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.
Eight Miles High
The Byrds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You'll find that it's stranger than known
Signs in the street, that say where you're going
Are somewhere just being their own
Nowhere is there warmth to be found
Among those afraid of losing their ground
Rain gray town, known for its sound
Round the squares, huddled in storms
Some laughing, some just shapeless forms
Sidewalk scenes, and black limousines
Some living, some standing alone
The lyrics to The Byrds's song Eight Miles High are complex and layered. The opening line "Eight miles high" sets the song off on a dizzying journey. The phrase suggests a sense of elevation, rising above everyday life into something more transcendental. This is echoed by the line "and when you touch down, you'll find that it's stranger than known." The idea of touching down suggests a return to earth, but the suggestion is that the earth is now a strange and unfamiliar place.
The song goes on to describe a city where "nowhere is there warmth to be found" and people are "afraid of losing their ground." This portrays a society that is cold and unfeeling, where people are locked into their own fears and anxieties. The "rain gray town, known for its sound" is an image of a city where the only thing that gives pleasure is music.
In the second half of the song, the focus shifts to "round the squares" where "some laughing, some just shapeless forms" gather. The idea of "shapeless forms" conjures up an image of people who are lost and disconnected. The final lines about "sidewalk scenes" and "black limousines" suggest a world of stark contrasts, where the rich and the poor live side by side, but rarely interact.
Line by Line Meaning
Eight miles high, and when you touch down
High above, far from the ground, and when you finally descend
You'll find that it's stranger than known
You'll realize that the new environment is unfamiliar and unpredictable
Signs in the street, that say where you're going
The streets signs guide your path
Are somewhere just being their own
The signs do not have any significance beyond their purpose
Nowhere is there warmth to be found
There's no comfort to be found
Among those afraid of losing their ground
Around those who fear they will lose their place in society
Rain gray town, known for its sound
The dreary town has a notable music scene
In places, small faces unbound
Young and unencumbered children can be found in certain areas
Round the squares, huddled in storms
People gather together in the town's public spaces during bad weather
Some laughing, some just shapeless forms
Some are jovial, while others are passive and unnoticed
Sidewalk scenes, and black limousines
The road is occupied by regular pedestrians and luxurious vehicles
Some living, some standing alone
Some are surrounded by companionship while others stand in isolation
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: David Crosby, Gene Clark, Roger Mcguinn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@proud098
Eight miles high
And when you touch down
You'll find that it's stranger than known
Signs in the street
That say where you're going
Are somewhere, just being their own
Nowhere is
There warmth to be found
Among those afraid of losing their ground
Rain-gray town
Known for its sound
In places small faces unbound
Round the squares
Huddled in storms
Some laughing, some just shapeless forms
Sidewalk scenes
And black limousines
Some living, some standing alone......
@JohnRoberts-wk6rf
I'm with you. I'm 67 and still listen to 60s and 70s music.
@liquidsonly
I'm 65 and I mostly listen Japanese math-rock and jazz. Gotta move on. Although, here I am.
@warshipsatin8764
this was one of my favorite songs as a kid. those shimmering chords sounded like the sun coming out after a thunderstorm
@patriciamays8244
Good description 😂
@patriciamays8244
Yep me on acid
@wallacegeller2111
Im 75 and still digging this song.
@AlunDavies-tm2lt
Don’t give it up Boss
@yanncarduner2558
IT s a gem
@avance1979
We did live the best years, didn't we.....
@user-eo2oz2tf4q
60s 70s... Great Albums