35 years after that the release of Peter, Paul and Mary's Album 1700, it's brilliant folk music sound and subtle Vietnam protest lyrics, still electrify the turntable, mp3 or CD player.

Starting Out with Subtle Protest

The first song on that album is "Rolling Home", a song about individualism, freedom and being yourself. It correctly points out that the only one you should really care about is yourself, others shouldn't be your benchmark of success. It almost could be considered a dig at the Vietnam war, and the whole cold war, and the idea the US is spending too much time comparing itself to Russia, and too little time on improving it's self. The line senseless war pit the rich against the poor, is a perfect example of this (although it's the only line that directly mentions it).

Track 2, is far more popular, and possibly even more subtle in it's meaning, then Track 1. Track 2, of course is "Leaving on a Jet Plane". The jet plane, of course being the one taking drafties to fight in the Vietnam war. It's a very subtle, yet emotional protest against the war nobody really likes. This meaning, while not neccessarly obvious, is the reason why this song was such a success.

The Great Mandella

Track 6, is of course "The Great Mandella (The Wheel of Life)". It is probably the darkest song on this album, it is about a man and his son, and a protest against a war. It's not exactly clear what it is about, but you can infer it's meaning somewhat from it's lyrics. It's clearly plays on generational differences, and the beliefs of each other—much of the stressors of this time period.

And Don't Forget Side 2

There is "If I Had Wings", a beautiful song about determining your freedom, and your abilty to do what you want to. It follows the indivualistic spirt of many of Peter, Paul and Mary's songs from the same era. it's clever.

Not to be outdone of course by "I'm in Love with Big Blue Frog", which protests citizens racism towards others moving into their village. Replace Big Blue Frog, with Black, and you'll see wht I mean.

And of course, lots of other songs like "Bob Dylan's Dream". All and all, it's good stuff on side 2, but not nearly as good as side 1.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this is still a timeless album, but without context most of it's songs won't show their real value. But when you look at it closely, you'll see what it really is—a protest album.