Released as the third single by The Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1967, "The Wind Cries Mary" offered a stark contrast to the fiery psychedelia of "Purple Haze." Its sparse arrangement, rooted in bluesy rock sensibilities, highlighted Hendrix's nuanced guitar work and sensitive songwriting, becoming another significant early hit.

This atmospheric 1967 rock track creates a melancholic mood with subtle guitar fills and Hendrix's wistful delivery. Written after an argument with his girlfriend, its imagery of loneliness and reflection resonates deeply. "The Wind Cries Mary" endures as a testament to Hendrix's versatility and poetic depth.

SONG MEANING: The song is widely believed to be inspired by an argument Jimi Hendrix had with his then-girlfriend, Kathy Mary Etchingham. The lyrics reflect the quiet sadness and loneliness after the fight ("the traffic lights turn blue tomorrow"), personifying the melancholy feeling in the whispering wind that seems to cry her name ("Mary") after she's gone or things are broken.

Originally released as a B-side in 1966, "Stone Free" gained wider US exposure on the 1969 compilation album Smash Hits. This driving rock track showcases Hendrix's early blues-infused style, featuring his dynamic guitar work and confident vocals asserting personal freedom. It's a vital piece of his early Experience-era output.

With its insistent rhythm and fiery guitar solo, "Stone Free" captures the rebellious spirit of 60s rock. Hendrix's lyrics champion non-conformity and the right to live unconstrained, making this track an enduring anthem of individuality. It remains a powerful example of his groundbreaking talent, formally hitting US albums in 1969.

SONG MEANING: This song is a powerful declaration of personal freedom and non-conformity. Hendrix asserts his right to live life on his own terms ("Stone free, to do what I please"), rejecting societal constraints and embracing a nomadic, independent lifestyle ("Every day in the week I'm in a different city"). It's an anthem celebrating individuality and liberty.

Featured prominently on The Jimi Hendrix Experience's groundbreaking 1967 debut album Are You Experienced, "Foxey Lady" instantly established itself as a classic. Its heavy, blues-drenched riff, pioneering use of feedback, and undeniable groove were pivotal in shaping both the hard rock and psychedelic rock genres.

This 1967 track perfectly blends psychedelic flair with hard rock intensity. Hendrix's suggestive vocals and electrifying guitar work create an atmosphere of pure rock and roll attitude. "Foxey Lady" endures as one of Hendrix's most famous and influential songs, a testament to his revolutionary sound.

SONG MEANING: This song is a straightforward expression of strong physical attraction and admiration for a captivating and stylish woman ("foxey" being slang for attractive). The lyrics convey direct desire ("I wanna take you home") and an acknowledgment of her alluring power ("You know you're a cute little heartbreaker"). It's a classic rock ode to a foxy lady.

Released as a single from the groundbreaking 1968 double album Electric Ladyland, "Crosstown Traffic" showcased Jimi Hendrix's ability to craft concise, powerful rock songs alongside his longer jams. Its blend of heavy rhythm, inventive guitar tones mimicking traffic horns, and catchy hook made it a chart success.

This dynamic 1968 rock track uses traffic congestion as a metaphor, fueled by Hendrix's pioneering guitar work and layered production techniques. "Crosstown Traffic" remains a popular and frequently played example of Hendrix's genius, capturing the vibrant, experimental energy of the late 60s rock scene.

SONG MEANING: The song uses the frustration of being stuck in heavy city traffic ("Crosstown traffic, all you do is slow me down") as a metaphor for a difficult or obstructive relationship. The woman being addressed is seen as hindering the singer's progress or freedom, much like a traffic jam impedes a driver trying to get somewhere quickly.

Appearing on The Jimi Hendrix Experience's second album, Axis: Bold as Love (released late 1967 UK/early 1968 US), "If 6 Was 9" stands as a cornerstone of psychedelic rock. Its free-form composition blends bluesy riffs, extended jams, spoken word, and innovative guitar textures, perfectly capturing the era's counter-culture spirit.

Immortalized further by its inclusion in the film Easy Rider, this 1968 psychedelic rock track embodies Hendrix's defiance against societal norms. Its meandering structure and assertive lyrics champion personal freedom, making "If 6 Was 9" an enduring statement of individuality from a true musical visionary.

SONG MEANING: This song is a defiant anthem of individualism and non-conformity. Hendrix asserts his independence from societal pressures and judgments ("White collared conservatives flashing down the street / Pointing their plastic finger at me"), declaring his intention to live freely and be true to himself ("I'm gonna wave my freak flag high"), even if the established world were turned upside down ("If 6 was 9").

Jimi Hendrix's 1970 masterpiece "Machine Gun," prominently featured on the "Band of Gypsys" album, is a searing example of hard rock and psychedelic soul. Its extended, largely improvised great guitar solo is legendary, with Hendrix using his Fender Stratocaster and effects to simulate the harrowing sounds of battle. The song’s emotional intensity and groundbreaking guitar work cemented its status as a timeless anti-war anthem.

This powerful track from 1970, "Machine Gun," stands as a testament to Jimi Hendrix's genius, blending hard rock intensity with the deep feeling of psychedelic soul. It's particularly lauded for its groundbreaking great guitar solo, where Hendrix masterfully articulates the horrors of conflict. The song captures a pivotal moment in music history, reflecting the era's turmoil through its innovative and deeply affecting sound.

