Crosby joined the Byrds in 1964. They had their first number-one hit in April 1965 with a cover of "Mr. Tambourine Man" by Bob Dylan. Crosby appeared on the Byrds' first five albums and produced the original lineup's 1973 reunion album. He subsequently formed Crosby, Stills & Nash in 1968 with Stephen Stills and Graham Nash.
After the release of their debut album, CSN won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist of 1969. Neil Young joined the group for live appearances, their second concert being Woodstock, before recording their second album Déjà Vu. Meant to be a group that could collaborate freely, Crosby and Nash recorded three gold albums in the 1970s, while the core trio of CSN remained active from 1976 until 2016. CSNY reunions took place in each decade from the 1970s through the 2000s.
Songs Crosby wrote or co-wrote include "Lady Friend", "Everybody's Been Burned", "Why", and "Eight Miles High" with the Byrds and "Guinnevere", "Wooden Ships", "Shadow Captain", and "In My Dreams" with Crosby, Stills & Nash. He wrote "Almost Cut My Hair" and the title track "Déjà Vu" for Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's 1970 album of the same name. He is known for having employed alternative guitar tunings and jazz influences. He released six solo albums, five of which charted. Additionally, he formed a jazz-influenced trio with his son James Raymond and guitarist Jeff Pevar in CPR. Crosby's work with the Byrds and CSNY has sold over 35 million albums.
Crosby was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice: once for his work in the Byrds and again for his work with CSN. Five albums to which he contributed are included in Rolling Stone's The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, three with the Byrds and two with CSN(Y). He was outspoken politically and was sometimes depicted as emblematic of the counterculture of the 1960s.
What Are Their Names
David Crosby Lyrics
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I wonder who they are
The men who really run this land
And I wonder why they run it
With such a thoughtless hand
What are their names
And on what streets do they live
I'd like to ride right over
Them a piece of my mind
About peace for mankind
Peace is not an awful lot to ask
[Instrumental Ending (Electric Guitars)]
In David Crosby's song "What Are Their Names," the lyrics explore the singer's curiosity about the identities of the people who hold the actual power in society and question their reckless management of it. The song's first verse piques the singer's curiosity as he wonders who these powerful figures are and why they rule with such an "thoughtless hand." His search for their names and where they live arises so that he can convey his views directly to them. The second verse emphasizes that the search is for peaceful dialogue and not for violence. The singer is not looking for a revolution but merely wants those who hold the power to listen to the concerns of the masses.
The lyrics in "What Are Their Names" strike a chord with the individuals who are often excluded from the corridors of power. It challenges the listeners to think and question who are the people who are in charge and how are they using that power. The song has a simple structure and melody, which emphasizes the message in the lyrics that peace is not an awful lot to ask for from those who hold the reins of power. Crosby raises concerns that are still relevant in today's society despite being written in the early 1970s, and his messages resonate with individuals of all ages.
Line by Line Meaning
I wonder who they are
Curious about the true identities of the people who hold power in this country
The men who really run this land
Referring to those with political and economic influence who make significant decisions
And I wonder why they run it
Questioning the motives behind the actions of those in power
With such a thoughtless hand
Expressing frustration and disappointment with the lack of care and consideration shown by those in power
What are their names
Repeating the initial question about the identities of those in power, highlighting the importance of accountability
And on what streets do they live
Asking where they reside to assert a desire to confront them and challenge their actions
I'd like to ride right over
Expressing a sense of urgency and determination to confront those in power directly
This afternoon and give
Suggesting that action should be taken right away, rather than waiting for tomorrow
Them a piece of my mind
Asserting a desire to share one's frustrations and opinions with those in power
About peace for mankind
Making it clear that the goal of challenging those in power is to promote peace for all people
Peace is not an awful lot to ask
Emphasizing the importance and simplicity of the goal of peace
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DAVID CROSBY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind