Meaning: The quote by musician Barry McGuire reflects on a significant shift in societal attitudes and behaviors during a particular era. The phrase "shedding of the old dogma" suggests a deliberate abandonment of established principles or beliefs. It conveys a sense of liberation and a departure from traditional constraints. McGuire describes a pervasive sense of moral boundaries being dismantled, leading to a collective embrace of a new "party mode" characterized by uninhibited expressions of affection and camaraderie.

The phrase "everybody was into the new party mode of just loving on each other" alludes to a cultural shift toward free-spiritedness, openness, and a heightened emphasis on love and acceptance. This sentiment captures the euphoria and sense of liberation that often accompanies a departure from conventional norms and expectations. McGuire's use of the term "loving on each other" conveys a spirit of mutual affection and connectedness, reflecting a period of societal reevaluation and redefinition of interpersonal relationships.

However, the quote takes a poignant turn when McGuire highlights the devastating impact of this cultural transformation. He laments the loss of 16 of his personal friends due to "that lifestyle," indicating that the newfound freedom and abandonment of traditional moral boundaries had destructive consequences. This sobering revelation serves as a stark reminder of the human cost associated with the societal upheaval described in the quote.

It's important to note the context in which McGuire's quote is situated. It appears to reference a specific period in history characterized by significant social and cultural changes. The mention of "the new party mode" and the shedding of old dogma suggests a possible connection to the countercultural movements of the 1960s and 1970s, which witnessed a widespread rejection of established norms and values in favor of experimentation, individualism, and communal living.

The quote also reflects the clash between newfound freedoms and the sobering reality of their consequences. McGuire's personal experience underscores the complexities and contradictions inherent in societal transformation. While the liberation from old dogmas and boundaries may have initially fostered a sense of euphoria and camaraderie, it also led to unforeseen tragedies and personal losses.

McGuire's poignant reflection serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that societal change, however liberating, can also carry profound and lasting repercussions. It prompts reflection on the delicate balance between freedom and responsibility, individual expression and collective well-being. In doing so, McGuire's words transcend the specific historical context in which they were uttered, resonating as a timeless meditation on the complexities of cultural evolution and its impact on human lives.

In conclusion, Barry McGuire's quote encapsulates a moment of profound societal transformation, marked by the shedding of old dogmas and the embrace of a new, liberating ethos. However, it also serves as a sobering reminder of the human toll that can accompany such cultural upheaval. McGuire's poignant reflection prompts us to consider the multifaceted nature of societal change and its far-reaching implications, urging us to navigate the complexities of progress with a keen awareness of its potential costs and consequences.