The week of September 7, 1965, saw a couple of all-time classics atop the Billboard Hot 100 in The Beatles’ ‘Help!’ and Bob Dylan’s ‘Like a Rolling Stone.’
In the #3 spot was the protest song ‘Eve of Destruction,’ written by P.F. Sloan and performed by Barry McGuire. This was the only Top 40 hit of McGuire’s career and one of only three singles he landed on the Hot 100. This song was a giant killer — two weeks later it leap-frogged Dylan’s masterpiece and unseated The Beatles to secure #1.
McGuire wasn’t that crazy about ‘Eve of Destruction.’ He half-heartedly sang the vocal in one take while reading the lyrics on a sheet of paper, intending to re-record it later. That version was leaked to a DJ and started receiving airplay less than a week later. It was a #1 hit two months after that.
The Eastern world, it is explodin’
Violence flarin’, bullets loadin’
You’re old enough to kill, but not for votin’
You don’t believe in war, but what’s that gun you’re totin’?
And even the Jordan River has bodies floatin’
[Chorus]
But you tell me over and over and over again, my friend
Ah, you don’t believe we’re on the eve of destruction
[Verse 2]
Don’t you understand what I’m tryin’ to say?
And can’t you feel the fears I’m feelin’ today?
If the button is pushed, there’s no runnin’ away
There’ll be no one to save with the world in a grave
Take a look around you, boy, it’s bound to scare you, boy
[Chorus]
And you tell me over and over and over again, my friend
Ah, you don’t believe we’re on the eve of destruction
[Verse 3]
Yeah, my blood’s so mad, feels like coagulatin’
I’m sittin’ here just contemplatin’
I can’t twist the truth, it knows no regulation
Handful of senators don’t pass legislation
And marches alone can’t bring integration
When human respect is disintegratin’
This whole crazy world is just too frustratin’
[Chorus]
And you tell me over and over and over again, my friend
Ah, you don’t believe we’re on the eve of destruction
[Verse 4]
Think of all the hate there is in Red China
Then take a look around to Selma, Alabama
Ah, you may leave here, for four days in space
But when you return, it’s the same old place
The poundin’ of the drums, the pride and disgrace
You can bury your dead, but don’t leave a trace
Hate your next-door neighbor, but don’t forget to say grace
[Chorus]
And tell me over and over and over and over again, my friend
You don’t believe we’re on the eve of destruction
[Outro]
No, no, you don’t believe we’re on the eve of destruction
Meet Me In Montauk 
I would just add what a great guy Barry McGuire is. At one time he was part of the New Christie Minstrels and co-wrote their hit “Green Green.” And he sort of discovered The Mamas and The Papas as he had them backing him before they were signed on their own. He also starred on Broadway for a time in the musical, Hair. Among lots of other accomplishments.
I’ve heard the title before and had assumed it was a Bob Dylan song.
This song resonates with me in today’s world 😱
I agree with Peg’s comment…you could apply most of the lyrics to our world today.