THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

919-Dean Martin-Gentle on My Mind.

1969-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 1.58.Some of the most poetic words ever expressed in a Pop song, and what does ‘The King of Cool’ do? He starts humming.

‘Gentle on My Mind’ was written in 1967 by American Folk/Country singer John Hartford (1937-2001,) he recorded the original version, which appears on his 1968 Album,’Gentle on My Mind and Other Originals.’ The best known version of the song in America is by Glen Campbell, from 1968, which has received over five million plays on the radio, while in the UK, it was the Dean Martin recording that found success.

John Hartford has said that he was inspired to write the song after seeing the film ‘Doctor Zhivago,’ although the songs subject has nothing to do with the films subject, Hartford said it still gave him the inspiration.

The lyrics of ‘Gentle on My Mind’ can be interpreted in many different ways. My own personal view is that the narrator needs to be free, he is possibly a hobo, he doesn’t want any commitment, but knows that if he did want to settle down, she will be waiting for him. It is also possible that this situation is just a fantasy he enjoys playing out in his own mind.

‘It’s knowing that your door is always open, and your path is free to walk.’