Born in the Bronx, New York, Friedman spent her formative years in the San … Read Full Bio ↴Born in the Bronx, New York, Friedman spent her formative years in the San Fernando Valley, north of Los Angeles. She started playing guitar at the age of eight while listening to Woodie Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Josh White. Her first song gained her a spot on the television talent show Rocket to Stardom at age twelve. While at Ulysses S. Grant High School, she started playing Hoot nights at The Troubadour in West Hollywood, met the musicians Steve Mann and Hoyt Axton and became part of the growing musical scene of Los Angeles.

Her first paid performance was at the Green Spider Coffee House in Denver, Colorado at the age of nineteen. Soon she was part of the Hippy Migration, traveling the California Coast and living off earnings from her performances. While staying in San Francisco, California, Friedman befriended the members of Jefferson Airplane. Her friendship with Van Dyke Parks not only influenced her deep commitment to music but also introduced her to The Association, who recorded her song Windy in 1967, which became one of the most performed and played songs of the 20th century (number 64).

Three years later, Constant Companion, her first solo album, was released by A&M Records. She also wrote and sang the songs for the cult movie Peace Killers, released in 1971.

In 2006, Water, a San Francisco label, reissued Constant Companion, renewing interest in Friedman's music and led to Water's release of a compilation of rare, previously unreleased and home recordings from 1965-1971, Hurried Life.

Windy
Ruthann Friedman Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Who′s peekin' out from under a stairway
Calling a name that′s lighter than air
Who's bending down to give me a rainbow
Everyone knows it's Windy
Who′s tripping down the streets of the city
Smilin′ at everybody she sees
Who's reachin′ out to capture a moment
Everyone knows it's Windy

And Windy has stor-my eyes
That flash at the sound of lies
And Windy has wings to fly
Above the clouds (above the clouds)
Above the clouds (above the clouds)
And Windy has stor-my eyes
That flash at the sound of lies
And Windy has wings to fly
Above the clouds (above the clouds)
Above the clouds (above the clouds)
Who′s tripping down the streets of the city
Smilin' at everybody she sees

Who′s reachin' out to capture a moment
Everyone knows it's Windy

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ruthann Friedman's song "Windy" describe a vibrant and free-spirited woman who captivates those around her. The mysterious Windy is portrayed as someone who radiates positivity and joy wherever she goes. She is described as peeking out from under a stairway, calling a name that is lighter than air. This suggests that she possesses a carefree and lighthearted nature, as if she is not burdened by the weight of the world.

Windy is also shown to be someone who appreciates the beauty in life. She is seen bending down to give the singer a rainbow, symbolizing her ability to bring happiness and color into their life. She moves through the streets of the city with a smile on her face, interacting with everyone she sees and spreading her infectious positivity. Windy's presence is so powerful that everyone recognizes her and knows her by name.

The repetition of the lines "And Windy has stor-my eyes, that flash at the sound of lies" suggests that Windy is not easily deceived or swayed by dishonesty. She possesses a discerning nature and can see through falsehoods. The mention of her stormy eyes implies that her emotions are intense and powerful.

Line by Line Meaning

Who's peekin' out from under a stairway
Someone is hiding and observing from a hidden place

Calling a name that's lighter than air
Whispering a name that feels weightless and ethereal

Who's bending down to give me a rainbow
Someone is crouching to offer a burst of colorful beauty

Everyone knows it's Windy
It is widely recognized that this person is Windy

Who's tripping down the streets of the city
Someone is joyfully walking through the city

Smilin' at everybody she sees
They are wearing a cheerful expression while interacting with everyone

Who's reachin' out to capture a moment
Someone is extending their hand to seize a fleeting moment

Everyone knows it's Windy
It is widely recognized that this person is Windy

And Windy has stor-my eyes
Windy possesses intense and stormy eyes

That flash at the sound of lies
Their eyes quickly reveal deception

And Windy has wings to fly
Windy possesses the ability to soar

Above the clouds (above the clouds)
Ascending beyond the obstacles and difficulties