If you believe in magic, you are likely to have a strong belief in the existence and power of supernatural forces. Magic is often associated with mystical practices, spell-casting, and the ability to manipulate the natural world. For believers in magic, it can bring a sense of wonder and excitement, as well as a belief in the possibility of extraordinary events and abilities. Those who believe in magic may find comfort and solace in the idea that there is something beyond the visible world, something that can provide answers, solutions, and even protection. Magic can offer a sense of control over one's destiny, as well as a way to connect with something greater than oneself. Believers in magic may also see it as a way to tap into hidden knowledge and wisdom.
Ooohhhh, talkin’ ’bout magic
As it blasts from a small blue transistor radio in my tiny teenage bedroom I m clattering along on a full drum kit I d made out of all manner of things my dad had been able to bring home from work in response to a son whining Daaaad, do you think you could get me DIY music. A brief glance at Do You Believe in Magic s tracklisting suggests it s Do You Believe in Magic, Younger Girl and Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind apart a warm-up for bigger and better things to come.
Believers in magic may also see it as a way to tap into hidden knowledge and wisdom. Through rituals, spells, and divination practices, they may seek guidance and insight into their lives. Magic can provide a framework for understanding and interpreting the world, as well as a means of communicating with higher powers or spirits.
The Lovin' Spoonful: Do You Believe In Magic
Written by John Sebastian and released by The Lovin’ Spoonful in the mid-1960s, this two-minute pop song is as good a declaration as any of the joy of music. Sebastian apparently wrote it after he’d seen a young girl dancing close to the stage during one of their early gigs, oblivious to everything around her. Lost In Music, as a song from a later era would put it.
Brought up in New York’s Greenwich Village Sebastian became part of the folk and blues singer-songwriter scene of the Sixties. Other songs in his catalogue, written on his own or with band members, include Daydream, Nashville Cats, You Didn’t Have To Be So Nice and Summer In The City.
Sebastian formed the Lovin’ Spoonful with guitarist Zal Yanovsky, bass player Steve Boone and drummer Joe Butler. Sebastian and Yanovsky had formerly been in a Village group The Mugwumps with Cass Elliot and Denny Doherty who in turn were to become half of the Mamas and Papas. For a musical take on this period check out the Mamas and Papas song Creeque Alley.
Do You Believe In Magic begins with a lift which sets the tone from the off. Leading with a snare drum pickup and employing the trick of not starting on the signature chord of the home key, the intro uses a rising chord sequence which Sebastian has said he adapted from the opening of (Love Is Like A) Heatwave by Martha and the Vandellas.
Unusual for pop songs of the time Do You Believe In Magic does not have the common verse/chorus/middle eight structure. Instead two verses give way to a mellow, low-register guitar solo followed by a third verse and outro. The climbing chords from the intro feature in the latter part of the song’s verses and are mirrored by the background harmony vocals. The effect is repeatedly to drive the joyous upbeat feel. The outro sees a part verse, with those ascending chords again…
Believe in the magic in a young girl’s soul
Believe in the magic of rock ‘n’ roll
Believe in the magic that can set you free
Ooohhhh, talkin’ ’bout magic
… and it fades on the voices of the band overlapping with the question: ‘Do you believe like I believe in magic.’ Perfect feelgood pop.
An innovative element of the record’s production adds to the appeal. The band had a standard two guitars, bass and drums set-up but were keen to explore new sounds in the studio. As well as a guitarist Sebastian was also an autoharp player and figured it hadn’t been used before in pop. He hit on the idea of taping a contact microphone to the back of the instrument and on hearing the amplified sound believed that they were on to a winner. He retuned the harp to cope with the song’s minor seventh chords that regular tuning didn’t allow, and it is the strum of this instrument which gives the track its distinctive chiming rhythm sound.
