The Byrds: Turn! Turn! Turn! (1965)

Pete Seeger borrowed heavily from the Book of Ecclesiastes. The Byrds electrified the folk song turning it into an international hit. It reached #1 in the U.S.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4ga_M5Zdn4

The Beatles: Nowhere Man (1965)

John Lennon wrote this song about himself. He was unsure where he was heading in life and had just stayed up all night. Paul McCartney confirmed Lennon's statements saying "I think at that point, he was a bit...wondering where he was going, and to be truthful so was I. I was starting to worry about him."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfWEPu0w-7w

The Animals: It's My Life (1965)

The Animals emerged during the British Invasion. The song was written for the band by former members of the Brill Building. The writers also provided the Animals "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" and "Don't Bring Me Down."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJUI-NRDflU

816. Norwegian Wood by The Beatles (1965)

Although primarily written by John Lennon, George Harrison's influence is keenly felt. Harrison incorporated the Indian sitar into the song. Harrison later became deeply interested in Indian culture. Lyrically, John wanted to write a song about his extramarital affairs without tipping off his wife. Paul McCartney claimed that they were trying to write about prostitutes and lesbians and the main character torched the woman's home in the end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3cUejOltsA

877. Desolation Row by Bob Dylan (1965)

Dylan claimed "Desolation Row" is a minstrel song inspired by white performers dressed in black face that he saw as a child. Some believe it was also inspired by Jack Kerouac's Desolation Angels and perhaps Steinbeck's Cannery Row. The characters in the song are accused of rape and were subsequently lynched. My Chemical Romance covered the song for The Watchmen soundtrack.

http://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?p=desolation+row+bob+dylan

924. We Gotta Get Out Of This Place by The Animals (1965)

"We Gotta Get Out Of This Place" struck a chord with soldiers in Vietnam. It became one of the most requested songs on Armed Forces Radio. The Animals' version seems to refer to the sludge of industrial England as opposed to Vietnam, but the sentiments are the same. The song features unique bass work and an organ that ventures from subdued apathy to screeching desperation and anger.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUpBSvN1a50