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.
Love The One Your With
Crosby Stills Nash & Young Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't help it if I'm still in love with you
Somebody else stood by your side and he looked so satisfied
I can't help it if I'm still in love with you
A picture from the past came slowly stealing
As I brushed your arm and walked so close to you
Then suddenly I got that old time feeling I can't help it if I'm still in love with you
Oh heaven only knows how much I miss you I can't help it if I'm still in love with you
The lyrics to Crosby Stills & Nash's "Love the One You're With" suggest that if you are feeling down and confused and find yourself longing for someone who is not near, it's time to focus on what you do have. The song encourages you to stop feeling sad about past memories or focusing on what could have been, and instead, appreciate the present moment and the company of those around you. The lyrics remind listeners that there is always something to be grateful for and someone to love right in front of you, and realizing this can turn your heartache into joy.
The metaphor of the rose in the fisted glove and the eagle flying with the dove speaks to the concept of opposites attract and the idea of finding beauty in unlikely places. The combination of the hard exterior of the fisted glove with the delicate rose inside represents the idea that there is always a positive or beautiful side to every situation or person, even if it may not be immediately apparent. Similarly, the image of the eagle flying with the dove suggests that despite differences or conflicts, it is possible for love and peace to prevail.
Overall, "Love the One You're With" is a reminder to live in the present, appreciate what you have, and find happiness in every moment.
Line by Line Meaning
If you're down and confused
If you're feeling low and perplexed
And you don't remember who you're talking to,
And you're blanking on the person you're communicating with,
Concentration slips away
Your focus starts to fade,
Cause you're baby is so far away
Because your loved one is distant,
Well there's a rose in the fisted glove
There's a hidden treasure in unexpected places,
And the eagle flies with the dove
Even opposites can come together harmoniously,
And if you can't be with the one you love honey
And if you can't be with your true love,
Love the one you're with, Love the one you're with,
Find love in the present, cherish the one you're with,
Love the one you're with, Love the one you're with.
Love the one you're with.
Don't be angry, don't be sad
Don't be upset about what you can't have,
Don't sit crying over good times you've had
Don't wallow in nostalgia,
There's a girl right next to you
There's someone to love nearby,
And she's just waiting for something to do
And she's eager to connect with you.
Turn your heartache right into joy
Transform your pain into happiness,
Cause she's a girl and you're a boy
Because you're different and complementary,
Get it together, make it nice
Pull yourself together and make the most of the moment,
You ain't gonna need anymore advice
You won't require any more guidance,
Well there's a rose in the fisted glove
There's a hidden treasure in unexpected places,
And the eagle flies with the dove
Even opposites can come together harmoniously,
And if you can't be with the one you love honey
And if you can't be with your true love,
Love the one you're with, Love the one you're with,
Find love in the present, cherish the one you're with,
Love the one you're with, Love the one you're with.
Love the one you're with.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Hank Williams, Sr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind