When this song came out I was about 13, 14. My older brother who was way more street smart than me and a bit of a hippy told me it was about pot, booze, LSD, coke and so on. Which made sense to me once he explained it. You had to be there, not necessarily at that party but that era. Great reaction!
I agree, great reaction! The reference to "sugar in your tea" refers to LSD often taken as a drop of liquid on a cube of sugar. It was a party where everyone was doing something this poor innocent had not encountered. Funny cigarette 'bout scared him half to death... open up the window, sucka', lemme catch my breath!
As you might imagine, back in the day we'd listen to this song at exactly the kind of party Mama warned about. Other great ones from them: Eli's Coming, Joy to the World, Never Been to Spain and many more.
This song was written by the great singer songwriter, Randy Newman. He recorded this (his) song, but 3 Dog Night made it a hit. Randy Newman often (not always) writes songs with a sarcastic or humorous tone. I think this is one. Randy also wrote and recorded "I Love LA" and "Short People" along with many other songs in his long career.
I always thought this was just about a wild, trippy 70s party and the singer is a little too high and freaking out, lol. (Btw, people sometimes laced sugar cubes with acid back then. Whiskey is probably just whiskey.)
One of the things that I loved about Three Dog Night was that their vocal harmonies were as tight as it gets. Journey, Styx, and Little River Band were similar - and for all the differences in style, this was what I always found amazing about such bands.
I think he's singing about tripping on LSD. That's why he said "sugar in your tea". Back in the day before LSD was made illegal, they used to make homemade liquid acid and use an eyedropper to drip it on sugar cubes. At parties they would drop those sugar cubes in your drink and dose you, sometimes without telling you. I think this song is about a bad trip that he never saw coming.
🎸💯 Three Dog Night was another funky band‼🔥 🤯 I'm telling you, Biz, we had ALL THE SOUNDS back in the day‼I really HATE being old BUT I love that I lived thru all these amazing artists & times‼My memories of my younger years would not be as great as they are without music‼Great choice for a reaction my dude‼☮ ❤ 🎶
The sugar cubes were most surely dosed with LSD. Dosing cubes and putting it in drinks was a thing and sometimes you would get dosed without by a host or party goer without being told. This is how John Lennon and George Harrison of The Beatles were introduced to the drug. They were at the home of George's dentist for a dinner party and after dinner he spiked the coffee of the two and their wives. Immediately after this evening John and George became major league users of the drug and the rest is psychedelic music history. Love this song, I think I was about thirteen when this song was released a d my buddies and I knew something was up and tried figuring out the lyrics. That was big back in the day in the mid sixties to early seventies. Of course this almost obsession began with The Beatles 1967 release of their iconic "Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" Lp. Peace ❤
There is a series of drug references from the era that you are missing, which is where the confusion is. The sugar cubes have liquid LSD - the most famous hallucinogenic of the era - soaked into them, the 'smell of stale perfume" was to cover the small of Hashish, and the cigarette reference is also about illegal smokeable materials. So this guy is sitting there with a glass of water and a mug of tea, while EVERYONE else is getting stoned, drunk, tripping, or some combination of the above. I can relate to him sitting and thinking about his mum trying to warn him off, having actually been in that sort of position at a party or two in the era when the song came out.
The story behind "Joy to the World" is hilarious. When he brought to 3 Do Night, he said: "Hey fellas what ya'll think of this: Then he blurts in a raspy type voice: "Jerimiah was a bull frog".....The band members looked at each other and said: "WTH is he talkin about?"
This song was written in 1966 so you need to filter it through that lens. At that time possession of the tiniest amount of pot was a felony! And LSD was legal in most states. So the line about the strange cigarette makes sense. A police raid could sent them all to jail.
You are going to like this song!!! My mama told me not to go.. In fact she warned me. I am glad I didn't go. I would have never heard the end of it. In the 70's the music was wonderful.😃😃😃😃😃😃😃
Randy Newman actually wrote this song for Eric Burdon of the Animals in 1966. The Burdon version didn't really do anything but this version from 1970 was a smash hit.
Thank you so much for your reaction! One of my most favoritEST songs ever!!! No, his GIRLFRIEND is passed out on the floor. Lol. Back then we weren't about what people are about nowadays.
One of the most underrated bands of all time. The song that they've closed their shows with for years is the great tune "Celebrate" (Dance to the Music). I hope you play that song one day. "Mama Told Me Not to Come" was written by legendary songwriter Randy Newman. Eric Burdon and the Animals recorded the song before Three Dog Night, but I prefer TDN's version. If you're curious to hear Eric sing the song, here's the link - ua-cam.com/video/tH47sJIFK0U/v-deo.html
Yeah, this seems like it was the theme song to my life for a long time, but I kept goin back! That cigarette was weed of course and who knows what other debauchery was happening! There was always a party happening somewhere back in those days and I wish I had a time machine to go back if only for a weekend! Three Dog Night is epic!
My Mama told me not to go...... to a music festival in 1971 with Three Dog Night, Black Sabbath, Yes, Joe Cocker & Humble Pie.....load of dancing, singing and cannabis. An amazing time!
Love this and it's so fresh because I went to Baton Rouge last weekend and saw them live in concert. They played all their hits. It was great. Love your channel!!
He was just talking about a wild drug and alcohol fueled party. People would show up at some of the parties I went to when no one had a clue who they were but everyone was welcome (especially if they brought more booze or drugs - lmao). Someone already explained 'sugar in your tea'. The 60's and 70's were really great for these types of parties - but not all of the parties were great. There were a few that I wished you hadn't went to.
I always took it that back in the day teenagers had parties, with music and lights out. Kids were experimenting with drugs, and sex at those parties. I remember my mother telling me to call her if things go bad at a party I was going to. That was 7th grade!
some people will used soda(carbonated water)with their drinks....if this brother is havin a bad trip then he's probably doin some psychedelics! Ty brother for this one...
The clue is Mama, so you realize he is underage and it is the first time he is exposed to wild loose parties and he doesn't hang with smokers and girls dousing themselves with cheap perfume. The lyrics kick and is funky.
The host of the party asking the young guests will you be wanting water in your whisky or sugar in your tea? He is asking will u be dropping acid. LSD was put in the sugar cube. The people are tripping and its getting crazy, and hes thinking mama told me not to come. Different generations dont understand each others lingo sometimes.
The original Three Dog Night group contained 3 'front man' singers - Danny Hutton, Chuck Negron and Cory Wells (sings lead in this song). Any one of them could deliver a hit and they were as tight as vocalists get. I remember cheap red wine and herb or hash (and the munchies). The late sixties and early seventies are a bit blurry.
7 member band with 3 lead singers. Loved Corey's voice, Chuck Negron, and Danny Hutton. Saw 3 Dog Night in Nov. Danny is the only original singer left. Get Your mind out of the gutter.
three dog night , was an expression they used in canada to describe a cold night, you need one dog on either side and on on the feet to stay warm;)!!!!!
Back when this was on the radio, the DJ would invariably step on the long ending to segue into a commercial, or another song. Few songs in those AM radio days had beginnings or endings that went untouched.
gotta hear a great band , hits of the early 60's Shot Gun, is a great dance song and What does it Take is a romantic song , you will be so suprised; Jr WALKER AND THE ALL STARS ;your gonna love this
Yeah, 3 Dog Nite ARE DOPE! They're how I learned to sing harmony, and deply influenced my sense of rythum......seriosly...go check em out, ln person, LIVE!
I think everybody’s (in their youth) been someplace and said to themselves, “what the hell am I doing here?” I myself remember watching two guys kissing on a sofa and saying to myself, “oops, wrong address for me” I guess it’s part of growing up.
My favorite three dog night song ❤️ the schlyrics ✌️ check out their cover of Otis Redding's song " try a little tenderness" you would dig it ✌️the sugar reference pretains to LSD they used to drop it on sugar cubes 🤤🤣🤣🤣🤣
It's one of those parties where everyone is getting high or sneaking off to the bedroom. Back in these days LSD was given on a sugar cube and we all know about that "cigarette". I think we've all been to a sketchy party. This song came out when I was in high school.
Sugar in your tea refers to the way hippies used to lace sugar cubes with LSD in the 60's
When this song came out I was about 13, 14. My older brother who was way more street smart than me and a bit of a hippy told me it was about pot, booze, LSD, coke and so on. Which made sense to me once he explained it. You had to be there, not necessarily at that party but that era. Great reaction!
I agree, great reaction! The reference to "sugar in your tea" refers to LSD often taken as a drop of liquid on a cube of sugar. It was a party where everyone was doing something this poor innocent had not encountered. Funny cigarette 'bout scared him half to death... open up the window, sucka', lemme catch my breath!
I'm your age. I always sang different words to the song!🤔🤔😂😂🤣🤣
I was 8 or 9
'Orange Sunshine' is what the sugar cube was called.@@jmcquown
It sounds like a lot of the house parties I went to back in the day!