Do You Believe In Magic was written by a 20-year-old Sebastian born out of youthful exuberance and, seemingly, a capacity to dance all night. If identification with that aspect of the lyric may have waned with the passing of years, connection with the spirit conveyed by the song and its performance has definitely not. For me it has always been one of those ‘sunshine’ songs that 'can make you feel happy' and I still play it.
I have my own youthful memories of the track. As it blasts from a small blue transistor radio in my tiny teenage bedroom I’m clattering along on a full drum kit I’d made out of all manner of things my dad had been able to bring home from work in response to a son whining: ‘Daaaad, do you think you could get me…’ DIY music. Happy days!
In 2004 the ITV South Bank Show screened a documentary about a portable Swiss-made Discomatic jukebox that had belonged to John Lennon and which had recently surfaced in an auction of Beatles memorabilia. Lennon had bought the jukebox in the mid-Sixties and had loaded it with his favourite 45rpm records to take with him on tour. When it was found the records were still in place and one of the singles was – you’ve guessed it – Do You Believe In Magic. The man, I thought to myself, obviously believed in good taste.
**Sebastian’s public good humour and commitment to good-time music can make him seem a bit of a bumpkin, which I suspect is a knowingly created facade. Nonetheless, some have taken him at face value. Witness this Robert Christgau review: “So what happened to John Sebastian, anyway? […] Figure the reason no one was better at translating the flowery optimism of the middle ’60s into folk-flavored pop song–“Do You Believe in Magic,” “You Didn’t Have to Be So Nice,” “Daydream,” “Summer in the City,” “Rain on the Roof,” just look at those titles–was as much spirit as talent. Figure he was so eager, so well-meaning, so fun-loving, so warmhearted, such a simpleton, that when the times demanded cynicism this John–unlike natural-born reprobate Phillips or designated reality principle Lennon–didn’t have it in him.”
While some may dismiss belief in magic as mere superstition or fantasy, others see it as a powerful form of spirituality. It can be a way to connect with nature, the universe, and the divine. Believers may find rituals and spells to be a source of empowerment and transformation, helping them to manifest their desires and intentions. However, it is important to note that belief in magic is subjective and can vary greatly between individuals and cultures. What one person considers magic, another may see as illusion or coincidence. It is a personal belief system that can shape one's worldview and approach to life. Whether or not you believe in magic, it is undeniable that it has played a significant role in human history and culture. From ancient civilizations to modern-day practices, magic has left its mark on the human experience. It continues to captivate and fascinate, offering a glimpse into the mysteries of the unseen world. In conclusion, if you believe in magic, it can be a source of wonder, empowerment, and spirituality. It can provide a way to connect with something beyond the visible world and offer a means of understanding and interpreting the mysteries of life. However, belief in magic is a personal choice and can vary greatly between individuals..
Reviews for "The Magic of Perspective: How Belief Can Change Your World"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "If you believe in magic". The story was incredibly slow-paced and the characters were one-dimensional. I couldn't connect with any of them and found it difficult to care about their struggles. Additionally, the writing style felt amateurish and lacked depth. Overall, I found the book to be quite dull and uninteresting.
2. Alice - 1 star - "If you believe in magic" was a complete waste of my time. The plot was predictable and cliché, with no originality whatsoever. The dialogue between the characters was forced and unrealistic, making it difficult to engage with the story. I also found the romance aspect to be poorly executed, lacking chemistry and believability. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "If you believe in magic" but ultimately felt let down. The pacing was all over the place and the story jumped around too much, making it confusing and hard to follow. The protagonist was extremely unlikeable and made questionable decisions that I couldn't comprehend. The writing itself was mediocre at best, lacking the depth and complexity I look for in a book. Overall, I was disappointed and wouldn't read anything else from this author.
4. Michael - 1 star - I couldn't finish "If you believe in magic" as it failed to capture my attention from the very beginning. The plot was uninteresting and lacked substance. The characters were poorly developed and had no depth, making it hard to connect with their journey. The writing style was dull and lacked creativity, making the reading experience a chore. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and engaging story.