My Golden Oldies From the 70’s

Tops Songs (That I Still Remember The Words To)

By County Judge Peter Sakai

1. “I Am, I Said” by Neil Diamond

The lyrics speak to me. “ . . . a frog who dreamed of being a king and then became one . . . /If you talk about me/The story is the same one.”

2. “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond

Greatest song by Neil to sing along with at any time. “Hands/ Touching hands/Reaching out/Touching me, touching you.”

3. “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor

This song reminds me of the long hot days in the Rio Grande Valley on the farm and football fields where there were “sunny days that I thought would never end.”

4. “Cat’s in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin

Chapin’s best song—a poignant story about the missed opportunities of a father-son relationship and the consequences thereof.

“He’d grown up just like me/My boy was just like me.”

5. “Time in a Bottle” by Jim Croce

“But there never seems to be enough time/To do the things you want to do once you find them.” The song is a message about how precious life is and how we all need to appreciate what we have while we have it.

6. “Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology)” by Marvin Gaye

In the 70’s, this song mourned the destruction of the environment in a modernized society. It still applies today. Marvin Gaye was one of Motown’s best.

7. “All Day Music” by War

Best cruising’ song in my time. “Music is what we like to play? All day . . . /To soothe your soul.”

8. “Wake up Everybody” by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes

A song that calls for action. “The world won’t get no better/We gotta change it/Just you and me.” The lyrics still touch on everyday issues that are relevant even today. Another great Motown singer, Teddy Pendergrass.

9. “Europa” and “Moonflower” by Santana (Carlos Santana)

Carlos Santana makes his guitar sing in the most beautiful instrumental songs that no one else does. Carlos is still going strong today.

10. “Colour my World” by Chicago

Some of the shortest lyrics, but one of the greatest love songs, especially for those junior high school dances. Chicago songs were on the main playlist for the local band, “Court Jesters” (RIP Judge Sol Casseb and Steve Barrera).

The lyrics reflect on the seemingly heartless and cruel nature of people. The song questions how individuals can be indifferent toward the suffering of others and highlights how it is “easy to be” cold and callous.

11. “Easy to be Hard” by Three Dog Night

The lyrics reflect on the seemingly heartless and cruel nature of people. The song questions how individuals can be indifferent toward the suffering of others and highlights how it is “easy to be” cold and callous.

12. “Suavecito” by Malo

Greatest song by a Chicano Band. (Jorge Santana—brother of Carlos Santana—was the leader of the band).

13. “Las Nubes” by Little Joe & La Familia

A legendary Tex-Mex song which narrates a bittersweet tale of lost love, showcasing the struggles and resilience of the Latin community. Little Joe Hernandez is the epitome of the Brown Soul. Remember, I grew up in The Valley.