There Was A Time

From the Lifesmith Group album, "Drivel."

There was a time when smoking some grass was like a religious experience
A ritual act, some magic performed, an involvement in spiritual benevolence.
The sights, the sounds, the colorful clowns, the music of Hendrix and Doors
Wide open to alternative thinking when Reagan and Nixon were boors.

We thought we were special, hippies indeed, when brotherhood was the calling
Dressing the part, we knew in our hearts, Mankind’s progress was crawling
Covetous greed fuels the selfish need, denying a cooperative sense
We freely gave of ourselves and behaved as respectful, peaceable gents.

How many times did we smoke and joke how foolish were society’s mores
How often we vowed to set an example by not supporting the wars
A better way can be seen when you smoke, not too often it’s true
Even too much milk can get you in trouble, moderation given its due.

I can remember (is it a wonder?) how everything seemed to be so fresh
The kiss of a girl, the gleam of a pearl, a cracker just tasted delish
The sound of a drum, the taste of a plum, senses heightened for sure
Perception is key with an attitude freed for a trip of boredom cured.

Yet now things have changed and not for the better, pot has given to waste
Ambition for abusing the light of day gives the night time a bitter taste
The mystical part of the trip is gone, a crass party-hearty is here
Now seems so senseless the reason to do so which at one time was so clear.

I’m proud of my past and that I smoked grass in the 60s that everyone loved
I’m so glad that I saw the natural draw of living below and above
Young people now have no driving aim, they know not how to treat time
Wasting away at primitive parties, a loss of wisdom’s a crime.