I remember a performance of this song on a television special way back when... was filmed on location in a harbor as I remember it... anyone else have a memory of that?
Now, after reading these post, I'm going to MAKE my students listen to this song. they can diss all they want. They MUST know these words. This song had a ggreat inful=uenc on my militant attitudes that i had during the 60's-70's. and damn it, i'm gong to make revolutionaries out of all of them. This country was founden on treason and revolution ... so, go figure.
It's not just this song ... it's th whole album side. starts of with Save the country" by laura Nyro (my fovrite song writer) goes to the Decleration, followed by "A Change is Gonna Come: ( boy, does towensend nail it and ends with "People just wanna be free" (agin with Laura Nyra Nyro) I would put this albm on and sleep by it. It's how I learned to quote the Decleration. I'm a social studies teacher (don't diss me for my spelling/typing)
I have been looking for this song since I was in my 20's. Helped me get an A in History when it came time to recite the Declaration. Also used it once to floor a "know it all friend" who thought he knew it all...it was priceless as I gradually entered it into the conversation and quoted it word for word....He was smart and should of known better. We all should know it...and am so happy I do. Helps give me reason to support our troops in the ways I do. Thank you to all the Military !
One of my favorite songs by my favorite group. Nobody had their range or blended voices so beautifully. Do you all know that the 5th performed this song at the White House for President Nixon. Picture it! "It is the right of the people to alter or abolish it and to institute new go-vern-me-ents...." Any volunteer artists to sing it to the Republicans and Democrats who've given this right to corporations?
Thanks to the history teachers who share this with their students now.
@zombiemsw I read that story too. And they said that after they finished, for a minute there was an unnerving silence before Nixon and then the 50 governors gave them a standing ovation. HA HA!!! But can you imagine those that minute before the applause? Scary I'm sure.
My Adv Govt. teacher is having us memorize a section of the Declaration of Independence by learning this song. Its a little goofy but has amazing vocals.
@kissrose016 Just know that memorizing the words without understanding the meaning behind it, is just empty memorization. Understand the foundation behind the words (which is the preamble to the Dec of Ind. btw). Why were they separating themselves form Britain? Why were they establishing this declaration and saying all that they were saying in it? THAT is what is important.
@MsTexas73 Ok look, nothing in my comment warrants an attack. First off, it was not the preamble that we memorized it was the paragraph after that (the one that is IN the song) and second if you have an issue with memorization over learning, take that up with my govt. teacher. I just thought that the song had great vocals which made listening to this song four times a day, five days a week a little easier.
ps I agree that memorization is pointless without complete understanding.
@kissrose016 And nothing in MY comment was attacking you. What I did...was give you some pointers to HELP you not to DISS you. Read my comment again please. Maybe you're used to being on the offensive...but that is not my intention at all. I'm HAPPY you're learning the song. I am ALSO a gov/t teacher and therefore was giving you a few tips to help with understanding of the "behind the song" meaning.
@MsTexas73 True. But often memorization is the first step. I learned this song when I was a kid. It meant little. As a teenager I was reminded of these words in History class, They didn't sound so foreign due to this song, and I was able to absorb the message better. Today as an adult I embrace these words and this song as a call to stand up for all people. I'm glad I learned the songs as a kid. One step at a time.
@Lawgirlt Not saying memorization is bad...it is not...but memorization just for the sake of it...and no focus on the meaning behind the lyrics is just memorization. That's the point I was making. When you are actually in the process of learning about our nation's history and how and why our government was set up the way it was, these lyrics are that much more of an impact.
okay this dates me but I remember doing this in high school choir but by the heavens, I know the Declaration of Independence thanks and it made manditory Government class cool. so history and government teachers take note!
I learned this song when I was in the 5th grade. (I had to look up a few words... "usurpations"?) The words are, of course, meaningful, and I love the way the Fifth Dimension captures the sense of it with the change in tempo and style throughout the song... just brilliant.
I am a retired 'American History' teacher, and played this in class, when we studied the constitution. The students also had to learn/memorize the 27 amend.s, As a teaching tool i made a MP3 CD with a song that would relate to each of the amend.s. Example, 2nd Amend., (right to bear arms), 'Shotgun' by Jr. Walker & All Stars), 19th (Women's Suffrage). 'American Woman', Guess Who, 21st (Prohib. Repeal), 'Chug-a-Lug', Roger Miller, And students made their own CDs with their choice of 27 songs.
Well... you did right.. Because my teacher did this to me as well and to this day I still remember the words to this song. Although back then (1994) we didn't have MP3s so we had to take turns checking out the cassette and listening to it in the corner of the classroom with headphones. haha.
@MegaJbomber Good story, I remember the old cassette players in class, the newer ones had 'counters' on them so you could rewind and hit the part you wanted. I remember showing 16mm films in class right up to a few yrs. ago when I retired. The kids were 'awe-struck' by this old school relic.
