The Everly Brothers – Let’s Go Get Stoned

About the song

“Let’s Go Get Stoned” by The Everly Brothers is a lively and rebellious track that showcases the duo’s ability to step outside their usual harmonious ballads and explore edgier, more upbeat material. This song, originally written by Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson, and Josephine Armstead, was covered by The Everly Brothers in their later years, capturing the carefree spirit of the 1960s and 70s, where themes of liberation and indulgence were prominent.

The song’s title, “Let’s Go Get Stoned”, immediately suggests a playful and carefree attitude towards life, with the phrase commonly referring to indulging in substances as a form of escapism. The Everly Brothers’ version of this song brings a light-hearted approach to what might otherwise be considered a controversial topic. The lyrics convey a sense of liberation and letting go of life’s troubles through shared experiences and camaraderie. The phrase “Let’s go get stoned” can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically, making it a song about escaping the pressures of daily life.

Musically, the track has an infectious rhythm that’s driven by a bluesy piano and a groovy, laid-back tempo. The Everly Brothers’ harmonies remain a central feature, but the song incorporates elements of soul and R&B, making it a departure from their traditional country-rock sound. The upbeat instrumentation and catchy chorus make it a feel-good anthem, despite its underlying message of using substances as a way to cope with life’s hardships.

The lyrics themselves are relatively simple, repeating the main theme of the song with lines like “Let’s go get stoned” serving as both a literal invitation and a metaphorical call to relax and unwind. While the song’s message might seem carefree, there is also an element of resignation to life’s difficulties, suggesting that sometimes, the only way to cope is to seek temporary relief.

“Let’s Go Get Stoned” fits into the broader cultural context of the 1960s and 70s, where music often explored themes of freedom, experimentation, and rebellion against societal norms. The Everly Brothers, though typically associated with softer love ballads and harmonies, demonstrate their versatility by tackling a song with a more playful, carefree attitude. It also reflects the duo’s willingness to experiment with different genres and styles, proving that they could adapt to the evolving music scene of the time.

While “Let’s Go Get Stoned” may not have the same emotional depth as some of the Everly Brothers’ more famous ballads, it offers a different kind of appeal. It’s a fun, light-hearted track that invites listeners to let loose and enjoy life, if only for a moment. The song’s infectious energy and the brothers’ smooth harmonies make it a memorable addition to their extensive catalog.

“Let’s Go Get Stoned” is a refreshing change of pace for The Everly Brothers, allowing them to explore themes of liberation and escapism. The combination of blues, soul, and their signature harmonies results in a unique track that captures the essence of a carefree, rebellious era in music history. While it may not carry the emotional weight of some of their more introspective songs, it remains a fun, uplifting anthem that showcases the duo’s versatility and willingness to embrace new styles.

Video

Lyrics

“Let’s Go Get Stoned”
(originally by The Coasters)