As you might imagine, back in the day we'd listen to this song at exactly the kind of party Mama warned about. Other great ones from them: Eli's Coming, Joy to the World, Never Been to Spain and many more.
Indeed
you're 16,17 and 1 listening to this. it's your first party and you were told not to go to a party like this. you get that.
EXACTLY! Went to more than a few of those in my youth and in my adult years. 🤣🤣🤣
All these years later this song still cracks me up!!
The live performances are just so damn fun.
This song was written by the great singer songwriter, Randy Newman. He recorded this (his) song, but 3 Dog Night made it a hit. Randy Newman often (not always) writes songs with a sarcastic or humorous tone. I think this is one. Randy also wrote and recorded "I Love LA" and "Short People" along with many other songs in his long career.
Don't forget the ultimate in sarcasm "God's Song"
I always thought this was just about a wild, trippy 70s party and the singer is a little too high and freaking out, lol. (Btw, people sometimes laced sugar cubes with acid back then. Whiskey is probably just whiskey.)
He’s at the kind of party where many “ substances “ are enjoyed and the people are “ sketchy “. His momma was right, he had no business being there
Great song! Three Dog Night entire ensemble was extremely talented! They could all sing !💫✨⭐️
One of the things that I loved about Three Dog Night was that their vocal harmonies were as tight as it gets. Journey, Styx, and Little River Band were similar - and for all the differences in style, this was what I always found amazing about such bands.
Why doesn't anybody EVER MENTION Little River Band⁉️ I just don't get it‼
Three dog night was an amazing group !!! So many hits !!! Sounds of my youth !!!!
I think he's singing about tripping on LSD. That's why he said "sugar in your tea". Back in the day before LSD was made illegal, they used to make homemade liquid acid and use an eyedropper to drip it on sugar cubes. At parties they would drop those sugar cubes in your drink and dose you, sometimes without telling you. I think this song is about a bad trip that he never saw coming.
Yep! You nailed it!
I saw Three Dog Night in concert in 1970. My first concert. Tickets were like $4-$7. What a show! They sang all their hits!
I miss the days when concert tickets were reasonably priced.
Yup, I can relate........ Showing up to a party that's becoming over-the-top crazy.......
A fun song from back in the day…still fun now! ☮️❤️😎
Hey, Brother Biz, try "Chest Fever," "One," "Eli's Coming," "I've Never Been to Spain." No, this is about a party.
🎸💯 Three Dog Night was another funky band‼🔥
🤯 I'm telling you, Biz, we had ALL THE SOUNDS back in the day‼I really HATE being old BUT I love that I lived thru all these amazing artists & times‼My memories of my younger years would not be as great as they are without music‼Great choice for a reaction my dude‼☮ ❤ 🎶
You should watch it live! It's so good!
The sugar cubes were most surely dosed with LSD. Dosing cubes and putting it in drinks was a thing and sometimes you would get dosed without by a host or party goer without being told. This is how John Lennon and George Harrison of The Beatles were introduced to the drug. They were at the home of George's dentist for a dinner party and after dinner he spiked the coffee of the two and their wives.
Immediately after this evening John and George became major league users of the drug and the rest is psychedelic music history. Love this song, I think I was about thirteen when this song was released a d my buddies and I knew something was up and tried figuring out the lyrics. That was big back in the day in the mid sixties to early seventies.
Of course this almost obsession began with The Beatles 1967 release of their iconic "Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" Lp. Peace ❤
There is a series of drug references from the era that you are missing, which is where the confusion is. The sugar cubes have liquid LSD - the most famous hallucinogenic of the era - soaked into them, the 'smell of stale perfume" was to cover the small of Hashish, and the cigarette reference is also about illegal smokeable materials. So this guy is sitting there with a glass of water and a mug of tea, while EVERYONE else is getting stoned, drunk, tripping, or some combination of the above.
I can relate to him sitting and thinking about his mum trying to warn him off, having actually been in that sort of position at a party or two in the era when the song came out.
Well I don't know. He may have taken some sugar in his tea, which was why he was seeing things he "ain't never seen before." 😉
He's at a wild party
"Liar", "Pieces of April", "Eli's Coming" all great songs.
Especially Eli’s Comin’
Another Classic! "Out In The Country" is greatness. "Joy To The World" written by Hoyt Axton is a signature of theirs. "Black & White" also.
Love Black and White!
The story behind "Joy to the World" is hilarious. When he brought to 3 Do Night, he said: "Hey fellas what ya'll think of this: Then he blurts in a raspy type voice: "Jerimiah was a bull frog".....The band members looked at each other and said: "WTH is he talkin about?"
This is a HIT song! They're smokin' the devil's lettuce!
🤣🤣🤣🤣
This song was written in 1966 so you need to filter it through that lens. At that time possession of the tiniest amount of pot was a felony! And LSD was legal in most states. So the line about the strange cigarette makes sense. A police raid could sent them all to jail.
Watch them do Eli's Coming, live. It's awesome.
You are going to like this song!!! My mama told me not to go.. In fact she warned me. I am glad I didn't go. I would have never heard the end of it. In the 70's the music was wonderful.😃😃😃😃😃😃😃
Randy Newman actually wrote this song for Eric Burdon of the Animals in 1966. The Burdon version didn't really do anything but this version from 1970 was a smash hit.
Glad you do these older songs, reconnects me to a lot of good old music
Bizmatik is in the groove. Hit NEVER BEEN TO SPAIN when you can... 😎😎
Absolutely BizMatik‼
I love the video because of the facial expressions you can see.. and singing live is just fun.
Thank you so much for your reaction! One of my most favoritEST songs ever!!! No, his GIRLFRIEND is passed out on the floor. Lol. Back then we weren't about what people are about nowadays.
You are welcome
This one is awesome, Biz! "Eli's Comin'" is another good one!
Fact‼
I always heard it like it was a wild party and he’s just an innocent boy
One of the most underrated bands of all time. The song that they've closed their shows with for years is the great tune "Celebrate" (Dance to the Music). I hope you play that song one day. "Mama Told Me Not to Come" was written by legendary songwriter Randy Newman. Eric Burdon and the Animals recorded the song before Three Dog Night, but I prefer TDN's version. If you're curious to hear Eric sing the song, here's the link - ua-cam.com/video/tH47sJIFK0U/v-deo.html
Yeah, this seems like it was the theme song to my life for a long time, but I kept goin back! That cigarette was weed of course and who knows what other debauchery was happening! There was always a party happening somewhere back in those days and I wish I had a time machine to go back if only for a weekend! Three Dog Night is epic!
My Mama told me not to go...... to a music festival in 1971 with Three Dog Night, Black Sabbath, Yes, Joe Cocker & Humble Pie.....load of dancing, singing and cannabis. An amazing time!
This song was the #1 in the USA, the day I was born in July 1970 😂
Go catch them on their current tour. You WILL NOT be disappointed!
I’m pretty sure the sugar in your tea is a reference to sugar cubes laced with LSD.
It's just a song about all the things you'd see at a party back in the 70s. Momma was right.
This song always cracks me up! Glad you liked it
Some GREAT 70’s music!! Three Dog Night!
Three Dog Night was a great group and had many awesome songs, this is definitely a jam, they were smoking pot and doing drugs
Love this and it's so fresh because I went to Baton Rouge last weekend and saw them live in concert. They played all their hits. It was great. Love your channel!!
He was just talking about a wild drug and alcohol fueled party. People would show up at some of the parties I went to when no one had a clue who they were but everyone was welcome (especially if they brought more booze or drugs - lmao). Someone already explained 'sugar in your tea'. The 60's and 70's were really great for these types of parties - but not all of the parties were great. There were a few that I wished you hadn't went to.
This was always such a funny song to listen to when we were teenagers at our mushroom parties- thanks for the memories and your reaction!
This song could have been wrote for me! I had a similar experience at a party when I was 15.
It’s better if you leave it up to your imagination. You can imagine all kind’s of things going on.
I always took it that back in the day teenagers had parties, with music and lights out. Kids were experimenting with drugs, and sex at those parties. I remember my mother telling me to call her if things go bad at a party I was going to. That was 7th grade!
He's at some crazy a$$ party back in the 60s 🤣
Eli’s Coming , my favorite by them!
My favorite 3 Dog Night is Easy to Be Hard, Shambala, Eli’s Coming. Those harmonies are fire!
some people will used soda(carbonated water)with their drinks....if this brother is havin a bad trip then he's probably doin some psychedelics! Ty brother for this one...
The clue is Mama, so you realize he is underage and it is the first time he is exposed to wild loose parties and he doesn't hang with smokers and girls dousing themselves with cheap perfume. The lyrics kick and is funky.
The host of the party asking the young guests will you be wanting water in your whisky or sugar in your tea? He is asking will u be dropping acid. LSD was put in the sugar cube. The people are tripping and its getting crazy, and hes thinking mama told me not to come. Different generations dont understand each others lingo sometimes.
“Out in the Country” is my favorite TDN tune; it is really pretty.
