Nature’s Way

The song Nature’s Way by Spirit, from their 1970 album Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus, carries a poignant environmental message that resonated deeply during a time of growing ecological awareness. Written by guitarist Randy California, the song was inspired by the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, which devastated California’s coastline and galvanized the environmental movement. In a live performance at the Fillmore West in 1970, Randy introduced the song by saying, “I would like to do a song that I wrote this afternoon,” revealing its raw, spontaneous origin. This first-ever performance, included as a bonus track in the album’s deluxe edition, captures a fragile grace that highlights California’s songwriting talent. The lyrics, with lines like “It’s nature’s way of telling you, soon we’ll freeze. It’s nature’s way of telling you, dying trees,” reflect a haunting commentary on pollution’s impact, underscored by distant coughing sounds in the studio recording’s fade-out, a subtle nod to the health consequences of environmental neglect. Fans on Reddit have praised the song as a “killer folk rock classic,” noting its timeless flow within the album’s psychedelic tapestry.

Spirit was formed in Los Angeles in 1967, a product of the vibrant counterculture scene. The band’s core was built around Randy California, a prodigious guitarist who, at just 15, had played alongside Jimi Hendrix in the short-lived group Jimmy James and the Blue Flames. Randy’s stepfather, Ed Cassidy, a seasoned jazz drummer with a distinctive shaved head, brought a unique dynamic to the band, making Spirit one of the rare father-son acts in rock. The original lineup, completed by vocalist Jay Ferguson, keyboardist John Locke, and bassist Mark Andes, blended jazz, rock, folk, and psychedelic elements, creating a sound that was ahead of its time. Their early gigs in California clubs like the Whisky a Go Go helped them hone their experimental style, which caught the attention of producer Lou Adler, leading to their signing with Ode Records. By the time they recorded Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus with producer David Briggs, Spirit had already released three albums, but this fourth effort marked their creative peak, despite initial commercial struggles.

For fans eager to connect with Spirit’s legacy, the band’s official website offers a wealth of history, discography, and updates on reissues. Their Facebook page remains active, sharing archival photos and news about remastered releases, such as the 2022 deluxe edition of Twelve Dreams. On Instagram, fans can find nostalgic posts celebrating the band’s influence, while their X account engages with followers through occasional updates and tributes to Randy California, who passed away in 1997. Dedicated fan communities thrive online, including the Spirit Band Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts discuss rare recordings and share memorabilia. Websites like It’s Psychedelic Baby Magazine also feature in-depth retrospectives on Spirit, cementing their cult status among psych-rock aficionados.