Commonly referred to by their initials CSNY, the band is primarily known for their four-part vocal harmonies. They were one of the few North American groups that rivaled the Beatles in popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
After the 1970 shootings at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, Neil Young wrote "Ohio", a tribute to the four students who were shot by the Ohio National Guard. Many radio stations would not play the song "Ohio" because of the anti-war tone of the song. Even so, largely because of its topical nature, "Ohio" bumped "Teach Your Children", released three weeks earlier, from its ascent in the charts, replacing it on the popularity climb, ending at number fourteen, while "Teach Your Children" ended at number sixteen.
In the early seventies, each member released solo albums and by 1972, the band had essentially split up. Nash and Crosby began to perform as a duo and recorded and toured as Crosby & Nash (or, alternatively, Crosby-Nash). A 1974 CSNY reunion tour was a massive success, but attempts to make a second CSNY album ended with another split and separate albums from Crosby & Nash and The Stills-Young Band, both in 1976. After a falling-out between Stills and Young, CSN reformed to release CSN and has been the primary configuration since. CSNY finally returned in 1988 with American Dream, and again in 1999 with Looking Forward. Subsequent material has mostly been from Crosby, Stills & Nash, with the exception of live releases featuring all four members.
It is important to note that on their most famous album, Déjà vu, nearly every song features the trio configuration. Neil Young joins only on a handful of songs he didn't write (guitar on "Woodstock," "Almost Cut My Hair"). Neil Young is absent on "Teach Your Children," "Our House," "Carry On," "Déjà Vu" and therefore the most famous work by the group can be credited to the original trio configuration.
In 1991, Crosby was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Byrds. Neil Young was inducted in 1995 as a solo artist. Stephen Stills was inducted in 1997 as both a member of Buffalo Springfield (along with Young) and Crosby, Stills & Nash (with Crosby & Nash), Graham Nash was inducted in 2010 as a member of The Hollies.
Cowgirl In The Sand
Crosby Stills Nash & Young Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is this place at your command?
Can I stay here for a while?
Can I see your sweet, sweet smile?
Old enough now to change your name
When so many love you is it the same?
It's the woman in you that makes you want to play this game
Hello, ruby in the dust (hello, ruby in the dust)
Has your band begun to rust?
After all the sin we've had
I was hopin' that we'd turn bad
Old enough now, to change your name
When so many love you is it the same?
It's the woman in you that makes you want to play this game
Hello, woman of my dreams (hello, woman of my dreams)
Is this not the way it seems?
Purple words on a gray background
To be a woman and to be turned down
Old enough now to change your name
When so many love you is it the same?
It's the woman in you that makes you want to play this game
The song "Cowgirl in the Sand" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young opens with the vocalist greeting a woman he addresses as "cowgirl in the sand." He is intrigued by her and wants to stay awhile and see her smile. The second verse features a similar exchange with "Ruby in the Dust," where the vocalist is hoping to rebel with her after all the sin they have experienced. In the third verse, the vocalist directly addresses a "woman of my dreams" who he feels has been rejected by society through the "purple words on a gray background," but he can still see the woman in her that wants to play the game.
The song is open to interpretation but is most commonly believed to be a commentary on love and heartbreak. The cowgirl, ruby, and woman of his dreams are all different versions of the same love interest. The vocalist is drawn to her, but society has made her feel rejected, causing her to struggle with expressing her true feelings. The lyrics touch on the closeness and intimacy in a relationship, but also the complexity of it, as the woman wants to play games instead of being completely honest about her feelings.
Overall, "Cowgirl in the Sand" is a beautifully written love song that delves into themes of vulnerability and the complexities of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello, cowgirl in the sand
Greetings to the lady standing alone and unbothered.
Is this place at your command?
Are you a resident of this area?
Can I stay here for a while?
May I stay here temporarily?
Can I see your sweet, sweet smile?
May I witness your beauty when you smile?
Old enough now to change your name
You are mature enough to alter your identity.
When so many love you is it the same?
Is it still the same after so many adore you?
It's the woman in you that makes you want to play this game
It's the feminine spirit in you that drives you towards such behavior.
Hello, ruby in the dust
Greetings to the overlooked, gem-like entity.
Has your band begun to rust?
Has your group dissolved or deteriorated?
After all the sin we've had
Despite all past experiences and errors.
I was hopin' that we'd turn bad
I was expecting us to behave recklessly and wildly.
Hello, woman of my dreams
Greetings to the person who fulfills my aspirations of a partner.
Is this not the way it seems?
Is this not the reality I'm hoping for?
Purple words on a gray background
Stimulating language contrasting the dull background.
To be a woman and to be turned down
To be rejected as a woman.
Old enough now to change your name
Mature enough to change one's name.
When so many love you is it the same?
Do all those admirers have the same effect on you?
It's the woman in you that makes you want to play this game
It's your feminine spirit that propels you towards this lifestyle.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: Neil Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind