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.
Do You Remember
The Byrds Lyrics
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Throwin' high and mighty traps
Countless fire and flaming road
Using ideas as my maps
"We'll meet on edges, soon," said I
Proud 'neath heated brow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I'm younger than that now
Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth
"Rip down all hate," I screamed
Lies that life is black and white
Spoke from my skull. I dreamed
Romantic flanks of musketeers
Foundation deep, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I'm younger than that now
In a soldier's stance, I aimed my hand
At the mongrel dogs who teach
Fearing not I'd become my enemy
In the instant that I preach
My pathway led by confusion boats
Mutiny from stern to bow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I'm younger than that now
Ah, but I was so much older then
I'm younger than that now
My guard stood hard when abstract threats
Too noble to neglect
Deceived me into thinking
I had something to protect
Good and bad, I define these terms
Quite clear, no doubt, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I'm younger than that now
You got me runnin', you got me hidin'
You got me run hide, hide run
Anyway you want baby, oh yeah yeah yeah
You got me doin' what you want me
Baby what you want me to do
I'm goin' up, I'm goin' down
I'm goin' up down, down up
Anyway you want
You got me seekin', you got me hidin'
You got me seek hide, hide seek
Anyway you want
The first two verses of this song interpreted by The Byrds lead singer Roger McGuinn express the idea of personal change and growth, and how one's ideas and beliefs can change over time. In the first verse, McGuinn describes his early days of youthful energy and idealism, where he had faith in his own ideas and saw a clear path ahead. However, in the second verse, he describes how he grew tired and disillusioned with the simplicity of these beliefs and began to question the black-and-white narrative of the world. He now rejects the idea of tearing down hate, knowing that it is not black and white, good or bad. He also sees how he had been prejudiced before and how maturity and growth helped him to see beyond that. In the final verse, he declares that he is now "younger" in his thoughts - not naive but wiser because of the experiences he has gone through. McGuinn acknowledges that growth and rebirth take time and effort, and that it takes bravery to look inward and question one's own beliefs.
The final verse, "Baby What You Want Me to Do/B.J. Blues," is a reflection of the themes explored in the earlier verses. In it, he talks about how he is willing to submit to someone else's will, and how he is willing to change to accommodate for someone else. The urgency of the delivery implies that this submission is done willingly, with trust and passion towards his partner. It can be seen as a metaphor for the emotional growth and maturation that McGuinn is expressing in the first two verses. Overall, the song is about personal growth and the idea that one's beliefs and understanding of the world can change as they experience more of it.
Line by Line Meaning
Crimson flames tied through my ears
My mind is overwhelmed by anxiety and fear.
Throwin' high and mighty traps
Trying to capture and control the chaos in my life.
Countless fire and flaming road
The challenges and obstacles in my path seem endless and daunting.
Using ideas as my maps
I rely on my thoughts and creativity to guide me through life.
"We'll meet on edges, soon," said I
I anticipate encountering others who, like me, are constantly navigating the boundaries of society.
Proud 'neath heated brow
Despite my inner turmoil, I maintain a confident exterior.
Ah, but I was so much older then
I was more naive and inexperienced in the past, but have since grown wiser.
I'm younger than that now
Despite aging, I feel more youthful and open-minded than ever before.
Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth
My own biases and preconceptions have caused me personal turmoil.
"Rip down all hate," I screamed
I advocate for the destruction of all hatred and bigotry.
Lies that life is black and white
The notion that life is simple and straightforward is a falsehood.
Spoke from my skull. I dreamed
These thoughts and beliefs originate from within me and are influenced by my imagination.
Romantic flanks of musketeers
I am drawn to idealistic and heroic figures, akin to the musketeers of literature.
Foundation deep, somehow
These ideals are rooted in my beliefs and values, even if they seem impractical or unrealistic.
In a soldier's stance, I aimed my hand
I adopt a confident and assertive posture, ready to take action.
At the mongrel dogs who teach
I confront those who promote ignorance and division in society.
Fearing not I'd become my enemy
I do not fear becoming the very thing I am fighting against.
In the instant that I preach
In the moment of advocating for my beliefs.
My pathway led by confusion boats
My journey is marked by confusion and uncertainty.
Mutiny from stern to bow
My struggles and challenges are felt throughout my entire being.
My guard stood hard when abstract threats
I am vigilant and wary of unknown dangers.
Too noble to neglect
I feel it is my duty to address and combat these threats, no matter how daunting they may be.
Deceived me into thinking
My initial perceptions of the situation were incorrect or misguided.
I had something to protect
I believed that there was something worth protecting and defending in this situation.
Good and bad, I define these terms
I am confident in my ability to distinguish right from wrong.
Quite clear, no doubt, somehow
My understanding of morality is unwavering, even if others view it as uncertain or ambiguous.
You got me runnin', you got me hidin'
I am conflicted and running from my emotions in this situation.
You got me run hide, hide run
My emotions are constantly in flux and disorienting in this situation.
Anyway you want baby, oh yeah yeah yeah
I am willing to do whatever it takes to please or appease you
You got me doin' what you want me
I am completely under your control and doing everything you ask of me.
Baby what you want me to do
I am seeking guidance and direction from you in this situation.
I'm goin' up, I'm goin' down
My emotional state is constantly changing, from highs to lows.
I'm goin' up down, down up
The highs and lows are extreme and confusing.
You got me seekin', you got me hidin'
I am emotionally conflicted and uncertain in this situation.
You got me seek hide, hide seek
My emotions are constantly in flux and disorienting in this situation.
Anyway you want
I am willing to do whatever it takes to please or appease you.
Lyrics © BOB DYLAN MUSIC CO
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Noel Salisbury, from England
on John Riley
I always have my eyes brimming with tears , listening to this masterpiece. Thankyou DC & RMg & I hope you two make music together again- "Everybody knows Music is Love" ay, David