Donovan’s Haunting Voice In “Hurdy Gurdy Man” Will Take You Back

Hurdy Gurdy Man, 1968

Written for mentor Mac MacLeod, Donovan’s “Hurdy Gurdy Man” is everything anyone remembers about the 60’s- great guitar work, creeping vocals with eerie echoing and chill vibes that carry you away. Many fans are not aware that Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones was actually the musical director for this song, as well as the bassist.

Performing this hauntingly epic ballad on TV, Donovan embodies a transcendent spirit as he chants “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” inspired by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s teachings along with the Beatles.

Interesting Quote: “I know it’s rumored that I played on that, but I didn’t… I heard about this story actually when I was in USA, it was about the time we were talking about the deal with Led Zeppelin. We were at Miami with Jerry Wexler, and I heard about the story by there and then, across from England, and on the shores over here. And what the story was – and it’s very true – that they had Jeff Beck go in, and Jeff Beck played on it, and the producer decided to wipe the track. And Donovan had asked for me to do it, but of course I wasn’t there. And they had a guitarist, he basically filled, you know. He went into the session – and I wouldn’t say filled my shoes – but he went in the door, and his name was Alan Parker.” – Jimmy Page

Controversy on the song’s actual contributors sparks whenever Donovan’s “Hurdy Gurdy Man” is mentioned with names like Page, Parker and Bonham thrown out in the midst. Drummer Clem Cattini is rumored to have played on this track, however, Donovan’s autobiography states that Bonham was present at the recording sessions; regardless of the actual artists in this song, the drum and guitar work is straight out of this freaking world.

+ Hurdy Gurdy Man Lyrics +

Thrown like a star in my vast sleep
I open my eyes to take a peep
To find that I was by the sea
Gazing with tranquility.
‘Twas then when the Hurdy Gurdy Man
Came singing songs of love,
Then when the Hurdy Gurdy Man
Came singing songs of love.
Hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, gurdy he sang.
Hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, gurdy he sang.
Hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, gurdy he sang.
Histories of ages past
Unenlightened shadows cast
Down through all eternity
The crying of humanity.
‘Tis then when the Hurdy Gurdy Man
Comes singing songs of love,
Then when the Hurdy Gurdy Man
Comes singing songs of love.
Hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, gurdy he sang.
Hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy.
Hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, gurdy he sang.
Hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, gurdy he sang.
Here comes the roly poly man and he’s singing songs of love,
Roly poly, roly poly, roly poly, poly he sang.
Hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, gurdy he sang,
Hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, gurdy he sang