About the song
“Crystal Blue Persuasion,” a serene and introspective track by Tommy James and the Shondells, captivated listeners with its gentle tempo and distinctive organ-driven melody. Released during a period when psychedelic rock dominated the airwaves, the song stood out for its unique blend of soulful groove and reflective lyrics, distinctively different from James’s contemporaneous psychedelic efforts.
The song’s composition features a prominent organ part that sets the mood, complemented by melodic acoustic guitar passages and a subtle bass pattern. This musical arrangement, more aligned with The Rascals’ style at the time, deviated from the heavier psychedelic sounds prevalent in the late 1960s.
Tommy James revealed in interviews that the inspiration for “Crystal Blue Persuasion” stemmed from his readings of biblical texts, particularly the Book of Revelation. He noted that the title itself came to him while contemplating passages about the New Jerusalem, where the words resonated across different verses, creating a coherent phrase that captured his imagination and became integral to the song’s theme.
Interestingly, there has been speculation about the song’s lyrical meaning. While some listeners interpreted “crystal blue persuasion” as a reference to the clarity of mind induced by hallucinogenic substances like LSD, James clarified that the song’s essence was inspired more by spiritual and philosophical concepts from biblical texts, rather than drug-related experiences.
Despite various interpretations, “Crystal Blue Persuasion” remains a favorite among Tommy James and the Shondells’ repertoire, cherished for its tranquil vibe and profound lyrics about unity and peace. Its enduring popularity and timeless appeal reflect its status as a classic example of late 1960s rock music that transcended genre boundaries and resonated with a broad audience seeking both musical innovation and spiritual contemplation.
Video
Lyrics
Look over yonder
What do you see?
The sun is a-rising
Most definitely
A new day is coming (ooh, ooh)
People are changing
Ain’t it beautiful? (Ooh, ooh)
Crystal blue persuasion
Better get ready to see the light
Love, love is the answer (ooh, ooh)
And that’s all right
So don’t you give up now (ooh, ooh)
So easy to find
Just look to your soul (your soul)
And open your mind
Crystal blue persuasion, hmm, hmm
It’s a new vibration
Crystal blue persuasion
Crystal
Blue persuasion
Maybe tomorrow
When he looks down
On every green field (ooh, ooh)
And every town
All of his children
And every nation
There’ll be peace and good brotherhood
Crystal blue persuasion, yeah
Crystal blue persuasion, aah-aah
Crystal blue persuasion, aah-aah
(Crystal blue persuasion, aah-aah)