Helpless
Crosby Stills and Nash Lyrics


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There is a town in north Ontario
With dream comfort memory to spare
And in my mind
I still need a place to go
All my changes were there

Blue, blue windows behind the stars
Yellow moon on the rise
Big birds flying across the sky
Throwing shadows on our eyes
Leave us

Helpless, helpless, helpless
Baby can you hear me now?
The chains are locked
and tied across the door
Baby, sing with me somehow

Blue, blue windows behind the stars
Yellow moon on the rise
Big birds flying across the sky
Throwing shadows on our eyes
Leave us





Helpless, helpless, helpless

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Crosby Stills and Nash’s song Helpless paint a picture of nostalgia and longing for a town in north Ontario. The town is described as having “dream comfort memory to spare” – perhaps a place where the singer felt most at ease and carefree. Despite the physical distance, the singer still feels the need to return to this place in their mind. All of their changes, both good and bad, happened there, and this town holds a significant place in the singer’s heart.


The second verse of the song offers vivid imagery with “blue, blue windows behind the stars, yellow moon on the rise, big birds flying across the sky, throwing shadows on our eyes, leave us”. The sight of big birds flying across the sky contrasts with the vulnerability expressed in the chorus, where the singer pleads for help as they feel trapped and helpless by “chains... locked and tied across the door”. The chorus is a cry for assistance, asking if there is anyone who can hear them and sing with them.


All in all, Helpless is a beautifully written song about longing for a time and a place where one felt most alive and carefree. The imagery used in the lyrics helps to create a strong sense of nostalgia, but the chorus offers a grounding reminder of the present and the need for help and support.


Line by Line Meaning

There is a town in north Ontario
The song starts with describing a town in Ontario, Canada.


With dream comfort memory to spare
The town is abundant with dreams, comfort, and memories.


And in my mind
Despite the physical location of the town, it exists predominantly in the singer's mind.


I still need a place to go
The artist still has a longing to return to this town.


All my changes were there
The town served as a significant place for the artist, where they experienced significant changes or personal growth.


Blue, blue windows behind the stars
The night sky is described with blue windows behind the stars, possibly depicting a peaceful environment.


Yellow moon on the rise
The yellow moon rising is a common poetic reference, with the moon symbolizing change or new beginnings.


Big birds flying across the sky
Birds flying across the sky are often used to signify freedom or a sense of weightlessness.


Throwing shadows on our eyes
The shadows cast by the flying birds may represent the struggles or challenges of life that can obscure vision.


Leave us
The phrase 'Leave us' could be interpreted as a plea for a break or reprieve from these challenges.


Helpless, helpless, helpless
This refrain repeats several times throughout the song, emphasizing a feeling of helplessness or vulnerability.


Baby can you hear me now?
This line is addressed to someone, perhaps a significant other or trusted confidant, as the artist is seeking comfort or support.


The chains are locked and tied across the door
This could represent a feeling of being trapped or confined, unable to escape difficult circumstances.


Baby, sing with me somehow
The singer is again calling for help, specifically in the form of music or singing. Song and music could be seen as therapeutic and helpful in difficult situations.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BUCK RAM

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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