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.
Hickory Wind
The Byrds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I remember the oak tree that we used to climb
But now when I'm lonesome, I always pretend
That I'm getting the feel of hickory wind
I started out younger at most everything
All the riches and pleasures, what else could life bring?
But it makes me feel better each time it begins
It's hard way to find out that trouble is real
In a far away city, with a far away feel
But it makes me feel better each time it begins
Callin' me home, hickory wind
Keeps callin' me home, hickory wind
The Byrds' "Hickory Wind" is a poignant tale of homesickness, nostalgia, and longing. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the songwriter's hometown in South Carolina, with its tall pines, oak trees, and memories of carefree youth. The singer is now far away, possibly in a big city, where life is full of riches and pleasures but also trouble and loneliness.
The key phrase, "hickory wind," is a metaphor for the singer's yearning for his roots and the simpler life he once knew. The wind is a symbol of change and impermanence, but also of continuity and connection. The hickory tree, meanwhile, is a symbol of strength, durability, and resilience. The two together suggest a powerful force that both propels and anchors the singer, reminding him of where he came from and who he is.
The song's spare and plaintive melody adds to its emotional impact, evoking a sense of emptiness and searching. The harmonies and instrumentation are subtle but effective, blending folk, country, and rock influences with a timeless quality that makes the song resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
Line by Line Meaning
In South Carolina there are many tall pines
In the southern state of South Carolina, there are numerous towering pine trees
I remember the oak tree that we used to climb
I recall a specific oak tree that we used to climb
But now when I'm lonesome, I always pretend
Whenever I feel lonely, I tend to imagine
That I'm getting the feel of hickory wind
That I'm experiencing the sensation of a specific type of wind called hickory wind
I started out younger at most everything
I began my life as a young, inexperienced person in many ways
All the riches and pleasures, what else could life bring?
I thought material wealth and enjoyment were the only meaningful aspects of life
But it makes me feel better each time it begins
However, I feel a sense of comfort each time something specific happens
Callin' me home, hickory wind
A wind called hickory wind seems to be beckoning me back to my roots and my true home
It's hard way to find out that trouble is real
It can be difficult to realize that problems are genuine and not just abstract concepts
In a far away city, with a far away feel
Especially in a distant and unfamiliar city
But it makes me feel better each time it begins
However, I continue to feel comfort when that hickory wind begins to blow
Callin' me home, hickory wind
That wind seems to be calling me back to where I belong
Keeps callin' me home, hickory wind
The hickory wind persistently calls me back to my roots and my true home
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bob Buchanan, Gram Parsons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@warfarinoverdose7221
Underrated album, underrated band, underrated style... This is one of things that you really have to search for years to find it. This song so reminds me of my hometown and young adulthood, beatufiul memories. I want it being played at my funeral. That is how much it means to me. Yet so simple but yet so complex on emotional level. Pure masterpiece. It's shame Gram Parsons left this world too early, it's a huge loss for both rock'and roll, country and derivative genres and music in general
@thePrisoner1000
Not a underrated band, they even influenced the Beatles.
@marknelson7451
Have the original album
@jazzandrocknroll3235
Masterpiece, the greatest county song ever written. Fly high cosmic cowboy, Cosmic American Music lives!
@dantean
Masterpiece, certainly! Though, "Greatest country song EVER written?!" That's somewhat hyperbolic for me--sorry.
@tommygramfan7044
Gram Parsons is my hero
@gab2635
I agree with you, I have no words to describe the perfection of this song. In the folk/country rock genre, the most magnificent song I've ever heard. Without a doubt one of the greatest songs in rock history!
@alexgasiewski4970
It always hits me in the right spot. Take care Alex.
@user-uh4el9ku7b
I think it's the greatest too
@wonderboytroy7484
Amazing that a band like this out of Southern California could put out such a great country album! At a time when Country wasn’t huge outside of the south. Like someone else said, what a bold endeavor. One of those albums that got better and better over time. This album and Gram Parsons really created an entire new genre. California desert country