Fraternity of Man’s “Don’t Bogart That Joint” is a song that has become an anthem for the cannabis community. The song was released in 1969 by the American rock band Fraternity of Man and was featured in the cult classic film Easy Rider. Its lyrics, which advocate for the communal sharing of a joint, were interpreted as a symbol of counterculture, freedom, and rebellion.
The Meaning of Fraternity of Man’s “Don’t Bogart That Joint”
The song’s title, “Don’t Bogart That Joint,” is an expression derived from the name of the famous actor Humphrey Bogart, who was often portrayed smoking cigarettes with a sophisticated and self-absorbed demeanor. In this context, “Bogarting” refers to someone selfishly monopolizing a joint or any smoking material without passing it along to others. The Fraternity of Man lyrically encourages individuals to be more considerate and inclusive, urging them not to be like Humphrey Bogart and instead share the joy, love, and unity that can arise from communal smoking experiences. This simple yet impactful message resonated strongly within the counterculture movement of the 1960s, where freedom and the rejection of societal norms were celebrated.
Lyrics Meaning
The lyrics to “Don’t Bogart That Joint” offer a compelling look at the themes present in the song. Let’s highlight some of the lyrics to “Don’t Bogart That Joint” and see the picture that Fraternity of Man painted.
Verse One
- “Don’t bogart that joint, my friend / Pass it over to me” The protagonist is asking his friend not to be selfish and pass the joint over to him.
- “Roll another one / Just like the other one” The protagonist is asking his friend to roll another joint just like the one they are smoking.
Chorus
- “Don’t bogart that joint, my friend / Pass it over to me” The chorus is a call to action to protect the protagonist’s freedom. He is telling his friend that he doesn’t want to be tied down and that he needs his space.
Verse Two
- “Don’t bogart that joint, my friend / Pass it over to me” The protagonist is asking his friend not to be selfish and pass the joint over to him.
- “Roll another one / Just like the other one” The protagonist is asking his friend to roll another joint just like the one they are smoking.
FAQs on Fraternity of Man’s “Don’t Bogart That Joint”
Here are some frequently asked questions about Fraternity of Man’s “Don’t Bogart That Joint”:
What is the song about?
“Don’t Bogart That Joint” is a song that encourages individuals to be more considerate and inclusive, urging them not to be like Humphrey Bogart and instead share the joy, love, and unity that can arise from communal smoking experiences.
What is the meaning behind the song?
The song’s meaning is open to interpretation, but it has been associated with the counterculture movement of the 1960s, where freedom and the rejection of societal norms were celebrated.
Who wrote Don’t Bogart That Joint?
“Don’t Bogart That Joint” was written by Elliot Ingber and Lawrence Wagner, two members of the Fraternity of Man band. Their intention was to create a piece that would not only encapsulate the spirit of the counterculture movement but also encourage the shared experience of smoking cannabis.
When was Don’t Bogart That Joint released?
“Don’t Bogart That Joint” was released in 1969 by the American rock band Fraternity of Man.
What is the significance of the song’s appearance in Easy Rider?
The song’s inclusion in the soundtrack of the movie Easy Rider contributed significantly to its rise to fame. As the film achieved cult status, so did the song, becoming an anthem for the counterculture and immortalizing the Fraternity of Man’s musical legacy.
