Who originally sang "Little Boxes," the Weeds theme song; and what was it written about?

Question

My grandmother told me a nice little story about it being a protest song from the 60s about the new housing somewhere around San Francisco. She was living there around that time, but didn't know much more... anyone else know who sang it and what it's all about?

I love that song. Very catchy.

Answer 1

Your grandmother is right.

It was recorded first by the lady who wrote the song, Malvina Reynolds. Pete Seeger and The Womenfolk also covered it.

And now, from what I've heard, they're getting various performers to do covers of the song. I don't know if that's true since I've never watched the series.

Here are links to the information you want:
http://www.levittowners.com/history/littleboxes.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Boxes

Wow! Here's an update of the old protest song!
http://www.redrock.org/issues/2002_laing_homes/little_boxes_scime_lyrics.html

They say that the Sixties is a decade that never ended. They're still protesting, finding life in the old song! I do wonder what Malvina Reynolds would think about the way they're using her song.

Answer 2

Here's some interesting trivia about it. It was recorded by Pete Seeger and The Womenfolk. The Womenfolk were an all-female folk group. Their recording of "Little Boxes" holds the record for the shortest length charted record (1:02) of the rock era. It was arranged by Perry Botkin, Jr., who later wrote with Barry DeVorzon the theme song for the soap opera "The Young & The Restless". It was released as a single under the title "Nadia's Theme" in honor of the great gymnast of that name.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Who originally sang "Little Boxes," the Weeds theme song; and what was it written about?
My grandmother told me a nice little story about it being a protest song from the 60s about the new housing somewhere around San Francisco. She was living there around that time, but didn't know much more... anyone else know who sang it and what it's all about?

I love that song. Very...

Answer 4

Who Sang Little Boxes

Answer 5

I know the one by Nina and Frederick but i do not know if it was written for a particular purpose - i also like the song
There's a green one and a pink one a blue one and a yellow one and they're all made out ot tickey tacky and they all look just the same

Answer 6

Pete Seeger it's about the little ticky tacky houses all in a row as u r driving north into the city, on the hill side Ray in Monterey

Answer 7

Malvina Reynolds
Edit:
It's about the cookie-cutter, look-alike suburgan homes built during the 1950s & 1960s, and the supposed automaton-like occupants.

Answer 8

The series is having many singers cover the song. The second seasons best were Elvis Costello and also Alanis Morissette.