The British Invasion

In North America I have heard the term “British Invasion” meaning the time when singers like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones dominated the pop charts. I was in Bulawayo (Africa) at the time, and would like to share with you some of the singers and songs I enjoyed.

Sandie Shaw – Puppet on a string

“Love is just like a merry-go-round, with all the fun of the fair, one day I’m feeling down on the ground, then I’m up in the air.” I remember singing this song to myself many years later when I was taking my children to the fun fair at Germiston Lake. I remember going on the roller coaster and being high in the sky with the big wheel. Love is a lot like that. Sometimes you are up, and sometimes you are down, but it is a lot of fun, when you look back and forget all the heartaches! So this is one of my favorite love songs of the British Invasion.

The Beatles – I want to hold your hand

I think the Beatles basically ‘spearheaded’ the British Invasion, and all the other singers followed in their wake. It was round about that time that I started dating. I was too shy and scared to ask a girl out, but one night after being at a Baptist Church youth meeting, some of us were walking down a street in Bulawayo, and a couple in front of me were holding hands and laughing. I wanted to date the girl walking beside me, but I was too shy to ask her, and was afraid of being rejected. Eventually I built up enough courage to reach over and hold her hand. She didn’t pull it away! What a fantastic feeling. (It was like a small step for man and a giant leap for mankind – sort of thing). That was the beginning of a whole new world for me. A lot of joys and heartaches on the way.

The Rolling Stones – The last time

I think the Rolling Stones kept the British Invasion rolling which opened the door for other groups to follow. When I was a teenager I remember seeing on TV The Rolling Stones singing “live” at a stadium, and all the girls screaming. I wish I could find that on the internet, but I can’t. I remember parents complaining about their children being corrupted. I must admit that they had a big fan base. There is something about their music that has a type of hypnotic effect. I think the only Rolling Stone song I sang was: “It’s all over now.”

Herman’s Hermits – There’s a kind of hush

I think Herman’s Hermits were the third most powerful force in the British Invasion. This is a very romantic song, although I was too shy to sing it when I was a teenager. They had a lot of hits, like Henry the eighth, No milk today, and Mrs Brown you’ve got a lovely daughter. I read in a book that Mickey Most was their manager and also managed Donovan.

Engelbert Humperdinck – The last waltz

He had a lot of hit songs, but some of them are so sad that I can’t listen to them. I have about 20 of his LP records that I bought at a sale. I have heard this song on the radio a few times lately, and it brings good memories, so I have chosen it for here.

Mary Hopkin – Those were the days

Marianne Faithfull – As tears go by

The Kinks – A well respected man

Gerry and the Pacemakers – Ferry cross the Mersey

British Invasion – Life goes on

The guys in our band in Bulawayo liked this song, but I have only found out now that they are called The Marmalade. I thought they were called Dave, Dee, Dozy, Beaty, Mick and Tich.

Tom Jones – Green green grass of home

I was at college when I first heard this song, and I longed to be back home.

I also have a Gospel web site. If you want to check it out, go to:  http://countrygospelandbible.com/

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