✌️ About the Song
Released in 1967 — the Summer of Love’s unofficial theme song — Get Together is what happens when optimism grows a backbone.
Written by Chet Powers (aka Dino Valenti of Quicksilver Messenger Service), the tune had been floating around the folk circuit for years before The Youngbloods gave it its defining version.
The song’s message is gloriously simple: stop fighting, start loving, and maybe we’ll survive as a species.
Jesse Colin Young’s voice is pure warmth — he sounds like he’s inviting the whole world into his living room. There’s something hypnotic about how the chords roll on and on, like a mantra that’s too chilled-out to end.
It didn’t actually become a hit until 1969, when it was re-released during the height of Vietnam protests. Suddenly, everyone wanted a little peace in their playlists — and Get Together hit the Top 5.
🎸 Ukulele Playing Tips
- Chords: Simple and classic — C – F – G – Am, with a C – F – C – G loop through most of the verses.
- Strumming pattern: Easy swing: Down–Down–Up–Up–Down–Up, relaxed at around 108 bpm.
- Tone: Open and warm — let the strings ring. If you choke the sound, you’ll kill the vibe (and possibly the movement).
- Dynamics: Keep the verses mellow, then let the chorus (“Come on people now…”) blossom. Think of it as a sunrise, not a firework.
- Optional flourish: Throw a Cmaj7 (0002) into the chorus for that soft, hippy shimmer.
- Harmony tip: If you’re playing with others, stack your vocals. Thirds and fifths make this song absolutely soar.
- Ending idea: Fade on repeated “Love is but a song we sing” lines — proper campfire magic.
🧠 Trivia You Can Drop Casually
- The song’s original version was recorded by The Kingston Trio in 1964, but The Youngbloods’ take made it immortal.
- The line “Smile on your brother” became a slogan for the peace movement and was plastered on posters across America.
- RCA initially dropped the single after poor sales; when a PSA used it in 1969, radio stations started spinning it again and it exploded.
- Jesse Colin Young performed it at Woodstock, barefoot, obviously.
🌈 Final Word
Play Get Together like you’re summoning peace through sound. Keep your rhythm easy, your tone warm, and your grin genuine.
If someone nearby doesn’t instinctively start swaying, they might actually be a government agent.