Back in the 70s, teens, hippies were high on all kinds of drugs. A lot of songs reflect these years.
We used to have wild parties in those days, :-)
The original Three Dog Night group contained 3 'front man' singers - Danny Hutton, Chuck Negron and Cory Wells (sings lead in this song). Any one of them could deliver a hit and they were as tight as vocalists get. I remember cheap red wine and herb or hash (and the munchies). The late sixties and early seventies are a bit blurry.
You can say that again, I just recently got my vision cleared after all those years (LOL)
7 member band with 3 lead singers. Loved Corey's voice, Chuck Negron, and Danny Hutton. Saw 3 Dog Night in Nov. Danny is the only original singer left. Get Your mind out of the gutter.
You need to text to them singing (watch the live version) “Eli’s Coming”! They really showcase their vocal talent in this song done live!!!
It's funny that he told his mom he was going to this party and she told him not to go. But he goes anyhow.
three dog night , was an expression they used in canada to describe a cold night, you need one dog on either side and on on the feet to stay warm;)!!!!!
Love these guys
Back when this was on the radio, the DJ would invariably step on the long ending to segue into a commercial, or another song. Few songs in those AM radio days had beginnings or endings that went untouched.
'Old Fashioned Love Song' is my favorite....
In the sixties they used to put LSD on sugar cubes that's why he's asking sugar in your tea and smoking weed and hash and everything else
TDN was the biggest act on the planet for about a 12-18 month period in the early 70s.
gotta hear a great band , hits of the early 60's Shot Gun, is a great dance song and What does it Take is a romantic song , you will be so suprised; Jr WALKER AND THE ALL STARS ;your gonna love this
I remember those parties!
Wild party. LSD was oftentimes delivered in a sugar cube. That scary cigarette was weed. Those were the parties your mamma told you not to go to.
I really like this song, so funny. 🎶🎶👍👍❤️❤️
Thanks, Biz! Written by genius Randy Newman -- check him out sometime -- Three Dog Night did a lot of awesome songs... appreciate your reaction...
Nice choice. I was in the mood for some Three Dog Night. Don't know if you've checked out Eli's Coming yet, but that's a good one.
1 of those parties u swear “I ain’t going party like dat NO MORE!” & u out doing da SAME THING the next night! 😂🤣😂
Eli's coming on Soundstage 1975! You will hear all three sing lead. T g ey are all amazing!🎶❤️
Yeah, 3 Dog Nite ARE DOPE! They're how I learned to sing harmony, and deply influenced my sense of rythum......seriosly...go check em out, ln person, LIVE!
This is there best song. Great band do Moore.
Was going to say the same thing. This is their best song.
@Roger Oran u know though they got alot of great songs. For some reason Dr. Hook COTRS popped in my head. I guess Biz needs to react to that song.
@@kengunter6903 love that song. If he gets into Dr Hook I’d really like to see Biz react to Freaker’s Ball 😂
Floyd Sneed killing it on the drums!
The 'sugar' in your tea' was LSD on a sugar cube. I was 18 when this song came out.
Best cover band ever.
A cool tune that happens to be very funny.
It’s a 70’s party! Smoking’, drinking’ and loose women. Can’t breathe: so many folks trippin. Lol!! Mama said don’t go!
I think everybody’s (in their youth) been someplace and said to themselves, “what the hell am I doing here?” I myself remember watching two guys kissing on a sofa and saying to myself, “oops, wrong address for me” I guess it’s part of growing up.
My favorite three dog night song ❤️ the schlyrics ✌️ check out their cover of Otis Redding's song " try a little tenderness" you would dig it ✌️the sugar reference pretains to LSD they used to drop it on sugar cubes 🤤🤣🤣🤣🤣
BRILLIANT
if you like 3 dog night you will love there song, Out in the Country, i love it
It's one of those parties where everyone is getting high or sneaking off to the bedroom. Back in these days LSD was given on a sugar cube and we all know about that "cigarette". I think we've all been to a sketchy party. This song came out when I was in high school.
Although there is a fun live performance, the studio version is what I grew up with on the radio and I prefer it.
Mister boombastic! lol He got into a hollywood party I'm guessing. lol
sugar in your tea-LSD was put on sugar cubes, the person was asking him if he wanted to trip.
Yes mama' was right 🎉😂😂😅 that partteh was out there
Been to one of those back in the day back in the Hollywood hills.. Just one.
Yer checking all my boxes today Biz.
Must be a hell of a party
Fun was wine, pot, and LSD, Rock & Roll in the middle and late 1960s
GREAT SONG
Too fun!