At war with war

in love with love

cheerfully suspicious

of crap from above.

 

Believing in peace

Chasing the vibe

Turning on, dropping out

becoming a new tribe.

 

Changing the world

and how things run

by blowing your mind

and having fun

 

No status or suits

they wanted unity.

To hell with respectability

it's about community

 

Playing gentle tunes

They were funny

ignoring careers

and making money

 

Looking East

making things grow

hanging out, being real

enjoying the show.

 

Fashionable to laugh

at all that these days.

Many sold out, stoned out

It was just a phase.

 

But being a real one

That was tough

I just hung round the edges

A long-haired scruff

 

Can't join in the sneering, though.

The cynic's dismissive wave.

The true hippies were heroes.

Idealistic and brave.

 

They paid a price for freedom,

for openness and sharing.

The real ones deserve respect.

It was fun and it was daring.

 

What they did was full of life.

Good people now who are tiring

Might draw strength from looking back

Some hippies were inspiring.