I learn the beginning of the declaration from this songs, not in school. I wish I could get a copy of the song. I let my grandchildren hear it and they were very surprise
Saw your note. Download a free software called "Audacity" that will allow you to record whatever you want in various formats including .wav and .mp3. I've done this on a lot of old and defunct favorites. Very easy software to use.
The strength of the 5th was their vocal \dexterity the powerful arrangements and until Marilyn and Billy left, being able to leave\ their ego at the door,
for the good of the group.
They were never as good individually as they were collectively and each career was hurt by the break up.
This song, always one of my favorites, was how I taught my kids part of the Constitution. They can still sing it, now in their late 20's! Wonderful, wonderful lyrics. We need the founders to come back and help us now.
yeah they do an AMAZING job on this song .. U can hear each singer individually from Billy's sounding like Sam Cooke (he normally does) to Marilyn showing off her 4 octave range hitting those high notes .. ONE of a kind group
@MsTexas73 My history teacher plays it everyday in class for a couple weeks, for us to memorize it, then gives us a test to write it all down from memory.
I loved this song when it first was recorded in 1970. I can't remember the album title, however. Do you know the album? Also, where did you get this recording of it? Thanks.
The song was released on the "PORTRAIT" album in 1970 .. When I made the video on my mac, I only used the part of the medley that contained "The Declaration" .. All of the Original 5th albums are available on cd's .. U can go to Marilyn & Billy's website & purchase them .. NJOY
Always amazed how well the 5th's voices blended to form one voice yet so distinct & rich when singing separate .. Great song by a group unlike any other .. shame they R NOT in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Thanks for posting this. It is the best way to memorize. If possible would you post the entire medley to include A Change Is Gonna Come and People Got to Be Free. It's enjoyable to listen to the whole piece in Fifth Dimension Style.
I can remember my 7th grade history teacher playing this for us everyday. I am now 51 years old and can still sing every word. Thank you Mr. Naderhoff, you were the best teacher ever!!
! k!Nd@ L!k3 d!$ $0nG
Babyanna321 5 days ago
MR THOMAS who else has to memorize this song for a test for mr thomas?
theamericano33333 2 weeks ago
I remember a performance of this song on a television special way back when... was filmed on location in a harbor as I remember it... anyone else have a memory of that?
artboy34 1 month ago
love kerment the frog
colejo17 3 months ago in playlist The Fifth Dimension
my teachers showed us this...
MrHackRat 4 months ago
This is how I memorized the Declaration for history class and aced it!
casey3234 6 months ago 2
I took a whole school year on the deleration and didnt learn a thing.
i bought the essential 5th dimension and learnd the whole thing in 3 days!!!
MAlexander228 6 months ago
Now, after reading these post, I'm going to MAKE my students listen to this song. they can diss all they want. They MUST know these words. This song had a ggreat inful=uenc on my militant attitudes that i had during the 60's-70's. and damn it, i'm gong to make revolutionaries out of all of them. This country was founden on treason and revolution ... so, go figure.
cruptbside 7 months ago
It's not just this song ... it's th whole album side. starts of with Save the country" by laura Nyro (my fovrite song writer) goes to the Decleration, followed by "A Change is Gonna Come: ( boy, does towensend nail it and ends with "People just wanna be free" (agin with Laura Nyra Nyro) I would put this albm on and sleep by it. It's how I learned to quote the Decleration. I'm a social studies teacher (don't diss me for my spelling/typing)
cruptbside 7 months ago
long live liberty!!
miniredsatan 8 months ago
this is a good song and it helps me remember and btw hi T's class
violetsviolins 1 year ago
this is a good song and it helps me remember and btw hi T's core class
violetsviolins 1 year ago
this is just too awesome...man the 70's was just an awesome decade. the section from .37 seconds in to 1:20 is just stoned out and amazing.
miniredsatan 1 year ago 3
I have been looking for this song since I was in my 20's. Helped me get an A in History when it came time to recite the Declaration. Also used it once to floor a "know it all friend" who thought he knew it all...it was priceless as I gradually entered it into the conversation and quoted it word for word....He was smart and should of known better. We all should know it...and am so happy I do. Helps give me reason to support our troops in the ways I do. Thank you to all the Military !
donaldpattersonjr 1 year ago
@donaldpattersonjr "should HAVE known better . . . "
ailurophile111 8 months ago
They actually performed this song (as well as Change is Gonna Come/People Gotta Be Free) in front of President Nixon to a standing ovation ...
ButchMSLPig 1 year ago 6
This song was banned from radio in 1970.
fred5399 1 year ago
@fred5399
cruptbside 7 months ago
I had that album on an 8 track. wysh i still had it today.
issurchaim 1 year ago
Wasn't this song from a musical? "Bread, Beans and...?" I can't remember the last word in the title.
mnactr 1 year ago
@mnactr Yes the musical is called "Bread, Beans and Things"
casey3234 1 year ago
One of my favorite songs by my favorite group. Nobody had their range or blended voices so beautifully. Do you all know that the 5th performed this song at the White House for President Nixon. Picture it! "It is the right of the people to alter or abolish it and to institute new go-vern-me-ents...." Any volunteer artists to sing it to the Republicans and Democrats who've given this right to corporations?
Thanks to the history teachers who share this with their students now.
zombiemsw 1 year ago
@zombiemsw I read that story too. And they said that after they finished, for a minute there was an unnerving silence before Nixon and then the 50 governors gave them a standing ovation. HA HA!!! But can you imagine those that minute before the applause? Scary I'm sure.
MsTexas73 4 months ago
@iluvjustinb2 @kissrose016 My History teacher is doing this also.
Bikni221 1 year ago
Mr. Thomas, thank you for this. :D
RyaneElaine 1 year ago
@RyaneElaine Haha yeah thanks Mr.Thomas ! Ugh :/
xoxobaileyelaine1234 1 year ago
@RyaneElaine
xoxobaileyelaine1234 1 year ago
we have the right to abolish or alter it
(i think that was the line)
we have the duty.
babalon1919 1 year ago
My Adv Govt. teacher is having us memorize a section of the Declaration of Independence by learning this song. Its a little goofy but has amazing vocals.
kissrose016 1 year ago
@kissrose016 Just know that memorizing the words without understanding the meaning behind it, is just empty memorization. Understand the foundation behind the words (which is the preamble to the Dec of Ind. btw). Why were they separating themselves form Britain? Why were they establishing this declaration and saying all that they were saying in it? THAT is what is important.
MsTexas73 4 months ago
@MsTexas73 Ok look, nothing in my comment warrants an attack. First off, it was not the preamble that we memorized it was the paragraph after that (the one that is IN the song) and second if you have an issue with memorization over learning, take that up with my govt. teacher. I just thought that the song had great vocals which made listening to this song four times a day, five days a week a little easier.
ps I agree that memorization is pointless without complete understanding.
kissrose016 3 months ago
@kissrose016 And nothing in MY comment was attacking you. What I did...was give you some pointers to HELP you not to DISS you. Read my comment again please. Maybe you're used to being on the offensive...but that is not my intention at all. I'm HAPPY you're learning the song. I am ALSO a gov/t teacher and therefore was giving you a few tips to help with understanding of the "behind the song" meaning.
MsTexas73 3 months ago
@MsTexas73 True. But often memorization is the first step. I learned this song when I was a kid. It meant little. As a teenager I was reminded of these words in History class, They didn't sound so foreign due to this song, and I was able to absorb the message better. Today as an adult I embrace these words and this song as a call to stand up for all people. I'm glad I learned the songs as a kid. One step at a time.
Lawgirlt 1 month ago
@Lawgirlt Not saying memorization is bad...it is not...but memorization just for the sake of it...and no focus on the meaning behind the lyrics is just memorization. That's the point I was making. When you are actually in the process of learning about our nation's history and how and why our government was set up the way it was, these lyrics are that much more of an impact.
MsTexas73 1 month ago
Thank you Mr. Yost, for the different ways you taught us all of History Class!!! Thanks for 37 years of teaching!!!
Sharr1980 1 year ago
I loved the Fifth Dimension, and actually memorized this part of the Declaration, just by hearing this album so many times.
Watersmith53 1 year ago
I sang this so much after I heard it. A great way to memorize the Declaration. I can remember most of it. Love it.
mamamote 1 year ago
okay this dates me but I remember doing this in high school choir but by the heavens, I know the Declaration of Independence thanks and it made manditory Government class cool. so history and government teachers take note!
stumpalump2000 1 year ago
I learned this song when I was in the 5th grade. (I had to look up a few words... "usurpations"?) The words are, of course, meaningful, and I love the way the Fifth Dimension captures the sense of it with the change in tempo and style throughout the song... just brilliant.
FunnyMan5432 1 year ago
I am a retired 'American History' teacher, and played this in class, when we studied the constitution. The students also had to learn/memorize the 27 amend.s, As a teaching tool i made a MP3 CD with a song that would relate to each of the amend.s. Example, 2nd Amend., (right to bear arms), 'Shotgun' by Jr. Walker & All Stars), 19th (Women's Suffrage). 'American Woman', Guess Who, 21st (Prohib. Repeal), 'Chug-a-Lug', Roger Miller, And students made their own CDs with their choice of 27 songs.
imusfan48 2 years ago
@imusfan48 Mr. Naderhoff of North Catholic?
timi0000 2 years ago
No, from Ohio, sorry.
imusfan48 2 years ago
Well... you did right.. Because my teacher did this to me as well and to this day I still remember the words to this song. Although back then (1994) we didn't have MP3s so we had to take turns checking out the cassette and listening to it in the corner of the classroom with headphones. haha.
