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.
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Crosby Stills & Nash Lyrics
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I can give you all the room you need to be yourself as I am in the same key
We can live our lives together yes, and still remain ourselves if we believe
And I believe oh, oh, darlin'
Got to keep an open heart got to keep an open mind
Got to keep workin' hard or you get left behind
Got to keep lovin', got to keep givin'
Gotta keep open
I've given you my heart I give my soul I give you everything I have
Yes, and just as there's a special part of you that's yours alone to keep I'm glad
There is so much we can do together everything you need if we believe
And I believe, oh, oh darlin'
Got to keep an open heart, got to keep an open mind
Got to keep workin' hard or you get left behind
Got to keep lovin', got to keep givin'
Got to let nothin' get in the way of livin'
Gotta keep open
I was looking for love I was losing my mind
I was searching for someone to care
I was fighting my feelings to turn and to run
And I looked in your heart and I saw there was somebody there
So I'm sitting on the river in your city and I'm writing out these words
And I hope that you will listen to my song 'cos it is mine and now it's yours
I'm the master of my fate and the captain of my soul
And I believe yes, I believe oh, oh, darlin'
Got to keep an open heart, got to keep an open mind
Got to keep workin' hard or you get left behind
Got to keep lovin', got to keep givin'
Got to let nothin' get in the way of livin'
Gotta keep open
Gotta keep open, open, open
The song “Open” by Crosby Stills & Nash is an ode to the importance of communication and personal independence in a relationship. The lyrics express the singer's desire to live their life freely while still remaining in a committed partnership. They emphasize the importance of keeping an open heart and mind to ensure that they do not miss out on life's opportunities. The repeated chorus highlights the need to work hard, love generously, and let nothing get in the way of living one's life to the fullest.
The verses show how the singer has struggled in the past to maintain personal independence while also being in a relationship. They talk about how they were looking for love and losing their mind, fighting their feelings to turn and run from the relationship. However, they recognized that there was someone special in their partner's heart, and they decided to embrace the connection rather than be afraid of it.
The line "I'm the master of my fate and the captain of my soul" is a reference to the poem "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley, where the poet declares that he is ultimately responsible for his own life and future. The song's message is that, while being in a relationship can bring great happiness and support, it is important not to lose oneself in the process. The singer aims to strike a balance where they can be together while still living an independent life, keeping their heart and mind open to new experiences and ideas.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, it's high time you realize that I must live my life as it surrounds me
I've come to understand that I can't mold my life to fit someone else's expectations.
I can give you all the room you need to be yourself as I am in the same key
I won't impose my expectations on you, and I hope you will do the same for me.
We can live our lives together yes, and still remain ourselves if we believe
We don't need to compromise our individuality to be together.
And I believe oh, oh, darlin'
I have faith that we can make this work.
Got to keep an open heart got to keep an open mind
We need to stay open to new experiences and perspectives.
Got to keep workin' hard or you get left behind
We can't become complacent if we want to continue growing together.
Got to keep lovin', got to keep givin'
We need to continue nurturing our relationship and giving to each other.
Got to let nothin' get in the way of livin'
We can't let outside forces or our own fears prevent us from living our best lives.
Gotta keep open
We must stay open-minded and open-hearted.
I've given you my heart I give my soul I give you everything I have
I'm willing to give my all to this relationship.
Yes, and just as there's a special part of you that's yours alone to keep I'm glad
I respect your individuality and the things that make you unique.
There is so much we can do together everything you need if we believe
We can achieve great things as a team if we have faith in each other.
I was looking for love I was losing my mind
Before I found you, I was feeling lost and desperate for love.
I was searching for someone to care
I wanted someone who would understand me and care for me.
I was fighting my feelings to turn and to run
I was scared of getting hurt and considered running away from my emotions.
And I looked in your heart and I saw there was somebody there
But when I saw your heart, I knew there was someone I could trust and love.
So I'm sitting on the river in your city and I'm writing out these words
As I sit in your town, I express my feelings through this song.
And I hope that you will listen to my song 'cos it is mine and now it's yours
I hope you will hear my heart in this song that I now share with you.
I'm the master of my fate and the captain of my soul
I have control over my life and choices.
And I believe yes, I believe oh, oh, darlin'
And I have faith that we can navigate whatever challenges come our way.
Gotta keep open
We must stay open-minded and open-hearted.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Graham Nash, Stephen Stills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind