Sand and Foam - Donovan

The sun was going down behind a tattooed tree
And the simple act of an oar's stroke put diamonds in the sea
And all because of the phosphorus there in quantity
As I dug you diggin' me in Mexico.
There in the valley of Scorpio, beneath the cross of jade
Smoking on the seashell pipe the gypsies had made
We sat and we dreamed a while of smugglers bringing wine
In that crystal thought time in Mexico.
Sitting in a chair of bamboo, sipping grenadine,
Straining my eyes for a surfacing submarine.
Kingdoms of ants walk across my feet,
I'm a-shakin' in my seat in Mexico.
Grasshoppers creaking in the velvet jungle night,
Microscopic circles in the fluid of my sight,
Watching a black-eyed native girl cut and trim the lamp,
Valentino vamp in Mexico.
The sun was going down behind a tattooed tree
And the simple act of an oar's stroke put diamonds in the sea
And all because of the phosphorus there in quantity
I dug you diggin' me in Mexico

[@janicelefever2918]

Brought tears to my eyes. When I was 15, I woke up paralyzed at 3:30 AM on 2/11/65. Diagnosed with MS. My mom played Donovan's LP "Catch the Wind" & S & G's LP "Wednesday Morning 3AM" over and over and over on my turntable while I just lay there, unable to move & unable to eat or drink (severe vertigo) for ten days. While I recovered, I listened to music as I slowly exercised. When only my left side was paralyzed, I returned to High School. But still I just listened to Donovan. Went to Summer School twice to catch up with my class. My Senior year, I sat in class and doodled the words to "Sand and Foam" and "Epistle to Dippy" in my notebook. Beautiful poetry put to music.I went on to get a PhD, travel, have a 30 year career loved and was loved back...I'm 67 now, widowed but still able to live independently in my home.Never give up. Life is awesome if you make it so. Donovan is love & so are you for listening--)-;

[@janicelefever2918]

Sorry. Epistle to Derroll (not Dippy)kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGHRg3lvqb6Mp6uHweet dreams

[@daniellong1425]

Your story brought me to tears Janice

[@1Pineapple]

That's a heartwarming story! 💖 Music can help one to cope with so many situations!🙏 I hope that you are still living your best life-and Happy New Year! ^_^🌸

[@ptournas]

@@janicelefever2918 - I know this is a very old post, but actuallly, Epistle to Dippy was a song released as a single in 1967 in the form of a letter to a old friend. Epistle to Derroll was a tribute to the American folksinger Derroll Adams and not released until 2006 in an expanded version of the 1968 "Donovan in Concert"

[@mellowray561]

Wow! Incredible and Yes. You are love for listening. Beautiful.

[@songwritingabcs1220]

As a teenager, saw Donovan at the Fillmore in San Francisco in 1967. Went expecting things like "Mellow Yellow" and "Sunshine Superman," and indeed he sang those, but in the second half of the show. His dad introduced him, and then the first thing he played was completely unexpected -- "Isle of Islay," in white robes under a purple light, with one guitar and a crystal clear, transcendental voice. It was so unexpected and beautiful it brought a hush over the crowd. He followed it up with half a dozen new songs, each one of them a gem. They included "Tinker and the Crab," "Widow With Shawl," and "Epistle to Derroll." And here was a crowd that was just coming down from H.P. Lovecraft and Mother Earth, but they lapped it up. Never have seen a performer weave such a spell. "Sand and Foam" is one of those little masterpieces, basking in a magical moment close to nature ("Kingdoms of ants, march across my feet..."), suspended in time forever. Hard to find anything approaching it before or since.

[@tillthecowscomehome2237]

BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN, ABC,S ! :-)

[@gstone3499]

SongwritingABCs The Fillmore (Avalon, Family Dog, Matrix) audience would always, it seems, be receptive to any artist irregardless of their musical style.Jazz artists, bluesmen, E. Power Biggs playing Bach fugues on organ. Donoleitcho as well. . . . book 'em, Bill.

[@Divbellydancer]

SongwritingABCs wow that was before my time but i have heard audio from that show. i wish i had been able to see it. i have only seen him once after Sutras was released. i am a huge fan and always will be. i am in Mexico right now. thanks for sharing your memory

[@donthepainter480]

+SongwritingABCs I believe I saw him on that same tour. Even in Baltimore Maryland he managed to win over the crowd with these simple song poems.

[@virusinstall9658]

Thank you mate, I love it when old people tell these stories on youtube. It gives a very personal insight into a time that, for me, may as well be ancient history. Found this for ya. art.famsf.org/sites/default/files/artwork/kouninos/6339304212470011.jpg

[@douglaslais6201]

I'm 66 years old, and I still stop here at times to listen to this song. So hauntingly beautiful, and his guitar playing is otherworldly. Thanks , Donovan.

[@zosimosalchemista2352]

me too

[@markoblazney6360]

worth stopping, amigo+

[@thedonwesley5279]

I just turned 66 and now I'm here too

[@Gazolba]

This is really a masterpiece. Evokes such incredible atmosphere. Possibly one of Donovan's best songs.

[@markoblazney6360]

agreed

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

Read Gypsy Dave Mills' autobiography "Knights of the Road" to learn about Donovan's time in Mexico.

[@copernicus633]

Donovan is NOT a Dylan clone. There is little similarity other than superficial things like having a harmonica. The styles and lyricism are very different. Donovan is melodically much more "smooth" and gentle. His lyrics are dreamy and intensely evocative of mystical experience. He is often wistful and resigned in other lyrics, where Dylan has at times a bitter or angry tone. I was of age back in the 60s and remember them at the time. I never confused or thought of them as "clones".

[@markoblazney6360]

one of the most underrepresented musicians of the 20th century+

[@evesapple]

I can hear and see the bob Dylan comparison in a few of his songs, especially when he makes his voice a little more nasally- but I agree, a lot of his others songs sound nothing like Dylan

[@jpanas482]

i was there as well

[@frankboyd.]

I have many albums by both artists. Nothing in common except they both write great lyrics. Does anyone think Dylan does meditation? No one has every sounded like Donovan. It's mostly romantic poetry set to music, sometimes with humour, and thoughts of meditation. Dylan's lyrics reveal more about the real world and how it is. It's like comparing night to day.

[@ptournas]

I have to agree. There was some overlap early on, Donovan's first demos contained a lot of the same songs that Dylan also covered early on. But it wasn't that he was copying Dylan. Dylan learned a lot of Woody Guthrie songs and other folk songs from Ramblin' Jack Elliot. Elliot mentored Dylan, and was often referred to in the press as "Bob Dylan's Father" in those early years. Then Elliot (and Derroll Adams, subject of "Epistle to Derroll") traveled to England to tour and do live shows. Donovan said he learned most of those songs listening to Ramblin' Jack Elliot play them. So while they may have been heavily influenced by the same source material, their progression into their own writing took totally divergent paths. I couldn't imagine Donovan writing "Highway 61 Revisited" any more than I could imagine Dylan writing "Legend of a Girl Child Linda". Both brilliant poets and masterful songwriters, but not at all the same. Sorry I'm so late to the party, just ran across this video recently :)

[@BobMongiello]

I bought all of his albums as they came out and still listen to him today . All I can say is I am happy I grew up when the music of the 50's,60's and 70's was being created it truly was an amazing time to be part of.

[@virgilhuston8328]

My favorite Donovan song and I love all his songs.

[@KonstanzArrens]

One of the best sense-of-wonder songs ever. That "crystal thought time", I remember it well.

[@markoblazney6360]

all the acid-takers saw their dreams in this song..... simply perfect+

[@markoblazney6360]

One of his masterpieces.

[@jasonwales6502]

One of his most beautiful songs ..sheer class..

[@ianfrasermitchell6768]

I'm 75 now and already commented on this incredible song before probably. It's such a magic song, just see Donovan sitting there watching out in the bay, stoned, and writing this great song. 👍

[@coyoteguy45]

I got to meet Donovan after a show and thank him for his great songs which I absorbed all those years ago. He was still great. He played solo. I agree, this is one of his best.

