Introduction and Short Summary of the Song
“Let’s Go Get Stoned” is one of the more surprising and distinctive tracks in The Everly Brothers’ catalog, released during a period when the duo was experimenting with material beyond their signature teenage love ballads. Unlike classics such as “Cathy’s Clown” or “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” this song delves into rhythm-and-blues territory with a playful yet defiant edge. Originally written by Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson, and Josephine Armstead, and famously performed by Ray Charles in 1966, “Let’s Go Get Stoned” became an anthem of release and rebellion. The Everly Brothers’ decision to cover it reflects their openness to cross-genre influences and their desire to connect with contemporary currents of soul and R&B.
Origins of the Song
The song’s roots trace back to Ashford & Simpson, one of the most important songwriting duos in American soul music. Their composition “Let’s Go Get Stoned” was recorded by Ray Charles as a single shortly after his release from rehab in 1966, making its message of escape and indulgence both personal and symbolic. Charles’ version topped the R&B charts and became a defining song of the era.
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The Everly Brothers, known for blending country, folk, and rock and roll, began incorporating more diverse material in the mid- to late-1960s as they sought to stay relevant amid the rapidly changing musical landscape. Covering “Let’s Go Get Stoned” was part of this process, signaling their embrace of contemporary R&B while giving the track their own vocal twist.
Why The Everly Brothers Released “Let’s Go Get Stoned”
The Everly Brothers released their version of “Let’s Go Get Stoned” as part of their ongoing experimentation during the 1960s, when they were navigating the transition from their early rock-and-roll dominance into a more eclectic, adult-oriented sound. The choice of this song reflected their interest in branching out from teen ballads and tapping into the rawer energy of soul and blues.
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Their version also highlighted their respect for the artistry of Ray Charles and other African American musicians whose influence had shaped their careers. By performing “Let’s Go Get Stoned,” the Everlys positioned themselves within a broader musical conversation about freedom, rebellion, and emotional release.
The Message Conveyed in the Song
The message of “Let’s Go Get Stoned” is direct: when life becomes overwhelming and problems pile up, sometimes the answer is to escape, relax, and forget about troubles for a while. It is not a song of deep philosophical reflection but rather a blues-inspired declaration of release and indulgence.
Key themes include:
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Escape from Stress: The narrator chooses temporary relief from life’s struggles.
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Rebellion: The song celebrates defiance of norms and expectations.
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Solidarity: It suggests communal release, the idea of “let’s go” shared with others.
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Playfulness: Beneath the defiance, there is humor and a lighthearted spirit.
The Everly Brothers’ version balances these themes with their smooth harmonies, giving the song both edge and polish.
The Recording and Musical Characteristics
The Everly Brothers approached “Let’s Go Get Stoned” with a blend of R&B grit and their own harmonic finesse.
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Vocals: Their signature harmonies soften the roughness of the lyrics, creating an intriguing tension between rebellion and refinement.
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Instrumentation: Strong rhythm guitar, bass, and percussion drive the track, reflecting its R&B roots.
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Mood: Carefree, playful, with an undercurrent of defiance.
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Style: A hybrid of rhythm and blues with folk-rock undertones, demonstrating their versatility.
Their delivery is more restrained than Ray Charles’ raw version but still conveys the song’s essence of release and escape.
Cultural and Commercial Impact
Commercially, The Everly Brothers’ version of “Let’s Go Get Stoned” did not achieve major success. By the late 1960s, their commercial peak had passed, and the shifting landscape of popular music—dominated by British Invasion bands and psychedelic rock—left less space for traditional duos. Still, the song added to their repertoire of stylistic exploration.
Culturally, their decision to record the track demonstrated the influence of R&B and soul on mainstream artists. It also underscored the Everlys’ willingness to take risks and move outside their comfort zone, even if it did not guarantee chart success. For fans, the song revealed another facet of their artistry, one that was more experimental and contemporary than nostalgic.
Legacy of “Let’s Go Get Stoned”
Today, “Let’s Go Get Stoned” is remembered less as a signature Everly Brothers song and more as a fascinating artifact of their mid-career exploration. It showcases their respect for R&B traditions and their attempt to remain current during a turbulent musical era.
For the Everly Brothers’ legacy, the track highlights their versatility and their openness to diverse influences. While they are best remembered for their harmony-driven hits that defined early rock and roll, songs like this remind listeners that their artistry extended into multiple genres.
More broadly, “Let’s Go Get Stoned” connects the Everlys to the lineage of American protest and release songs—music that offers not just entertainment but also an outlet for frustration. By covering this track, they participated in a cultural dialogue about freedom, rebellion, and the pursuit of temporary joy.
Decades later, the song remains a curious but valuable part of their discography, a reminder of the breadth of their musical curiosity and the depth of their respect for the traditions that shaped rock and roll.