Having success on his own for a bit, he later joined the folk rock supergroup Crosby, Stills & Nash as a fourth member in 1969, thus forming Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. He forged a successful and acclaimed solo career, releasing his first album in 1968. His career has since spanned over 40 years and 34 studio albums, with a continual and uncompromising exploration of musical styles; his musical vision is notably referred to by his autobiographical tune"The Loner". Music critics have often called him one of the best single artists of all time, and several tunes such as "Heart of Gold" and "Rockin' in the Free World" remain popular on rock radio.
According to the Don't Be Denied Songfacts, the 16-year-old Neil was raising chickens and selling the eggs, with plans to go to Ontario Agricultural College and be a farmer. Only his leisure activities foretold his future, when he would hide from his family problems in his room with his transistor radio playing local station CHUM. From this, Young experienced a growing admiration for rock n roll originators such as Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, and, of course, Elvis Presley. In 1958, his father bought Neil his first music instrument, a plastic ukulele. His father would later recall, "He would close the door of his room... and we would hear plunk, pause while he moved his fingers to the next chord, plunk, pause while he moved again, plunk."
In Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Neil started his professional music career in the mid-60s with a number of bands in Canada, including the Squires and later the Mynah Birds, which also included fellow future Buffalo Springfield bassist Bruce Palmer and future funk star Rick James. When the Mynah Birds broke up, Young and Palmer headed to California to meet Stephen Stills, whom he had met in Thunder Bay, and the result was Buffalo Springfield. That band split up after releasing three critically acclaimed albums, particularly achieving international fame for their tune "For What It's Worth".
Showing his strengths as a cynical yet experimental songwriter in the group, he also sung prominently in some of the band's songs such as the biting satire of 'rock star' life "Mr. Soul". Neil soon started his solo career with the release of 'Neil Young' on November 12, 1968. The album did not do very well commercially, but it included several strong tracks, including "The Loner", said to be a portrait of Stephen Stills but also being deeply auto-biographical.
On May 14, 1969, he recruited members of Crazy Horse and made the critically acclaimed 'Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere'. This was a much more consistent album, being the first to introduce longstanding collaborators Crazy Horse and beingbuilt around the balanced interplay between the guitar playing of Young and the talented Danny Whitten. The album also featured two lengthy classics, "Down by the River" and "Cowgirl in the Sand". The critically acclaimed solo album "After the Gold Rush" came out in 1971, featuring such classic songs as "Southern Man'", "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" and "Don't Let it Bring You Down". Harvest followed in 1972 with the hit"Heart of Gold".
During this time he also enjoyed considerable success as a quarter of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
Neil's subsequent work has zig-zagged across genres - dabbling in country rock on "Old Ways"; electronics on "Trans"; hooking up with the Shocking Pinks in a homage to old-time Rock 'n' Roll on "Everybody's Rockin'"; creating a wall of feedback on the live Arc-Weld; and cementing his status as Godfather of Grunge when collaborating with Pearl Jam on Mirror Ball.
His idiosyncratic approach to genre even led to him being sued by his record company (Geffen) in the 80s for making "uncharacteristic" music.
Young has also dabbled in film, most recently on the album/concert series/dvd Greendale.
Young is often known by the nickname "Shakey." According to his biographer Jimmy McDonough, the name was given by his friends after noticing very unsteady results holding a camera for home movies.
Young founded Pono Music, whose mission was to bring a digital player, download store, and streaming service devoted to hi-res music. It was a commercial flop and was shut down in 2016. Young has stated that the labels would not agree that "All songs should cost the same, regardless of digital resolution."
The film Canadian Bacon includes the line "Canadians are always trying to figure out a lot of ways to ruin our lives. The metric system, for the love of God! Celsius! Neil Young!"
For recent news see: http://www.neilyoung.com/
Hawks & Doves
Neil Young Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just getting used to the lay of the land
I ain't tongue-tied, just don't got nothin' to say
I'm proud to be livin' in the U.S.A.
Ready to go, willin' to stay and pay
U.S.A., U.S.A.
So my sweet love can dance another free day
In history we painted pictures grim
The devil knows we might feel that way again
The big wind blows, so the tall grass bends
But for you don't push too hard my friend.
Ready to go, willin' to stay and pay
U.S.A., U.S.A.
So my sweet wife can dance another free day
U.S.A., U.S.A.
Got people here down on their knees and prayin'
Hawks and doves are circlin' in the rain
Got rock and roll, got country music playin'
If you hate us, you just don't know what you're sayin'.
Ready to go, willin' to stay and pay
U.S.A., U.S.A.
So my sweet love can dance another free day
U.S.A., U.S.A.
The song "Hawks & Doves" by Neil Young has lyrics that are both patriotic and introspective, reflecting the complex emotions of an individual living in the United States during a turbulent period of history. The opening verse suggests the singer's acceptance of the passage of time and his environment, acknowledging that he is neither aging nor becoming younger but instead is adapting to the world around him. He has little to say, except for his pride in being an American and living in the U.S.A. The chorus emphasizes this patriotism, with a repetition of "U.S.A." and a desire for his loved one to be able to enjoy freedom and dance.
The lyrics then turn to more somber themes. In the second verse, the singer refers to the country's past and the potential for history to repeat itself in a negative way. The metaphor of the wind and the grass bending suggests that even the strongest individuals can be changed by external forces, but he pleads with a friend not to become too consumed by politics or ideology. The third verse references the social and cultural diversity of the U.S.A., with a nod to both the religious and political factions within the country. He deflects any criticism by claiming that those who hate the country simply misunderstand it.
The song is notable for its balance between the personal and the political, as well as its use of metaphor and allusion to convey these themes. Neil Young is known for his socially conscious lyrics and this song is no exception. It may have been written as a response to the divisive political climate of the U.S. during the 1980s, including the Cold War, the Iran-Contra affair, and the Reagan presidency. However, like many of his songs, the lyrics remain open to interpretation and can resonate beyond their original context.
Line by Line Meaning
Ain't getting old, ain't getting younger though
I am not growing old, nor am I getting any younger, just getting more accustomed to this ever-changing world.
Just getting used to the lay of the land
I am becoming familiar with how things work in this world and learning to navigate it successfully.
I ain't tongue-tied, just don't got nothin' to say
I am not shy or unable to talk, it's just that I don't have much to contribute to the conversation.
I'm proud to be livin' in the U.S.A.
I am proud to live in the United States of America.
Ready to go, willin' to stay and pay
I am willing to leave or stay in this country and do what it takes to contribute positively to society.
So my sweet love can dance another free day
I want my spouse or loved one to have the freedom to enjoy life and feel fulfilled.
In history we painted pictures grim
Throughout history, we have depicted and experienced many negative and challenging situations.
The devil knows we might feel that way again
We may experience difficult times again in the future, as it is a natural part of life.
The big wind blows, so the tall grass bends
When challenges arise, it is important to remain flexible and adapt to changing circumstances in order to survive.
But for you don't push too hard my friend.
However, it is important to know your limits and not push yourself too hard or you may not be able to handle it.
Got people here down on their knees and prayin'
There are individuals in this country who are religious and pray regularly.
Hawks and doves are circlin' in the rain
There are those who are either aggressive and warlike, or peaceful and diplomatic, and they exist together in this country.
Got rock and roll, got country music playin'
This country enjoys a variety of cultural influences and music styles.
If you hate us, you just don't know what you're sayin'.
If someone hates this country, they don't truly understand it and the values it represents.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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