Mushroom music: Songs that celebrate Mushroom culture

Blog post description.

ARTS AND CULTURE

10/16/20232 min read

A black-and-white shot of a man playing electric guitar in double exposure
A black-and-white shot of a man playing electric guitar in double exposure

Music has always been a reflection of human experiences and emotions, encompassing a wide range of topics. One unusual subject that has found its way into various songs is mushrooms. These fungi, often associated with mysticism, hallucinogenic properties, or simply their intriguing nature, have inspired artists across different genres to incorporate them into their lyrics. Let's embark on a musical journey and explore some notable songs that mention mushrooms.

1. "White Rabbit" by Jefferson Airplane:

Released in 1967, this psychedelic rock anthem became an emblem of the counterculture movement. The song, famously associated with the 1960s drug culture, mentions "one pill makes you larger, and one pill makes you small" and invites listeners to "feed your head" with Alice's mushroom-induced adventures in Wonderland.

2. "Magic Mushroom" by The Sacred Mushroom:

From the eponymous 1969 album, this song captures the spirit of the psychedelic era. It takes listeners on a trippy journey, invoking imagery of hallucinations and altered states of consciousness associated with magic mushrooms.

3. "Mushroom Man" by Neil Diamond:

Neil Diamond's 1968 song is a whimsical ode to a peculiar character known as the Mushroom Man. The song playfully describes encounters with this mysterious figure who spreads joy and eccentricity wherever he goes.

4. "Mushroom Cloud" by Of Monsters and Men:

Released in 2019, this song by Icelandic indie folk band Of Monsters and Men combines poetic lyrics with haunting melodies. While not directly about mushrooms, it metaphorically explores the emotional fallout and destruction caused by a troubled relationship, likening it to a destructive force like a mushroom cloud.

5. "Magic Mushrooms" by Cloud Control:

This indie rock track from the Australian band Cloud Control paints a vivid picture of a surreal journey fueled by magic mushrooms. The lyrics describe a psychedelic adventure through landscapes of kaleidoscopic colors and hallucinatory experiences.

6. "The Mushroom Cloud of Hiss" by Tame Impala:

From their 2010 album "Innerspeaker," this song by Tame Impala uses the metaphor of a mushroom cloud to convey a sense of chaos, confusion, and overwhelming emotions. The band's signature blend of psychedelic rock and dreamy melodies creates a hypnotic atmosphere.

7. "Mushrooms & Roses" by Janelle Monáe:

Janelle Monáe's 2013 song celebrates self-expression and individuality. With lyrics like "Wild like wild mushrooms, beautiful like diamonds," she uses mushrooms as a metaphor for uniqueness and embracing one's true identity.

Conclusion:

From psychedelic rock to indie folk and beyond, the mention of mushrooms in songs has intrigued and captivated musicians throughout history. These fungi symbolize a range of concepts, including altered states of consciousness, mysticism, individuality, and emotional experiences. Whether as a literal reference or a metaphorical device, mushrooms have found their place in musical expression, adding an air of intrigue and surrealism to the lyrics.

Exploring songs that mention mushrooms offers a glimpse into the diverse ways in which artists draw inspiration from nature and incorporate it into their creative endeavors. So, next time you listen to these tracks or discover new songs that mention mushrooms, allow yourself to be immersed in the imaginative worlds they evoke, and embrace the groovy vibes of these fungi-infused melodies.

band practicing on studio
band practicing on studio