Is Hippie Music My Deepest, Darkest Personality Alignment?

30 May 2024

Okay, so maybe I spend an inordinate amount of time scrolling through vintage clothing sites. And sure, maybe my ideal Friday night involves a bonfire and more than one friendship bracelet. But does that make me…a hippie? More specifically, does my questionable taste in music—think anything with a sitar or a flute solo—mean I’ve gone full flower child?

Before you judge, let’s unpack this whole hippie music thing. It’s not just tie-dye and protests, you know (though there is a time and a place for both, let’s be real). It's a whole cultural phenomenon, a soundtrack to a generation yearning for peace, love, and something a little more authentic than the status quo. And honestly, who among us hasn’t felt that at some point?

We're talking about a movement born in the 60s, fueled by folk music and a dash of psychedelic exploration. Think Bob Dylan going electric at Newport, Janis Joplin’s raw vocals, Jimi Hendrix’s iconic guitar riffs. It was music as a form of protest, a celebration of freedom, and a call for unity. Suddenly, everyone was wearing flowers in their hair and belting out lyrics about love, peace, and understanding. It was revolutionary, controversial, and utterly captivating.

But like any good trend, it evolved. The hippie ethos seeped into the very fabric of music, influencing genres from rock to pop to soul. The lines blurred, and what was once considered “hippie music” became a melting pot of sounds, each carrying a message of individuality and free expression.

Fast forward to today, and it’s more than just a nostalgic playlist for road trips and music festivals. It’s a state of mind, a yearning for a simpler time, a desire to connect with something bigger than ourselves. Maybe that’s why, even now, a well-placed Joni Mitchell song can make me want to trade in my laptop for a vintage typewriter and escape to a cabin in the woods (WiFi optional).

The Pros and Cons of Embracing Your Inner Flower Child (Musically Speaking)

Pros	Cons
Instant good vibes. Seriously, try listening to "Here Comes the Sun" and not feeling at least 2% more optimistic.	People might assume you own a tie-dye kit (which, to be fair, you might).
It’s basically the soundtrack to self-discovery. Who hasn’t had an existential crisis soundtracked by Joni Mitchell?	Explaining to your Gen Z friends that, no, it's not just "elevator music."
A whole new world of vintage fashion inspiration (fringe vests, anyone?).	The urge to buy a VW bus you can barely afford to insure.

So, is embracing hippie music about joining a commune and living off the grid? Probably not. But is it about tapping into a universal desire for authenticity, connection, and a little bit of peace and love? Well, that’s a question only your (potentially already very hippie) heart can answer.