“Green Tambourine” is a psychedelic pop song by The Lemon Pipers, released in 1967. Written by Paul Leka and Shelley Pinz, the song became a major hit and is widely recognized as a quintessential example of the psychedelic pop genre that characterized much of the late 1960s music scene.

The lyrics of “Green Tambourine” tell the story of a street musician who plays his tambourine and asks for money in return for his performance. The tambourine, painted green, symbolizes the whimsical and psychedelic elements of the era. The protagonist’s plea, “Drop a dime before I walk away / Any song you want, I’ll gladly play,” reflects the simplicity and innocence of a busker’s life, contrasted with the trippy and surreal atmosphere created by the music.

Musically, “Green Tambourine” is characterized by its distinctive use of the tambourine and its rich, layered production. The song features a catchy melody, driving rhythm, and an array of psychedelic sound effects, including electric sitar and echoing vocals. These elements combine to create a dreamy and immersive listening experience that captures the essence of the psychedelic era.

The Lemon Pipers’ performance is marked by vibrant and harmonious vocals, which add to the song’s infectious and playful vibe. The instrumentation, particularly the use of the tambourine and the electric sitar, gives the song its unique sound and helps to transport listeners to the colorful, imaginative world evoked by the lyrics.

“Green Tambourine” was a commercial success, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in early 1968. Its popularity helped to establish The Lemon Pipers as one of the prominent acts of the psychedelic pop movement, even though they would not achieve the same level of success with subsequent releases.

The song’s enduring appeal lies in its catchy tune, innovative production, and the nostalgic sense of the 1960s counterculture it evokes. “Green Tambourine” continues to be celebrated as a classic of the psychedelic pop genre and is often featured in compilations and retrospectives of 1960s music.

Overall, “Green Tambourine” stands out as a memorable and influential song from The Lemon Pipers, capturing the spirit of a vibrant and transformative period in music history. Its blend of pop sensibility with psychedelic experimentation ensures its place as a beloved track from the late 1960s.