By early 1968, Buffalo Springfield had also disintegrated over personal issues, and after aiding in putting together the band’s final album, Stephen Stills found himself unemployed by the summer. He and Crosby began meeting informally and jamming, the results of one encounter in Florida on Crosby’s schooner being the song “Wooden Ships,” composed in collaboration with another guest, Paul Kantner.[2]
Graham Nash had been introduced to Crosby when the Byrds had toured the UK in 1966, and when the Hollies ventured to California in 1968, Nash resumed his acquaintance with Crosby.[3] At a party in July 1968 at Cass Elliot's house, Nash asked Stills and Crosby to repeat their performance of a new song by Stills, “You Don't Have To Cry,” with Nash improvising a second harmony part.[4] The vocals gelled, and the three realized that they had a unique vocal chemistry.
Panama
Crosby Stills & Nash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where I first fell in love
It will forever be an emerald necklace
Set between the seas
Beside a crystal stream
In the mountains of Chiriqui
I saw a girl astride a horse she waved at me
I was fifteen
I was trying very hard to understand
Indifferent to the dangers of living in a foreign land
Was I falling in love or under the spell Of Panama?
Went riding off alone
Much further than I should have gone
I wandered deep into the dark
Now which way gets me home
Then suddenly there she was
All covered with leaves and dust
I couldn't believe it but she followed me
Now both of us were lost
I was not a child I was not yet a man
I was trying very hard to understand
Indifferent to the dangers of living in a foreign land
Was I falling in love or under the spell Of Panama?
The clouds began to rumble
We found a dry piece of jungle
I don't remember if It rained
But I remember making love
So clearly I recall
The magic of Panama
And surely never will it let me go
Yo Soy Panameno
I was not a child I was not yet a man
I was trying very hard to understand
Indifferent to the dangers of living in a foreign land
Was I falling in love or under the spell Of Panama?
The song "Panama" by Crosby, Stills & Nash is a nostalgic and romantic tribute to a place called Panama where the singer fell in love for the first time. The lyrics convey a sense of wonder and enchantment as the singer describes the natural beauty of Panama, characterized by emerald necklaces, crystal streams, and jungles. The imagery of a girl riding a horse waving at him captures the innocence and excitement of youth and first love.
As the song progresses, the narrative becomes more complex and ambiguous, suggesting that the singer is struggling to understand his feelings and the place that has captured his heart. He goes further into the wilderness than he should have and gets lost, but is unexpectedly followed by the girl he saw earlier. The chorus repeats the refrain of not being a child yet not yet a man and trying to make sense of his emotions in a foreign land.
Towards the end of the song, the clouds rumble and the couple finds shelter in a dry jungle, where they make love. The singer concludes that the magic of Panama will never let him go and declares himself a Panameno (a Panamanian). The song thus becomes a celebration of love, adventure, and the transformative power of exotic places that become part of our identity.
Line by Line Meaning
Have you seen Panama
Have you ever been to a place so beautiful that it will stay with you forever?
Where I first fell in love
It was the place where my young heart fell in love for the first time, making it special beyond measure.
It will forever be an emerald necklace
Panama is a land of immense natural beauty that will always enchant visitors.
Set between the seas
With its rich history, biodiversity, and culture, Panama is a gem of a country located between two oceans.
Beside a crystal stream
Panama's streams and rivers, so clear that you can see the bottom, are sources of joy and pride for its people.
In the mountains of Chiriqui
The mountainous area of Chiriqui in Panama is known for its lush forests, cool climate, and stunning views.
I saw a girl astride a horse she waved at me
I remember the moment when I first laid eyes on a captivating girl riding a horse who smiled and greeted me.
I was fifteen
I was young, full of curiosity, and eager to explore the mysteries of life.
I was not a child I was not yet a man
At fifteen, I was at the cusp of adulthood, no longer a child but still unsure of myself.
I was trying very hard to understand
My mind was open, and I was striving to comprehend the world and my place in it.
Indifferent to the dangers of living in a foreign land
I was fearless, ignoring the risks and challenges of exploring a foreign country and embracing the journey.
Was I falling in love or under the spell Of Panama?
I was enchanted not only by the girl but by the spell of Panama, which captivated my heart and soul.
Went riding off alone
I decided to explore the beauty of Panama on my own, guided by my curiosity and passion.
Much further than I should have gone
I went beyond my comfort zone, taking risks and stepping outside of my boundaries.
I wandered deep into the dark
I ventured deeper into the unknown, embracing the mystery and beauty of the world around me.
Now which way gets me home
I was uncertain about my path back home, but I was determined to make my way through any obstacles.
Then suddenly there she was
I was surprised and overjoyed to encounter the girl again, feeling like fate had brought us together.
All covered with leaves and dust
She was rough around the edges, but still beautiful and alluring to me.
I couldn't believe it but she followed me
I was surprised that she chose to follow me, but grateful for the connection we shared.
Now both of us were lost
Together, we were both lost in the beauty and mystery of Panama, but we were lost together and that made all the difference.
The clouds began to rumble
As the sky darkened, the storm clouds started to gather, setting the stage for a magical moment.
We found a dry piece of jungle
We discovered a small patch of jungle that managed to stay dry, where we could seek shelter and hide from the elements.
I don't remember if It rained
What I remember is not the storm or the rain, but the magic of being with the girl in the midst of nature's fury.
But I remember making love
In that moment, I felt alive and exhilarated, completely absorbed in the passion and intensity of our love.
So clearly I recall
Even now, after all these years, the memory of Panama and the girl is crystal clear in my mind.
The magic of Panama
Panama embodies a sense of wonder and enchantment that is almost impossible to describe or capture, but that stays with you forever.
And surely never will it let me go
Panama and the girl remain an essential part of who I am, shaping my memories, feelings, and identity.
Yo Soy Panameno
I am a proud Panamanian, forever connected to the land, its people, and its culture.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Stephen A Stills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind