Roger, along with the other Byrds members, was honored with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.
Don
Roger McGuinn Lyrics
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Sailed across the ocean blue
Been alone on a desert island
And I've been a guru too
Don't you right her off like that
Don't you right her off like that
Don't you right her off like that
Don't you right her off like that
Don't you right her off like that
Don't you right her off like that
She's a real fine lady, don't you see
I met the girls in every city
Every town that I passed through
You won't find one half as pretty
Or one with a heart so true
Don't you right her off like that
Don't you right her off like that
Don't you right her off like that
She's a real fine lady, don't you see
Don't you right her off like that
Don't you right her off like that
Don't you right her off like that
She's a real fine lady, don't you see
If you leave her now he'll get her
Then I know you'll change your mind
You won't find one better
Can't you see that love is blind?
Don't you right her off like that
Don't you right her off like that
Don't you right her off like that
She's a real fine lady, don't you see
Don't you right her off like that
Don't you right her off like that
Don't you right her off like that
She's a real fine lady, don't you see
Don't you right her off like that
Don't you right her off like that
Don't you right her off like that
She's a real fine lady, don't you see
Don't you right her off like that
Don't you right her off like that
Don't you right her off
She's a real fine lady, don't you see
The song "Don't You Write Her Off" by Roger McGuinn is a plea to someone not to underestimate or dismiss the worth and value of a woman. The singer asserts that he has seen and experienced many things in his lifetime, including traveling across the ocean and being a guru, but he still recognizes the unique qualities of this woman who is being written off. The repetition of the phrase "don't you write her off like that" emphasizes the importance of not underestimating this woman who is being undervalued.
The singer emphasizes the fact that he has met many women in his travels but has never come across someone as beautiful and true-hearted as this woman. He warns that if the person listening to the song doesn't act quickly and appreciate this woman, someone else will come along and get her, and they will regret their actions. The phrase "can't you see that love is blind?" emphasizes the idea that sometimes we fail to see the worth of someone because we do not look at them with love.
Overall, the song seems to point out the error of not recognizing the value of someone who is a real force of love and beauty in your life. It reminds us that sometimes we get so caught up in our own experiences and desires that we can underestimate the importance of those around us. The song encourages listeners to open their eyes and appreciate the wonderful people in their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Been atop of the New York skyline
I have reached great heights and achieved great things
Sailed across the ocean blue
I have traveled far and wide
Been alone on a desert island
I have experienced loneliness and isolation
And I've been a guru too
I have been a wise and knowledgeable teacher
Don't you right her off like that
Don't underestimate or dismiss her so quickly
She's a real fine lady, don't you see
She is a truly remarkable woman, can't you recognize that?
I met the girls in every city
I have met many women in my travels
Every town that I passed through
I have gone to many different places
You won't find one half as pretty
None of them are as attractive as she is
Or one with a heart so true
Not one of them has a heart that is as genuine and sincere as hers
If you leave her now he'll get her
If you walk away from her, someone else will take your place in her life
Then I know you'll change your mind
Once you realize what you've lost, you will regret it and want her back
You won't find one better
You will not find anyone better than her
Can't you see that love is blind?
Love can prevent you from seeing someone's true flaws or shortcomings
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Robert Hippard, James Roger McGuinn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tod3msn
I absolutely loved this song and the entire album. The first McGuinn Clark and Hillman LP was fantastic!
@briankorbelik2873
I remember this well. Around that time at work I had met a big Byrds fan and he turned me into one as well. The lineup of McGuinn, Clarke and Hillman and then McGuinn and Hillman with those 3 albums played in LA a lot, at that time, and my friend and I would always go to see them., The only bad thing was during rhat time disco was a big, stupid thing, and the record producer of the three albums had produced disco albums, so the arraingements suffer and are dated on those three "Byrds" albums. But I still loved those records then.
@basicsforbaroqueimprovisation
Saw them perform this at the University of Hawaii around this time. Not many people in attendance. They sounded great that night !
@robertlagan8441
I was at the sound check at the Sydney Regent Theatre on their 79 tour. When they rehearsed this song I thought the chorus was Dont You Hide Your Eyes Like That ! Wonderful memories
@oldermusiclover
who was the drummer
@johnmitchelljr
The great Gene Clark. Thanks for sharing.
@that70sgirl90
Good voice... Good song!! They're all nice looking!! 👌
Happy Wednesday... thank you for sharing! 🥳
@lasrunasdefreya5430
Wonderful Melody! Thank you for sharing! 🌞🌍🌏🌎
@user-te3jc3sl7r
Think it was the first chart success McGuinn had since the Byrds "Chestnut Mare" was a top 20 hit in the UK in 1970. Pleasant California soft rock song with a Firefall feel to it.
@oldermusiclover
totally love this song