"And there was a real shedding of the old dogma, like boundaries of morality were being broken down and everybody was into the new party mode of just loving on each other. Which destroyed thousands of us. I lost 16 of my personal friends through that lifestyle"

Barry McGuire's quote shows a deep and personal reflection on a period of cultural and social upheaval, likely referencing the 1960s and 1970s-- a time kept in mind for its significant shifts in societal norms and values. This period was characterized by the counterculture movement, a rebellion versus established conventions and standard worths, especially concerning authority, household structures, and sexual standards.

McGuire speaks with the 'shedding of the old dogma,' suggesting a relocation far from stiff, conventional beliefs and moral codes that had controlled previous generations. The 'boundaries of morality' being broken down suggests a period of experimentation and freedom, where individuals were exploring brand-new methods of believing and living. The 'new celebration mode of just loving on each other' can be analyzed as a recommendation to the extracurricular relations motion, which advocated for free love and the breaking down of monogamous standards.

However, McGuire's reflection is not totally positive, as he shows the darker repercussions of this extreme change. The line 'Which damaged countless us' offers a sobering contrast to the preliminary tone of liberty and freedom. This underscores the concept that while such a quick and untreated departure from custom permitted greater personal freedoms, it also resulted in damaging behaviors and lifestyles. It recommends that the absence of limits and an 'anything goes' mindset can have serious consequences, possibly manifesting in drug abuse, health concerns, and loss of life.

When McGuire points out losing '16 of my personal friends,' he personalizes the wider cultural story, highlighting the genuine, human cost of such a liberating yet turbulent duration. This individual loss serves as a cautionary tale that underscores the requirement for balance in between newly found flexibilities and personal duty. It paints a complicated photo of liberation that, while initially appealing, might have unanticipated and destructive effects.