on in)

(Now I see it in the morning) Let the sunshine
(And the rain in the evening) Let the sunshine in
(Open up your heart) The sunshine in

(Hey, when you’re feeling low) Let the sunshine in