MegaJbomber 1 year ago
@MegaJbomber Good story, I remember the old cassette players in class, the newer ones had 'counters' on them so you could rewind and hit the part you wanted. I remember showing 16mm films in class right up to a few yrs. ago when I retired. The kids were 'awe-struck' by this old school relic.
imusfan48 1 year ago
i have to memorize this for american history and at :38 seconds i was like wow. shes got a powerfull voice
nerfcs6 2 years ago
haha I have a fill in the blank test on the declaration this week!! I need to memorize it! This helps!!!!!
sokwest 2 years ago
I learn the beginning of the declaration from this songs, not in school. I wish I could get a copy of the song. I let my grandchildren hear it and they were very surprise
dianechavis1 2 years ago
Saw your note. Download a free software called "Audacity" that will allow you to record whatever you want in various formats including .wav and .mp3. I've done this on a lot of old and defunct favorites. Very easy software to use.
Rick
rickw08090 1 year ago
The strength of the 5th was their vocal \dexterity the powerful arrangements and until Marilyn and Billy left, being able to leave\ their ego at the door,
for the good of the group.
They were never as good individually as they were collectively and each career was hurt by the break up.
cwartis 2 years ago
This song, always one of my favorites, was how I taught my kids part of the Constitution. They can still sing it, now in their late 20's! Wonderful, wonderful lyrics. We need the founders to come back and help us now.
eaglebabies 2 years ago
We don't need the founders to come back and help us. We need to save ourselves!! No one's going to do it for us
timi0000 2 years ago 8
I'm a history teacher...this just gave me an idea. *grin*.
Also...Billy sounds like Sam Cooke on his solo...a little...>NICE.
Really dig this song.
MsTexas73 2 years ago 6
yeah they do an AMAZING job on this song .. U can hear each singer individually from Billy's sounding like Sam Cooke (he normally does) to Marilyn showing off her 4 octave range hitting those high notes .. ONE of a kind group
ButchMSLPig 2 years ago 2
I used it to teach my kids the Constitution, and it was awesome to sing it at the Tea Party in DC.
eaglebabies 2 years ago
I use Schoolhouse Rock to teach the Preamble to the Constitution...but I'll use this song for the Dec.of Ind.
MsTexas73 2 years ago
@MsTexas73 My history teacher plays it everyday in class for a couple weeks, for us to memorize it, then gives us a test to write it all down from memory.
fangfanatoc 4 months ago
I loved this song when it first was recorded in 1970. I can't remember the album title, however. Do you know the album? Also, where did you get this recording of it? Thanks.
Woodchuck59 2 years ago
The song was released on the "PORTRAIT" album in 1970 .. When I made the video on my mac, I only used the part of the medley that contained "The Declaration" .. All of the Original 5th albums are available on cd's .. U can go to Marilyn & Billy's website & purchase them .. NJOY
ButchMSLPig 2 years ago
I wish they'd put the rest of Billy and Marilyn's albums on cd's and sell them on there as well.
MsTexas73 2 years ago
yeah unfortunately they only have rereleased "I Hope We Get To Love In Time" ..
ButchMSLPig 2 years ago
Which is a great album in iteself...but I REALLY want The Two of Us on cd.
MsTexas73 2 years ago
Something ALL Americans should hear at least weekly!
Shadotwo 2 years ago 9
Always amazed how well the 5th's voices blended to form one voice yet so distinct & rich when singing separate .. Great song by a group unlike any other .. shame they R NOT in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
plonxx 2 years ago 2
As one from Cleveland...I agree. I would LURVE to visit the museum and see a diplay of the 5 D in there.
MsTexas73 2 years ago
Thanks for posting this. It is the best way to memorize. If possible would you post the entire medley to include A Change Is Gonna Come and People Got to Be Free. It's enjoyable to listen to the whole piece in Fifth Dimension Style.
pasacatED 2 years ago
Glad U R NJOYING it .. I will see if I can make a FULL version in the near future ..
ButchMSLPig 2 years ago
practice practice practice ..
ButchMSLPig 2 years ago
I can remember my 7th grade history teacher playing this for us everyday. I am now 51 years old and can still sing every word. Thank you Mr. Naderhoff, you were the best teacher ever!!
RRmissmolly 2 years ago
i have to learn this freaken thing idk how many time im going to play this song!
elifio14348 2 years ago
That would be a Great idea !!
ButchMSLPig 2 years ago
Great song! This should be played on every radio station every 4th of July.
revmrnick 2 years ago