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 Seegerās 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 ā on their 1968 classic Sweetheart of the Rodeo ā 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.
Hey Joe
The Byrds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey Joe, where you goin' with that money in your hand?
I'm gonna find my woman, she's runnin' around with some other man
Gonna go downtown buy me a blue steel 44
I'm gonna go downtown, gonna buy me a blue steel 44
When I find my woman she's not gonna run any more
Mmm hmm mmm, hey Joe, I hear you shot your woman dead
Hey Joe, I hear you've shot your woman dead
Yes, I did, you know, I found them both in the same damned bed
Mmm hmm mmm
Hey Joe, where you gonna go?
Ah, hey Joe, where you gonna go?
I guess I go to my favorite Mexico
I guess I go down where a man can be free
Yes, I guess I go down where a man can be free
Ain't no damned old hangman gonna put a noose around me, babe
Hey Joe, where are you goin' with that mon' in your hand?
Hey Joe, where are you goin' with all of that cash?
Mmm
Mmm
Mmm
Mmm
Mmm hmm mmm, mmm hmm mmm mmm
The Byrds's "Hey Joe" is a song that tells the story of a man who confronts his woman for cheating on him and decides to take matters into his own hands. He's headed out to find her with a gun in hand and the intention to kill. The lyrics are calling out to Joe, asking him where he is going with the money in his hand. He responds by saying he is going to find his woman who is running around with another man. To ensure that she doesn't run away again, he's going to buy a blue steel 44.
The lyrics take a dark turn when it's revealed that Joe has already killed his woman and her lover. The singer asks him where he's going now, and he responds by saying he's going to Mexico where he can be free. The final verse is a repeating of the initial verses, demonstrating the cyclical nature of violence and jealousy.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey Joe, where you goin' with that money in your hand?
Where are you heading to with the money in your hand, Joe?
I'm gonna find my woman, she's runnin' around with some other man
I intend to look for my woman, who is cheating on me with another man.
I'm gonna go down town buy me a blue steel 44
I will go downtown to purchase a blue steel 44, a gun that I'll use to protect myself and confront my cheating partner.
When I find my woman she's not gonna run any more
I won't let my woman escape once I catch her in the act.
Mm, hey Joe, I hear you shot your woman dead
Hey Joe, I heard that you killed your woman with a gun you bought.
Yes, I did, you know, I found them both in the same damned bed
Yes, I did kill her; I caught her and her lover in the same bed.
Hey Joe, where you gonna go?
Where are you planning to go after killing your woman and her lover, Joe?
Ah, hey Joe, where you gonna go?
Ah, Joe, where will you run off to now?
I guess I go to my favorite Mexico
My destination of choice will be Mexico, away from US jurisdiction.
Yes, I guess I go down where a man can be free
Yes, I'll go where I can be free and avoid facing punishment for murder.
Ain't no damned old hangman gonna put a noose around me, babe
I won't be caught and executed by the hangman for my crime.
Hey Joe, where are you goin' with that gun in your hand?
Joe, where are you headed to with a gun in your hand?
Hey Joe, where are you goin' with all of that cash?
Hey Joe, where are you heading to with all that cash?
Lyrics Ā© DistroKid
Written by: Billy Roberts
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@calebfuller4713
Roger McGuinn's guitar is instantly recognizable. You could never accuse the guy of not playing enough notes... š
@dbrinkm1
Soon to be 78 yrs of age ,I have all their albums and have followed them from their very beginning. They have always been considered the "American Beatles " and have had a fierce following , even in the UK, They are a supergroup with great musical talents that resonate in their vocals and harmonizing guitars. McGuins 12 string Rickenbacker has few rivals. Their music is immortal and will never grow tired. Drafted after graduation from ,Illinois State University , we listened to them incessantly while i was in the Medical Corps treating casualties.in the Op Rm, ...Dana Disabled Vn Era Veteran Surgery Tech @ Combat Medic First Army MEDDAC Dept Surgery @ CMS God Bless !!! db
@nitab1971
Jim McGuinn's 12 string. He will always be Jim to me.
@donalddoucette4083
One of David Crosby' s best vocals.
@blueskyearth
David Crosby vocals make this my all time favorite version.
@a.m.armstrong8354
Fantastic rhythm and guitar playing.
@beltdrive2053
Has the best ending of any Hey Joe.
@irvinhansen7173
Chris Hillman's bass playing is off the charts on this track.
@pauleytee8410
There is sufficient levels of cowbell present. 10/10 would recommend
@noisepuppet
This is unhinged. The Byrds had this mellow folky reputation, but they could blow the doors off of just about any rock band at the time. Imagine you're on a bill with them, and they get up and do this. How are you supposed to follow that?