The Byrds were a popular American rock band formed in Los Angeles, Californ… Read Full Bio ↴The Byrds were a popular American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1964. They are considered one of the most important and influential bands of the 1960s.

Their music bridged the gaps between the socially and spiritually conscious folk music of Bob Dylan, the studio trickery of The Beach Boys, and the sardonic rock of The Beatles. Some of their trademark songs include pop versions of Bob Dylan's Mr. Tambourine Man and Pete Seeger’s Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season), and the originals I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better, and Eight Miles High. Throughout their career they helped forge such subgenres as folk rock, raga rock, psychedelic rock, jangle pop, and – on their 1968 classic Sweetheart of the Rodeo – country rock inviting Gram Parsons on rhythm guitar.

The original and most successful lineup consisted of Chris Hillman, David Crosby, Michael Clarke, Roger McGuinn and Gene Clark. After several line-up changes (with lead singer/guitarist McGuinn as the only consistent member), they broke up in 1973.

In 1991 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and several band members launched successful solo careers after leaving the group. The most successful was David Crosby who was inducted again for his work with Crosby, Stills & Nash. Other than The Beatles, the only artist with all members inducted twice are, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Antique Sandy
The Byrds Lyrics

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Antique Sandy lived in the woods
And she'd go to the stream when the weather was good
She'd take down the washing for her old man to wear
And she'd try not to get eaten by the bear

She'd fly to the market in her worn out old balloon
That she traded with the flier for an antique silver spoon
And when she'd get home she'd cook upon the wooden stove

And she'd go to sleep and listen to the whispers of the grove

At night she dreamed of places where she lived when she was young
Where the corn strip stretched for miles like a giant serpent's tongue
Electric lights and phone bells and every light insane
Like a hundred thousand hungry miles were meeting at her brain

And I greet her in the morning when she wakes up in my arms
And I tell her that I love her and I'll keep her free from harm

I hold her close, she matters, she is all the world to me
'Cause she's my Antique Sandy, and she's in love with me

Overall Meaning

The song “Antique Sandy” by The Byrds is an ode to a woman living in the woods. The singer describes her routine of going to the stream to take down the washing for her old man to wear, and her fear of being eaten by a bear while doing so. Despite living in isolation, Sandy is not disconnected from the world. She trades an old balloon for an antique spoon, and dreams of her youth where she experienced the luxuries of modern technology. The song ends with the singer promising to keep Sandy safe and in his arms.

The lyrics suggest that Sandy represents a simpler way of life, one that is less reliant on modern technology and more connected to nature. Yet, the song acknowledges that Sandy is not completely removed from society. She participates in the market economy and has fond memories of living in a world with electric lights and telephones. The song seems to suggest that living a simple life doesn’t have to mean complete isolation. The love between Sandy and the singer is a reminder that connections with others can still be formed.

Line by Line Meaning

Antique Sandy lived in the woods
Antique Sandy resided in the forest, where she called home

And she'd go to the stream when the weather was good
She enjoyed going to the stream when the weather was pleasant

She'd take down the washing for her old man to wear
She would remove clothes from the clothesline for her husband to wear

And she'd try not to get eaten by the bear
While outside, she was cautious of the bear and tried not to become its prey

She'd fly to the market in her worn out old balloon
She would travel to the market in her worn-out, old balloon

That she traded with the flier for an antique silver spoon
She exchanged her balloon with a pilot for an antique silver spoon

And when she'd get home she'd cook upon the wooden stove
Upon arriving home, she would cook a meal on her wooden stove

And she'd go to sleep and listen to the whispers of the grove
Before retiring to bed, she would listen to the sounds of the forest

At night she dreamed of places where she lived when she was young
During the night, she dreamt of her childhood home

Where the corn strip stretched for miles like a giant serpent's tongue
The cornfields in her dream appeared as miles-long, snakelike tongues

Electric lights and phone bells and every light insane
Her dream world had numerous artificial lights and the sound of ringing phones

Like a hundred thousand hungry miles were meeting at her brain
Her dream was so vivid that it felt like her entire brain was being impacted

And I greet her in the morning when she wakes up in my arms
The singer greets Antique Sandy in the morning as they wake up together

And I tell her that I love her and I'll keep her free from harm
He expresses his love for her and promises to protect her

I hold her close, she matters, she is all the world to me
She is his entire world, and he values her immensely

'Cause she's my Antique Sandy, and she's in love with me
He refers to her as his Antique Sandy, and she reciprocates his love

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Clarence J White, Clyde R Battin (jun), Gene Victor Parsons, James Duke Seiter, Roger Mc Guinn

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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