In 1965, the group The Lovin' Spoonful released the song as the first single from their debut studio album "Do You Believe in Magic". The single was well received by the public and became a top ten hit on the "Billboard" Hot 100, peaking at number 9. According to the lyrics, the magic referenced in the title is the power of music to supply happiness and freedom to both those who make it and those who listen to it. Session drummer Gary Chester played tambourine on the track. The Lovin' Spoonful's version was ranked number 216 on "Rolling Stone"s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. "Billboard" said of the original single release that the "pulsating folk-flavored rhythm number serves as a strong and exciting debut for new group in the Byrds vein."