Their music bridged the gaps between the socially and spiritually conscious folk music of Bob Dylan, the studio trickery of The Beach Boys, and the sardonic rock of The Beatles. Some of their trademark songs include pop versions of Bob Dylan's Mr. Tambourine Man and Pete Seeger’s Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season), and the originals I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better, and Eight Miles High. Throughout their career they helped forge such subgenres as folk rock, raga rock, psychedelic rock, jangle pop, and – on their 1968 classic Sweetheart of the Rodeo – country rock inviting Gram Parsons on rhythm guitar.
The original and most successful lineup consisted of Chris Hillman, David Crosby, Michael Clarke, Roger McGuinn and Gene Clark. After several line-up changes (with lead singer/guitarist McGuinn as the only consistent member), they broke up in 1973.
In 1991 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and several band members launched successful solo careers after leaving the group. The most successful was David Crosby who was inducted again for his work with Crosby, Stills & Nash. Other than The Beatles, the only artist with all members inducted twice are, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
2-4-2 Fox Trot
The Byrds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Go 'n ride the lear jet
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Go 'n ride the lear jet
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Go 'n ride the lear jet, babyGo 'n ride the lear jet
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Go 'n ride the lear jet
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Go 'n ride the lear jet
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Go 'n ride the lear jet
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Go 'n ride the lear jet
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Go 'n ride the lear jet
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Go 'n ride the lear jet
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Go 'n ride the lear jet
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Go 'n ride the lear jet
The lyrics of The Byrds's 2-4-2 Fox Trot seem to be a repetitive chorus urging someone to go and ride the lear jet. The phrase "lear jet" refers to a type of private jet that was commonly used by wealthy individuals in the 1960s, when the song was released. It was a luxury item that symbolized wealth and status. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the desire to experience the extravagance and opulence that comes with riding in a lear jet.
The use of the phrase "baby" in the lyrics adds a sense of playfulness and casualness to the song. It could also suggest that the singer is addressing a younger or less experienced person, perhaps someone who has not yet had the opportunity to ride in a lear jet. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of wonder and excitement, as if the singer is marveling at the idea of being able to fly in such an exclusive mode of transportation.
Line by Line Meaning
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Encouragement to experience the extravagances of life, such as riding in a luxurious private jet
Go 'n ride the lear jet
Reiteration of the advice to indulge in lavish experiences
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Continued encouragement to live life to the fullest and enjoy luxurious pleasures
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Further emphasis on the importance of experiencing extravagant luxuries
Go 'n ride the lear jet
Another reminder to partake in opulent experiences
Go 'n ride the lear jet, baby
Final urging to live life in excess and enjoy extravagant indulgences
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JAMES ROGER MCGUINN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tnimbus
I think I bought this album in 1987. Forgot how superb it is. I have a long drive tomorrow. I will fish out the CD. Thank you for posting.
@zosoachilles
Being in a flying family I often listened to this while growing up in the 60's. Fast forward to the late 70's and early 80's & I was piloting 20 series corporate Learjet's. Walking across the ramp to a waiting Lear 24 I would sometimes sing to myself the essential line from this song. A Learjet was the best 8 mile high ride you could have.
@MichaelSherrer
I was a friend of JOHN LEAR before his passing in 2022. I was at his home in Las Vegas and made several video clips regarding Bob Lazar, Lou Baldin and other sensitive topics. That is indeed John’s voice in a Lear Jet at the head of the song. John often spoke publicly spoke about the group getting high, as they climbed high in the jet, specifically David Crosby. I leave the Adam West story and the Bat Jet, for another time.
@fernandoferreira6293
Such an accomplished gentleman. One of the coolest looking and thinking fellows to ever fly, walk, climb or dive this or any other realm.
Word is in heavens, whenever asked about a particular angel, Lear gives his trademark smirk and remarks "I flew that."
@ArthurSantos-dq8bv
For some reason I really like repetition in music when it's done "proudly". I love this song.
@Nazzz65
Way, way, WAY ahead of it's time!
@paulvanderwarker1862
Lear 23. Rode one for a short flight IAH to DFW. YE HAW!!!
@chucktingstad5636
I got a FREE ride from guy I'd met the day before, going from Long Beach, CA to Reno, then FAA pilot checkout (approach to stall, cut one engine on take-off etc, then back to Long Beach where I sat in the co-pilot seat for the last half and landing.
@jordansimpson9519
RIP john lear
@minomsncam
Som que Carlos Weyrauch, o Mutuca colocana na rádio , 2-4-2Fox-Trot, dos Byrds, que durante anos foi prefixo do programa dele na Ipanema FM.Abração!