Iron Butterfly: “In a Gadda Da Vida”

This was written by Doug Ingle, Iron Butterfly’s vocalist and keyboard player. His father was a church organist.

The title was supposed to be “In The Garden Of Eden.” Someone had written “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida,” possibly while drunk, on a demo copy. A record company executive saw it and decided to use it as the title, since it sounded mystical and Eastern spirituality was big at the time, with The Beatles going to India and The Rolling Stones experimenting with Indian instruments.

Doug Ingle did not intend it this way when he wrote the song, but he album version is over 17 minutes long. The single was edited for radio.

(Source)

Lyrics for this Iron Butterfly tune

In-a-gadda-da-vida honey,

Don’tcha know that I love you?

In-a-gadda-da-vida baby,

Don’tcha know that I’ll always be true?

Oh won’tcha come with me,

And take my hand?

Oh won’tcha come with me,

And walk this land?

Please take my hand…

Let me tell ya now.

In-a-gadda-da-vida honey,

Don’tcha know that I love you?

In-a-gadda-da-vida baby,

Don’tcha know that I’ll always be true?

Oh won’tcha come with me,

And take my hand?

Oh won’tcha come with me,

And walk this land?

Please take my hand…

Let me tell ya.

Two,three,four!

In-a-gadda-da-vida honey,

Don’tcha know that I love you?

In-a-gadda-da-vida baby,

Don’tcha know that I’ll always be true?

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