SONG MEANING: "Machine Gun" is a profound and visceral anti-war statement, widely interpreted as a protest against the Vietnam War. Jimi Hendrix uses his guitar to create sounds mimicking warfare—machine gun fire, bombs, and screams—painting an auditory picture of conflict and its human cost. The lyrics, though sparse, contribute to the anguished and pleading atmosphere, condemning the act of fighting and killing.

Released as a single in 1967 and included on the US version of Are You Experienced, "Purple Haze" stormed the charts and announced Jimi Hendrix's arrival as a major force. Its innovative use of guitar effects like heavy distortion and the Octavia pedal, combined with its raw energy, laid groundwork for future hard rock sounds while defining psychedelic rock.

Built around one of rock's most famous guitar riffs and featuring Hendrix's signature E7#9 "Hendrix chord," this 1967 track perfectly encapsulates the era's experimental spirit. Its disorienting lyrics and pioneering hard rock/psychedelic soundscape cemented "Purple Haze" as a landmark recording and an essential piece of music history.

SONG MEANING: Jimi Hendrix primarily attributed the song's inspiration to a dream where he was walking underwater, lost in a purple mist. The lyrics ("Purple haze all in my brain / Lately things just don't seem the same") evoke feelings of confusion, disorientation, and an altered state of consciousness, reflecting this dreamlike experience rather than explicitly detailing drug use, though its psychedelic nature invites such interpretations.

A key track on The Jimi Hendrix Experience's 1967 debut LP, Are You Experienced, "Manic Depression" broke rock conventions with its frantic 3/4 jazz waltz rhythm. This experimental rock piece captures a feeling of intense emotional turmoil through Hendrix's blistering guitar solos and impassioned vocals, highlighting the band's innovative fusion approach.

Driven by Mitch Mitchell's incredible jazz-influenced drumming and Hendrix's raw guitar work, "Manic Depression" channels intense feeling into musical form. This 1967 rock track remains a powerful example of the Experience's improvisational chemistry and Hendrix's genius in pushing the boundaries of rock composition and blues-based expression.

SONG MEANING: The song uses the phrase "manic depression" metaphorically to express intense frustration and emotional volatility. The lyrics convey a sense of inner turmoil ("Manic depression is touching my soul") and suggest that love ("Woman so willing, the sweet cause of my distress") or perhaps music itself is the only outlet or substitute for dealing with these powerful, overwhelming feelings.

Released as a single from the monumental 1968 album Electric Ladyland, Hendrix's version of "All Along The Watchtower" turned Dylan's folk song into a searing rock anthem. The innovative production, Hendrix's unique vocal phrasing, and groundbreaking guitar work created a sonic landscape that captivated listeners and topped charts.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest cover versions ever recorded, Hendrix's 1968 rock interpretation elevated the song's cryptic lyrics to new heights of intensity. Its structure, built around blistering and distinct guitar solos, cemented its place as a classic rock staple and a high point of Hendrix's genius.

SONG MEANING: Originally written by Bob Dylan, the lyrics depict a conversation between a joker and a thief who lament societal hypocrisy and confusion ("Businessmen, they drink my wine..."). They sense impending change or danger ("the hour is getting late") while observing the world from the "watchtower." Hendrix's intense rock arrangement amplifies the song's apocalyptic feel and urgency regarding societal values and potential upheaval.

Released as the first single by The Jimi Hendrix Experience and featured on the US version of Are You Experienced in 1967, "Hey Joe" transformed a folk-blues tune into a rock masterpiece. Hendrix's innovative guitar work, including the unforgettable solo, defined his sound and set the stage for his meteoric rise.

This 1967 rock staple, built on a distinctive chord progression, tells a dark story through Hendrix's unique interpretation. Its blend of blues tradition and psychedelic rock innovation remains incredibly powerful. "Hey Joe" endures as one of Jimi Hendrix's most definitive and recognizable performances, a landmark recording of the era.

SONG MEANING: This song tells a narrative through a question-and-answer format about a man named Joe who has just shot his unfaithful partner ("I caught her messin' 'round with another man"). He confirms the act and declares his intention to flee south to Mexico to escape the consequences of his violent actions fueled by jealousy.

Featured on The Jimi Hendrix Experience's second album, 1967's Axis: Bold as Love, "Little Wing" demonstrates a masterful touch. Though brief, its intricate guitar work, utilizing unique chord voicings and shimmering effects like a Leslie speaker, creates a rich tapestry of psychedelic soul infused within a rock framework.

Despite its short length, "Little Wing" has had an immense impact, becoming one of Hendrix's most covered songs. Its gentle vocals, poetic imagery, and sophisticated musicality highlight a different facet of his artistry, solidifying its status as a timeless rock and psychedelic soul gem from 1967.

SONG MEANING: Jimi Hendrix described "Little Wing" as representing an idealized feminine spirit, like a guardian angel or muse, who visits briefly to offer comfort and inspiration ("When I'm sad, she comes to me / With a thousand smiles she gives to me free"). It evokes a feeling of ethereal beauty, grace, and fleeting connection rather than being about a specific romantic relationship.