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.
Pre-Road Downs
Crosby Stills Nash & Young Lyrics
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On the road, I'll be wantin' you
But I have you 'cause I love you
And you have me 'cause you love me too, yeah
Felt forsaken, you'll awaken
To the joys of livin' hand in glove
And then I will lend you my will
Don't run the time approaches
Hotels and midnight coaches
Be sure to hide the roaches
Felt rejected as expected
You rejected all the thoughts of words
So I'll pray with you to stay with
Me forever and we'll make it work, whoa
Elevated, you're elated
'Cause I waited a year for you
If you're thinkin' what I'm thinkin'
Then I'm gonna make my love to you, whoa
Don't run the time approaches
Hotels and midnight coaches
Be sure to hide the roaches
The song "Pre-Road Downs" by Crosby Stills Nash & Young is a love ballad that speaks to the trials and tribulations of a couple's relationship as one partner heads off on the road. The song starts with the singer acknowledging the bittersweet reality of leaving a loved one behind, recognizing that he will miss her while he travels. While recognizing the challenges of being apart, the singer acknowledges that he and his partner are together because they love each other. This knowledge gives them both the strength to carry on despite the impending separation.
The song's chorus evokes a sense of urgency, with the singer warning his lover not to run away as the time draws near for him to leave. He reminds her to take care of practical matters such as hiding the roaches before he heads out. He acknowledges that their relationship may have had its ups and downs, and there may have been times when his partner felt rejected or forsaken. However, he assures her that he will always pray for their happiness and that they will be together forever.
The song's main theme is the power of love to conquer all. It shows how two people can go through tough times, come out stronger, and stay together despite the odds. It also acknowledges the fear and uncertainty that often come with love and demonstrates the importance of open communication and a willingness to compromise.
Line by Line Meaning
I have kissed you, so I'll miss you
I kissed you goodbye because I will miss you while I am on tour.
On the road, I'll be wantin' you
While I am on tour, I will desire your presence.
But I have you 'cause I love you
I am lucky to have you because I love you.
And you have me 'cause you love me too, yeah
You have me because you also love me.
Felt forsaken, you'll awaken
You felt abandoned, but I will awaken you to the joys of a mutually fulfilling love.
To the joys of livin' hand in glove
We will enjoy an intimate and close relationship.
And then I will lend you my will
I will share my power and determination with you.
And your days will be filled with love
Your days will be filled with love and happiness.
Don't run the time approaches
Don't try to avoid what's coming.
Hotels and midnight coaches
Traveling at night to stay in hotels.
Be sure to hide the roaches
Make sure to hide any evidence of pests in our hotel room.
Felt rejected as expected
You expected to feel rejected and you did.
You rejected all the thoughts of words
You rejected all the negative thoughts in your mind.
So I'll pray with you to stay with
I will pray with you to stay committed to our relationship.
Me forever and we'll make it work, whoa
We will stay together forever and overcome any challenges.
Elevated, you're elated
You're feeling excited and energized about our relationship.
'Cause I waited a year for you
Because I waited a long time for you to be ready for our relationship.
If you're thinkin' what I'm thinkin'
If you are thinking what I am thinking.
Then I'm gonna make my love to you, whoa
I will show you my love in a physical way.
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Graham William Nash
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind