About the song
“In the Wind,” the third album by the iconic American folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, remains a landmark in the folk music genre, released in October 1963, just before the cultural tidal wave of the British Invasion swept across America. This album, which later received a reissue on audio CD in 1990, not only showcased the group’s vocal harmonies and instrumental prowess but also became a cornerstone of their career with its standout tracks and chart successes.
The lead single, a rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind,” catapulted the trio to unprecedented fame, selling an astonishing 300,000 copies within its first week of release. The song peaked at number two on the Billboard pop chart and spent five weeks atop the easy listening chart, firmly establishing Peter, Paul and Mary as leading figures in the folk music revival of the 1960s. At the Grammy Awards in 1964, their rendition of “Blowin’ in the Wind” earned them awards for Best Folk Recording and Best Performance by a Vocal Group, underscoring its cultural impact and musical significance.
Another notable track from the album, Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” further solidified their success, reaching number 2 on the Adult Contemporary chart and number 9 on the Pop Singles chart. The album’s diverse repertoire also includes traditional folk songs like “Stewball,” “All My Trials,” and “Tell It on the Mountain,” showcasing their versatility and commitment to preserving and revitalizing folk music traditions.
“In the Wind” topped the Billboard 200 chart shortly after its release, affirming its popularity and influence among listeners. The album’s success not only propelled Peter, Paul and Mary to international acclaim but also contributed to the broader cultural movement of social and political awareness through music during the 1960s.
With its enduring legacy and timeless appeal, “In the Wind” remains a testament to the trio’s artistry and their ability to connect deeply with audiences through poignant lyrics, soulful melodies, and a shared passion for storytelling. It continues to resonate with listeners as a cornerstone of folk music history, preserving its place in the hearts of fans and newcomers alike, decades after its initial release.
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Lyrics
How many roads must a man walk down
Before they call him a man?
How many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
How many times must the cannon balls fly
Before they’re forever banned?The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.How many years must a mountain exist
Before it is washed to the sea?
How many years can some people exist
Before they’re allowed to be free?
How many times can a man turn his head
And pretend that he just doesn’t see?The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.How many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky?
How many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
How many deaths will it take ’til he knows
That too many people have died?The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.