When I first heard this, a couple of days after its release, my first thought was “what a brilliant song!” my second thought was: “there is no way radio will ever play this.”

Amy Grant hasn’t released any new music in a decade. Probably most people have no idea who she is – her heyday was 40 years ago. It makes me feel really old to say that – I still remember her as a fresh-faced newcomer to music.

The song itself feels older. I suspect writer Sandy Emory Lawrence is closer to my age than Amy’s. I’d never heard of her before, but apparently she’s been around for a while.

The song catches the sprit of what was – and what can be in our society. I’m old enough to remember Yasgur’s farm, though as a Canadian I only have a vague knowledge of what happened at Harper’s Ferry, which is pivotal to American history.

I find it difficult to express just how much this song touched me. I still tear up when I hear it. Tears for what we have lost. Tears for what we have become. And worry that perhaps there will not be a return to that spirit of Yasgur’s farm.

This is a protest tune, part of a log American tradition. This is a political anthem with no mention of politics. The title alone, the juxtaposition of the date and the dream, say it all.

Rather than my rambling any more, take a listen yourself. The lyrics are below if you want to follow along.

If you are from my generation, I wouldn’t be surprised if you feel what I do about this song. I have no idea how it touches others.

Amy Grant – The 6th Of January (Yasgur’s Farm)

She says maybe it’s the time of year
Or maybe it’s the time of man
60’s playlist and a beer
I’m suddenly 16 again

What’s the future hold in store
What’s it hiding up its sleeve
All that wide-eyed hope
Were we so naive

Hey mister where’s the road to Yasgur’s farm
He stares at me with pity and alarm
Says that crowd left here long ago
Scattered all to hell and Harper’s Ferry
On the 6th of January

I’m shopping for some groceries
Muzak piped in overhead
They only play the melody
I hear the words John Lennon said
Asking me to imagine

As I fight this cart with crooked wheels
He’s either bent over laughing
Or spinning in his Strawberry Fields

Where’s the road to Yasgur’s farm
He stares at me with pity and alarm
Says that crowd left here long ago
Scattered all to hell and Harper’s Ferry
On the 6th of January

And we’re driving home and the radio plays
What’s goin’ on? Marvin Gaye
Is it right on red or left on MLK
I look ahead and realize we’ve lost our way

Hey mister where’s the road to Yasgur’s farm
He stares at me with pity and alarm
Says that crowd left here long ago
Scattered all to hell and Harper’s Ferry
On the 6th of January
On the 6th of January