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 Seegerâs 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 â on their 1968 classic Sweetheart of the Rodeo â 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.
Ballad of Easy Rider
The Byrds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It flows to the sea
Wherever that river goes
That's where I want to be
Flow river flow
Let your waters wash down
Take me from this road
All he wanted
Was to be free
And that's the way
It turned out to be
Flow river flow
Let your waters wash down
Take me from this road
To some other town
Flow river flow
Past the shaded tree
Go river, go
Go to the sea
Flow to the sea
The river flows
It flows to the sea
Wherever that river goes
That's where I want to be
Flow river flow
Let your waters wash down
Take me from this road
To some other town
The lyrics of "Ballad of Easy Rider" by The Byrds convey a desire for freedom and escape from the mundane or negative aspects of life. The repeated lines "Flow river flow" and "Take me from this road to some other town" suggest a longing to move forward and leave behind the troubles of the past. The river in the song represents a journey, both physical and emotional, with the ultimate goal of reaching the sea, which symbolizes freedom and release.
The lyrics also touch on the theme of destiny and surrendering to the unknown path of life. The line "Wherever that river goes, that's where I want to be" expresses a willingness to let go and allow fate to guide the way. The singer seeks to embrace the journey instead of resisting it, trusting that the river's flow will lead them to where they need to be.
Overall, "Ballad of Easy Rider" is a timeless anthem of the counterculture movement, encouraging listeners to seek freedom and adventure on their own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
The river flows
The continuous movement of the river
It flows to the sea
The ultimate destination of the river
Wherever that river goes
The endless possibilities and experiences that can be had
That's where I want to be
The desire to explore and see new things
Flow river flow
Encouragement for the river to continue its journey
Let your waters wash down
A request for the river to help cleanse and purify
Take me from this road
The desire to escape from the current situation or path
To some other town
The hope for a new, different experience
All he wanted
The simplicity of desire
Was to be free
The yearning for liberation
And that's the way
The outcome of pursuing freedom
It turned out to be
The result of taking a chance and following the river
Past the shaded tree
The picturesque scenery of the river's surroundings
Go river, go
An expression of excitement and encouragement for the river's journey
Flow to the sea
The final destination and completion of the river's course
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Roger McGuinn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
AnnieMW1
This song reminds me of my father who passed away last May.He was an orthopedic surgeon station with the Marines in Vietnam for a year in the 60s and saw alot of death. My brother and I played it while speeding down the road in his convertible. We felt free knowing he was free of his own demons!
Inverness Fan
Love this song. It is so moving and profound.
Duke Jacob
One of greatest freedom songs forever. Genius.
Rochelle aight
I love this song so much, I.keep repeating it. thanks, great music for the soul, need more songs like this nowadays.
barry gilbert
The movie Easy Rider is an amazing movie and this song just fits in so well with the last scene. Thanx for posting this.
evi knierim
What can I say, wonderful song. My sister Barbara died on New Years Day 3 years ago far to young. I play this song in her memory. The late 60"s & 70's were a wild ride and this movie and album are a tribute. Best version I have heard, although check out Tom Petty's version. He does the song justice.
John Hillman
Fairport Convention does a nice interpretation
Raymond Alejo
you know, it was interesting that you play this song in your sister's memory. I just heard this song after not hearing for many years, and when i heard it, my mother was the first person to pop into my head. i lost her on July 1st of this year, and i miss her painfully. i played this song in memory of her as well. thank you for your post
tony elliott
Fairport Convention With Sanny Denny Also Did A Beautiful Version Of This Song...
keepinguptheday
A superbly crafted song in a fine performance.