Australian singles chart:
Although originally released in 1968, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida didn’t chart in Australia until 20 March 1972, peaking at #92*.
Albums:
The song is on In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida which first charted in Australia in 1968, then re-entered the album charts* on 20 May 1970, peaking at #14. The song was also on Evolution: The Best of Iron Butterfly which entered the Australian album charts on 17 January 1972 and peaked at #37. A live version also appeared on Iron Butterfly Live which entered the album charts on 24 August 1970 and peaked at #17.
Songwriter:
Doug Ingle
Producer:
Jim Hilton
Record label of Australian release:
Atlantic
*Kent Music Report / Australian Chart Book. See About.
Songfacts:
One of the most blissfully indulgent rock songs, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is animal-instinct rock and roll. The mysterious title is one of the great legends in rock. You might think it has a deep, mystical meaning, but it’s really a translation error. The title was supposed to be “In the Garden of Eden”. Drummer Ron Bushy wrote it down as “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” because he couldn’t understand what vocalist Doug Ingle was singing. Their record company was OK with the title because it sounded exotic, and Eastern spirituality was big at the time with The Beatles going to India and The Rolling Stones experimenting with Indian instruments.
As for the meaning of the song, it’s just a guy affirming his love for his special girl.
This was written by Doug Ingle, Iron Butterfly’s vocalist and keyboard player. His father was a church organist, which influenced the drawn-out organ riffs in this song.
Read more: www.songfacts.com/facts/iron-butterfly/in-a-gadda-da-vida
Lyrics:
In-a-gadda-da-vida, honey
Don’t you know that I’m loving you?
In-a-gadda-da-vida, baby
Don’t you know that I’ll always be true?
Click for full lyrics
This song is also on our Spotify playlist Bang a Gong – rockin’ the 60s & 70s
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