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
You Don't Have To Cry
Crosby Stills & Nash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do you think of me and how you left me cryin'?
Are you thinkin' of telephones
And managers, and where you got to be at noon?
You are living a reality
I left years ago, it quite nearly killed me
In the long run, it will make you cry
Make you crazy and old before your time
I won't argue right or wrong
But I have time to cry, my baby
You don't have to cry
I said cry, my baby
You don't have to cry
I said cry, my baby
You don't have to cry
In the mornin', when you rise
Do you think of me and how you left me cryin'?
Are you thinkin' of telephones
And managers, and where you got to be at noon?
You are living a reality
I left years ago, it quite nearly killed me
In the long run, it will make you cry
Make you crazy and old before your time
And the difference between me and you
I won't argue right or wrong
But I have time to cry, my baby
You don't have to cry
I said cry, my baby
You don't have to cry
I said cry, my baby
You don't have to cry
The lyrics to Crosby, Stills & Nash's "You Don't Have to Cry" delve into the aftermath of a breakup between the singer and the person they are addressing in the song. The singer questions whether their former lover thinks about them in the morning when they wake up and wonders if they are consumed with work-related stress and obligations. The singer notes that the person they used to be with is living a reality they left behind years ago, and that this reality will eventually take a toll on them emotionally and physically.
The chorus of the song emphasizes that the singer still feels the pain of the breakup and has time to grieve and cry, whereas the person they are addressing in the song does not have to go through the same thing. The chorus is almost a call to the person to admit their own feelings and not bottle them up. The song comes from a place of knowing what it feels like to be the one left to pick up the pieces after a heartbreak.
Overall, "You Don't Have to Cry" is a poignant look at the devastating effects of a relationship that has ended. The soaring harmonies and beautifully crafted lyrics showcase the musical prowess of Crosby, Stills, and Nash.
Line by Line Meaning
In the mornin', when you rise
As soon as you wake up in the morning
Do you think of me and how you left me cryin'?
Are you wondering about the impact of your actions on me, causing me to cry?
Are you thinkin' of telephones
Are you preoccupied with work, perhaps involving communication through phones?
And managers, and where you got to be at noon?
Are you occupied with conference calls and meetings that you need to attend at a certain time?
You are living a reality
Your present situation is different from what it was before
I left years ago, it quite nearly killed me
I left without a choice due to emotional pain and it was almost unbearable
In the long run, it will make you cry
Over time, your current lifestyle will take a toll on you emotionally, and you'll be upset.
Make you crazy and old before your time
It will wear you down mentally and make you look older due to stress.
And the difference between me and you
The main contrast between us as individuals is
I won't argue right or wrong
I am not willing to get into an argument with you
But I have time to cry, my baby
Even though I am hurt, I can cope with it by taking time to cry and deal with my emotions.
You don't have to cry
You don't have to deal with the pain of leaving someone you love alone.
I said cry, my baby
I'm emphasizing the fact that it's okay for me to cry because I'm strong enough to handle it
You don't have to cry
You dont have to suffer that emotional pain.
I said cry, my baby
I repeat that it's ok for me to cry, and emphasize that you don't need to feel the same way
You don't have to cry
Again reminding that you are strong and that you can overcome the separation without the same sort of pain.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Stephen A. Stills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Pauline Hall
on Unequal Love
Saw Graham Nash last week in Gateshead, he sang this song.
Absolutely beautiful, possibly about his love for Joni Mitchell.
His voice still amazing