The trio's first eponymous album was released in May 1969 and was an immediate hit, spawning two Top 40 hit singles and receiving key airplay on the new FM radio format.
In late summer 1969, the trio expanded to a quartet with Neil Young with the name changing to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (commonly referred to by their initials CSNY).
In the years since, they have reformed as Crosby, Stills & Nash for several albums and tours.
http://youtu.be/0YGTPvDoJyM
War Games
Crosby Stills & Nash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can you man your thought control, sir?
Will you give the last command
Or lie to a good soldier
I'm a doubter
I'm a fool
Let me be
[Chorus]
I am not so sure
What you want me for
Either your machine
Is a fool, or me
Now there is no time to wait
No time to think it over
Take the path, believe the math
You'll tell me when it's over
I'm a fighter
I've a question
Won't you answer me?
I have earned the right to know
And tell you what I see
[Chorus]
The song War Games by Crosby Stills & Nash is a protest song against war and military actions that are carried out without human compassion. The first stanza raises the question of whether those in power can control their instincts and command thought control. The song is directed towards leaders who might lie to soldiers in order to manipulate them into fighting. The lyrics reveal the fear and confusion of the singer who is unsure whether they want to be part of the war machine or not. The chorus directly questions the intent of those in authority and asks whether their machine is a fool or not.
The second stanza takes an even more critical view of war stating that there is no time to wait or think, only to blindly follow a path laid out before them. However, the singer is not content with this and demands answers to their questions. The singer has earned the right to know what is going on and to pass judgement on it.
The overall meaning of the song is to raise awareness about the destructive effects of war and the human cost of military actions. The song’s lyrics suggest that those in power often engage in wars without fully considering the consequences of their actions. The song asks for honesty and clarity from those in charge of military decision making.
Line by Line Meaning
Can you stop your instincts
Can you control your innate reactions?
Can you man your thought control, sir?
Can you exercise power over your own mind?
Will you give the last command
Will you take responsibility for the final decision?
Or lie to a good soldier
Or deceive someone who serves with honor?
I'm a doubter
I have doubts and uncertainty
I'm a fool
I am naive and foolish
Let me be
Let me be content with who I am
All that I am
All that I have to offer
I am not so sure
I am uncertain and skeptical
What you want me for
What purpose do I serve to you?
Either your machine
Your system or plan of action is
Is a fool, or me
Is impractical or I am mistaken
Now there is no time to wait
We cannot delay any longer
No time to think it over
We must act decisively
Take the path, believe the math
Follow the plan and trust the logic
You'll tell me when it's over
You'll inform me when the mission is complete
I'm a fighter
I am a determined and persistent person
I've a question
I have an inquiry that needs answering
Won't you answer me?
Please give me a response
I have earned the right to know
Through my efforts and experience, I deserve the truth
And tell you what I see
And share my observations with you
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: STILLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BretLeduc
Can you stop your instincts?
Can you man your thought control, sir?
Can you give the last command
Or lie to a good soldier?
I'm a doubter, I'm a fool
I am but a man
Cast me out or let me be
All that I am
I am not so sure what you want me for
Either your machine is a fool or me
Now there is no time to wait
No time to think it over
Take the path, believe the math
You'll tell me when it's over
I'm a fighter, I've a question
Won't you answer me?
I have earned the right to know
And tell you what I see
I am not so sure what you want me for
Either your machine is a fool or me
@chuckcampbell1946
This song has so much meaning for our situation today..."The only winning move is not to play..."
@freedom4mealways
I remember watching this movie 40 years ago! This song/video and movie were really innovative!
@wsgarmil
I have been looking for this song for decades, was unable to find it since it was not in the movie or on the soundtrack. Glad to finally have access to it again.
@antoniocarlosgasparetti2014
Same thing Wayne! Looking for this for years....
@mrjesanchez
Great musical performance by CS&N ! And you have to love Barry Corbin......this guy is great!
@TheFlashSpeedforce
This movie and song came out almost 40yrs ago... some people have not learned yet.
@markbirchette8740
I remember seeing this at the theater and I literally went just for CSN song.
@lynnecarr9697
More classic in 2023 than ever. “Leaders” are mostly arrogant fools. God help our children.
@HallofWisdom
This song got air time when the movie came out. Loved this movie. You know the only problem with this song is, its too short.
@Scotsgrey13
I've always loved this Stephen Stills song. It's quite brilliant, really. Somehow, it got little attention.