[@Patricia-kd8zv]

I Love you Donovan thank you bringing me (and our generation) joy and inspiration through song and music!!! MUSIC 🎵🎶🎵 is God !!!! Patti Lea poet artist singer dancer peace and love 💚 ⭐ H.P.P. Hawaii

[@LuisGarcia-vo9hd]

This kind of Music hits home its So dark and beautiful, I love it.

[@rekha3268]

What a beauty ,when it first came out I use to listen over & over again.l have heard today after a Very ,very long time.I still remember most of the words. I Am 74 what a beaut

[@torrerodriguez3783]

This song written about a beautiful place in mexico called Yelapa close to Puerto Vallarta . Yelapa the tropical paradise. In the 1960's there were no tourists in Vallarta until elizabeth taylor made a movie there called the night of the iguana with Richard burton. Donavan i think got there first.

[@gblong01]

Torre Rodriguez Principle photography for the movie done there in 1962 when Donovan was 16, for whatever that is worth.

[@MrMagicMarco]

I was there in '66.

[@chreynest]

with a tattooine tree

[@trommnorse]

I adore this song and this movie! Never knew of this strange connection, funny how life weaves itself sometimes.

[@lyndon.barrett]

I know this is a really old thread but I heard Donovan dated Sue Lyon back in the 60s. Sue Lyon starred in The Night of the Iguana, maybe Donovan wrote this songs about her.

[@r0s3h1ps6]

I am quite a lot younger than you fans, I’m 13. You guys who’ve got to witness Donovan perform are so incredibly lucky.

[@SteveKocherhans]

Thank you Donovan. This is a masterpiece from the Master himself.

[@heehawluck1]

Steve Kocherhans Ain't that the truth Steve.

[@CCgreenable]

Fab song always hits the spot .

[@markoblazney6360]

well said

[@nickburd7740]

The most beautiful piece of music Donovan produced....fact!!!

[@zosimosalchemista2352]

This song is so evocative of something perhaps more than Mexico. the surreal almost psychedelic lyrics open up a world like a Chagall paining. Sorry if that sounds like a bit up my own behind but it really hits my emotions and I cant express it any other way. These melancholic tunes were really Donovan's greatest achievements rather than the poppy 60's tunes he is perhaps more famous for.

[@remedyrea1617]

Amazing. We had the incredible luck to meet Donovan at his show in Seattle last October. He is just as kind and sensitive as his songs suggest, such a treasure.

[@SpeegBJ]

"And all because of the phos-phor-us, there in quan-ti-ty...." Exquisite in all ways.

[@kemicon]

This is possibly one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. I can totally relate to the lyrics as well. Maybe not swimming in phosphorescent water tripping balls (sadly) but definitely remembering a moment you spent with a lost love. Gets me every time.

[@withinspace]

Donovan was so ahead of his time with this song. He accomplished what bands today are still trying to copy.

"Grasshoppers creaking in the velvet jungle night, Microscopic circles in the fluid of my sight, ..... The simple act of an oar's stroke put diamonds in the sea And all because of the phosphorus there in quantity" - Who else could write lines like that but Donovan?

[@suzannelawson9215]

I have been a huge Donovan fan forever. This song is unbelievably one of his finest. The beauty and descriptive lyrics paint a deeply heartfelt story.

[@niesjeraaphorst4674]

This song brings magic to my soul 🥀

[@jacquelynwood9856]

Donovan is unique and they will never be any one of his grace and purity. I adore him.

[@bobscott4711]

Donovan, you've been an inspiration through my life, turning me into a song writer and guitarist ------- it's been a great road thanks.

[@hoopaj00]

donovan shared his brilliant gift from a flower to a garden.. we all grow together from his inspiration.

[@nanibush1]

I was lucky to meet Donavonin the village of Yalapa when you could only get there by boat.....This song mentions us...the gypsies with the seashell pipe...😇🤗🙏🏿👍🏿

[@ОльгаГера-ь4ч]

Such a passionate picture..Can`t let go of my head, Grasshoppers will be creaking in my soul forever

[@mobyboy]

what can a person ask more than this ? so pure !

[@ianfrasermitchell6768]

Superb. I was weaned on this as a teenager, great guitar style good voice and lyrics out of this world. Im 72 now and still get off on this.

[@carolcarlin7217]

I found this wonderful tune when I was quite young…captivating and timeless

[@vizualnoize]

wow....never hurd this song before.....LOVE.

[@jacquelynwood9856]

I love everything Donovan does. No one compare to him.

[@rick4electric]

The sun was going down behind the tattooed trees. And the simple act of an oar stroke put diamonds in the sea. And all because of the phosphorus there in quantity. As I dug you diggin' me in Mexico. There in the Valley of Scorpio beneath the cross of jade, smoking on the seashell pipe the gypsies had made, we sat and we dreamed awhile of smugglers bringing wine. That crystal thought time in Mexico. Sitting in a chair of bamboo sipping Grenadine, straining my eyes for a surfacing submarine. Kingdoms advance, walk across my feet. I'm shaking in my seat in Mexico. Grasshoppers creaking in the velvet jungle night. Microscopic circles in the fluid of my sight. Watching a black-eyed native girl cut and trim the lamp. Valentino vamp in Mexico. The sun was going down behind the tattooed trees. And the simple act of an oar stroke put diamonds in the sea. And all because of the phosphorus there in quantity. I dug you diggin' me in Mexico.

[@wolftal1178]

My mum died last Tuesday week. This was her favourite song.

[@ThymeBottle]

I have been thinking of this song for awhile. It is one of his best. Thanks for posting the lyrics; they are some of the most poetical I've ever heard. Your images are very well chosen.

[@flyleafgirl08]

Fantastic song and mood - his honesty throughout his life is unsurpassed; he beckoned ridicule and dared them to bringit on - meeting it with love, love, love!

[@francie2915]

This song and Young Girl Blues hit me the deepest and I love all his songs ❤️

[@randalmcmurphy1893]

beautiful music never bettered.

[@copernicus633]

What a golden age it was in the 60s and 70s, with fantastically creative singer/composers of folk and rock; People like Donovan, Dylan, Simon and Garfunkle, Joani Mitchell, Joan Baez, Judy Collins, to name a few. How barren the landscape seems today.

[@gplunk]

A veritable wasteland of auto-tuned insipidness....

[@Gazolba]

Everyone's too busy staring at their cell-phones to allow time for creativity. You need to look at and feel the world around you to compose songs like "Sand and Foam".

[@leolw9893]

best song ever !!

[@jerryjohnson28]

I used to go to Mexico to cozumel island and this song makes sense of a stoned out scene passing a pipe a little grenadine on a h✌😎 tropical night full of geckos listen listening to t

[@PerryLogan]

I love this one. The lyrics are incredible.

[@QueenetBowie]

I'm only 21, wasn't around when this song came out..but it makes me dream of when I was a young child, happy and peaceful, none the less

[@kateconway-hickman5945]

Love absolutely. Thank you

[@Gazolba]

"Grasshoppers creaking in the velvet jungle night, microscopic circles in the fluid of my sight". Who writes lyrics like that today? Certainly not Taylor Swift complaining about her latest boyfriend break-up.

[@mikelowen1091]

This song brings me so much peace.

[@SuperNevile]

This is poetry with a beautiful melody. Must be the only song with the word "phosphorus". Also one of the few songs which conjures up beautiful images in the mind.

[@abbyhanna305]

microscopic circles in the fluid of my sight, just excellent, have you ever seen those?

[@whateverwhatever44]

Yes, many times, thanks to LSD. :)

[@ineffablemars]

yes.

[@gblong01]

Abby Hanna Yes, they are fairly common (but never so eloquently described).

[@klmullins65]

I try to, but every time I look towards them they scurry away!

[@lindarogow5338]

As a TRUE ARTIST, DONOVAN ALWAYS EXPLORED THE NEXT DIFFICULT CHALLENGE A DIFFERENT STYLE AND GENRUE. EVOLVING TO THE NEXT LEVEL. EXAMPLE WOULD BE. MS FRANKLIN REAllY GETTING RESPECT DOING THE OPERA ARIA. NESSUM DORMA FROM TURANDOT. ALWAYS A CHALLENGE TO A REAL ARTIST NEVER SETTLING FOR OK.

[@AlwaysPrisms]

I like Donovan and his songs they all have a story behind them

[@kevanbrown7620]

A real underrated gem from Donovan, like Summer Day Reflection Song. Donovan was a brilliant songwriter and guitarist, especially in the 1960s. His album Fairytale is flawless, so many classic song's on that album alone. Sunshine Superman is another great album which he made after Fairytale. The title track, Season Of The Witch, Celeste and The Trip are all great songs from that album. He made tracks like Mellow Yellow, There is a Mountain, Jennifer Juniper, Atlantis, Hurdy Gurdy Man, Love is Hot. He helped Paul McCartney write Yellow Submarine. He went to India with The Beatles and taught John Lennon his fingerpicking style which Lennon used on tracks like Dear Prudence and Julia for the White album. Donovan is very much underrated in my opinion. The Happy Monday's celebrated him on their 1991 album Pills, Thrill's and Bellyaches with a track called Donovan. A great Artist.

[@zephyrquartz]

Adore this one of Donovan's. Magic lyrics - good poetry.

[@jm1072]

That line is perfect.

[@robertbohnaker9898]

Donavon was and is a very unique talent. His voice and guitar playing are spellbinding. Why can’t I make my guitar sound like that ? I used to think. Then I’d just sit back and relish his magical sounds.

[@Mojave888]

What an amazing poet!

[@yehudakrongold468]

La magia de la vida expresada en el canto

[@jeffcory1056]

During this period, he produced some of the most poetic songs ever recorded.... enchanting!

[@828nikolay]

Another real gem from Mellow Yellow album, Well done, Donovan!

[@christianschmidt9790]

As timeless as the universe....

[@markoblazney6360]

simply priceless+

[@FaerySeeker]

Awesome!!! Love it!!!!!

[@Wilster75th]

It's a haunting tune that you want to carry in your mind forever

[@Morglay]

This was a "B" side but I think it was one of his greatest songs.

[@heehawluck1]

Well said ... couldn't agree more.

[@verbaud]

My gentle teacher.

[@voidforpurpose]

"The simple act of an oar stroke put diamonds on the sea..." As Donovan places them in the mind with this fine, fine melody and lyric.

[@torelbancescu]

Thanks for posting!Lucky me for finding

[@groovyguru5314]

My favorite from the Mellow Yellow LP

[@markoblazney6360]

This is such a hauting song. I wonder if the artists ever come here to read about themselves? If that's true, then thank you for this wonderful song, Mr. Leitch(sic?). Kula Shaker rules, too. Thanks, Haley.

[@whateverwhatever44]

I highly doubt that Donovan himself reads anything on youtube or even uses youtube...

[@SuperNevile]

+Luis Garcia He does have a web site Donovan.ie, and a Facebook page.

[@stevestringham1095]

steve winwood posts some homecrafted music on the youtube. i bet he checks out the responding feedback. love this donovan tune!

[@markoblazney6360]

@@whateverwhatever44 ego is a strange bird, always taking flight, often at night when there's not much to do. but you might be right, Luis+ bless you

[@missusmoon3867]

My husband and I LOVE this song

[@dnmisra30]

very nice song

[@Piggy-Oink-Oink]

@kemicon He was a Dylan clone for the first 6 mos..he existed..then he emerged HIMSELF and the stigma was left upon such a gentle soul..he never got the due he so richly deserved... a man of Peace and Deep thoughs and beautoful songs.

[@ОльгаГера-ь4ч]

обожаю!

[@modelprisoner]

emmis! this song is shadoobee! Been listening to it since the day I bought the record! This song is at a par with Malcom Lowry's Under the Volcano. Not in magnitude of course but in feeling.I'm shakin in my shoes in Mexico!

[@Foldisfitch]

...and Dylan has been influenced by everyone who he's ever listened to as well...everyone influences everyone else. Eventually Donovan became as unique as Dylan.

[@Foldisfitch]

I just checked it out ...great song

[@jackclayson7887]

I loved this back in the sixties..was it a B side? ( 75 now so memory a bit suspect !).

[@jackclayson7887]

Yes I think it was, .before he became more commercial imho. one of his best..I'm also 75!

[@yehudakrongold468]

Hermosísima canción hecha en las costas del Pacífico mexicano

[@mikeday9548]

There will never be another time like the 69s. 🙏

[@jerryjohnson28]

The original traveling hippy ✌

[@lauracusimano7600]

Magic.

[@liamodalaigh3201]

donovan ! sunny goodge street. wear your love ...

[@lindarogow5338]

MS FRANKLIN doing nessum doram is available on y tube. A NATURAL WOMAN GETTING RESPECT LOOK AT THE EVOLUTION IF DONOVAN FROM IRISH TROOBADOOR AND FOLKROCK TO POETRY AND MYSTICISM. HIS SPIRIT HITS A UNIVERSAL CHORD INTHE HEART. HIS MUSIC EVOLVED AS HE EVOLVED HIS UNIQUE LEGACY TO THIS PLANET.

[@lindarogow5338]

THANK GOD, IF THERE IS A GOD, FOR THE SPIRIT IN OUR HEARTS THAT CONNECTS DONOVAN TO ME AND THEE. GO IN BEAUTY. FIND COMFORT, PEACE AND JOY IN THE MUSIC. Amen.

[@crystalstanley4960]

...and the simple act of an oar's stroke put diamonds in the sea.

[@kheireddinesefiani7710]

First I listen this song On Sept 1969 in Casablanca on juk box.

[@Tornfreedom]

Saying that Donovan is a Dylan Clone is like saying Dylan is a Woody Guthrie Clone. Except that the latter is true, at least in his early days. By Intent and Design. Rambling Jack Elliott will tell you.

[@trommnorse]

I tried to get through his discography but couldn't. Songs like "Sea and Foam" are the only ones I dig, the rest Dylan-like rock'n'roll songs are just to archaic for me. So, guys, my question to you, what atmospheric, serene, guitar-and-vocals folk songs by Donovan can you recommend?

[@lyndon.barrett]

Colours (you may like the greatest hits version better than the original), Belated Forgiveness Plea, To Try for the Sun, Ballad of Geraldine, Hampstead Incident and pretty much the whole Mellow Yellow album.

[@pauldominic2150]

Get Donovan Sutras album. You won't be disappointed. Released about 20 years ago, with Rick Rubin doing the production. Just Donovan and his guitar.... stripped down to what Don does best.

[@SuperNevile]

Isle Of Islay, Lullaby Of Spring, The Summer Day Reflection Song, Three Kingfishers (+sitar), Guinevere (+sitar), Writer In The Sun.

[@jas2039]

James....."I dug you digging me in Mexico"

[@Piggy-Oink-Oink]

This doesnt sound like the original version..is it?

[@SuperNevile]

Just been told I'm wrong ~ phosphorus appears in the Elements Song by Tom Lehrer. Sand and Foam is still one of my favourite Donovan songs

[@guywalker29]

To make an accusation that Donovan was a clone of Dylan is pitiful. If you were there, you'd realize Dylan was a clone of a gigantic beast known as American music. Dylan was a distillation. If Donovan was anything he was part of what Leonard Cohen, Judy Collins, Buffy St. Marie, Mike Bloomfield, Taj Mahal and scores of Newport heros encouraged to explore by Pete Seeger and Joan Baez. To miss this point misses the fantastic time we had in the 1960s during this great time of exploration.

[@kemicon]

I like to think of "have the gaul" as in having a quasi nomadic possibly cave dwelling hairy french barbarian.... but I'm sure you are the correct one in this case. It's possible I played way to many historic strategy games in my day.

[@thedonwesley5279]

" Microscopic circles in the fluid of my sight " * L S D "

[@aaronfledge]

He sounds somehow different in this song... I like the tune and feel, though. It's mellow and relaxing.

[@limatedman]

IT ENDS! IT ENDS!

[@thesadsack]

A Dylan "clone" - emphatically not, due primarily to the definition of the word. That Donovan was much influenced by Dylan at the beginning of his career, is undeniable. Donovan was and remains one of the better folk singers and lyric poets of his era.

[@ExileMusic]

Expensive Heat.