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.
I Wanna Grow Up to Be a Politician
The Byrds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And take over this beautiful land
I want to grow up to be a politician
And be the old U.S. of A.'s number one man
I'll always be tough but I'll never be scary
I want to shoot guns or butter my bread
I'll work in the towns or conservative the prairiesAnd you can believe the future's ahead
I'll give the young the right to vote as soon as they mature
But spare the rod and spoil the child to help them feel secure
And if I win election day I might give you a job
I'll sign a bill to help the poor to show I'm not a snob
I'll open my door, I'm charging no admission
And you can be sure, I'll give you my hand
I want to grow up to be a politician
And take over this beautiful land
I'll make you glad, you got me in with everything I do
And I'll defend until the end, the old red white and blue
I want to grow up to be a politician
And take over this beautiful land
And take over this beautiful land
And take over this beautiful land
The Byrds' song "I Wanna Grow Up to Be a Politician" is a satirical take on the American political system. The lyrics revolve around a child's dream to become a politician and "take over this beautiful land" - the USA. The song highlights the ambition of an individual to become the "number one man" of America. However, as the lyrics progress, it becomes clear that the child's understanding of politics is naive and uneducated. The child talks about wanting to "shoot guns" and "butter my bread," which portrays a lack of focus and knowledge of what a politician's role is.
The song also suggests that the child has a good intention towards the underprivileged sections of society as he mentions signing a bill to help the poor. However, he contradicts his own statement when he says he'll "spare the rod and spoil the child to help them feel secure," which contradicts his proposed bill's purpose of helping the poor. The song's chorus emphasizes the child's desire to be a politician while acknowledging the beauty of the land he wishes to govern.
Overall, the song highlights the political landscape's flaws and expresses the cynicism towards politics in America. The child's lack of understanding of complex issues and contradictory statements could represent politicians who promise but fail to deliver.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to grow up to be a politician
I aspire to take on the role of a leader in this country's political arena.
And take over this beautiful land
I aim to make a significant impact on this country.
I'll always be tough but I'll never be scary
I'll be resolute in my decisions but won't intimidate others.
I want to shoot guns or butter my bread
I am capable of both military action and peaceful diplomacy.
I'll work in the towns or conservative the prairies
I plan to work for the betterment of both urban and rural areas.
And you can believe the future's ahead
I hold a strong belief in the potential and opportunity for progress in the future.
I'll give the young the right to vote as soon as they mature
I believe in and advocate for fair, equal voting rights for all adults.
But spare the rod and spoil the child to help them feel secure
While recognizing the importance of discipline, I also prioritize safety and security for children.
And if I win election day I might give you a job
I plan to prioritize job creation in my policies.
I'll sign a bill to help the poor to show I'm not a snob
I aim to prioritize helping impoverished communities and shedding the stereotype of politicians as elitist.
I'll open my door, I'm charging no admission
My political stance is transparent and accessible to all.
And you can be sure, I'll give you my hand
I will strive to provide support and assistance to those in need.
I'll make you glad, you got me in with everything I do
I will work hard to earn the trust and approval of my constituents.
And I'll defend until the end, the old red white and blue
I hold strong, unwavering patriotic beliefs.
I want to grow up to be a politician
I am committed to making a difference in the political sphere.
And take over this beautiful land
I seek to work towards making the country a better place for all.
And take over this beautiful land
I am resolved to work tirelessly for the betterment of the country.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jacques Levy, Roger McGuinn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@비정한세상
I want to grow up to be a politician
And take over this beautiful land
I want to grow up to be a politician
And be the old U.S. of A.'s number one man
I'll always be tough but I'll never be scary
I want to shoot guns or butter my bread
I'll work in the towns or conservate the prairies
And you can believe the future's ahead
I'll give the young the right to vote as soon as they mature
But spare the rod and spoil the child to help them feel secure
And if I win election day I might give you a job
I'll sign a bill to help the poor to show I'm not a snob
I'll open my door I'm charging no admission
And you can be sure I'll give you my hand
I want to grow up to be a politician
And take over this beautiful land
(Brass Band)
I'll make you glad you got me in with everything I do
And I'll defend until the end the old red white and blue
I want to grow up to be a politician
And take over this beautiful land
@NealBraverman.
How very timely now in 2024 a week since the Election 🗳️ of Horrors! Thanks for doing this song so far ahead of your time! Thanks for sharing this with us on a Global audience! Neal from Boston! :)) ✨🎶✍️👍🌈☮️
@tommcd62
The Byrds, including this song, were right on target. This is 2019 and it is as true as rain!
@PutinsMommyNeverHuggedHim
💯
@beltanetrex
Sounds like 2022 "But spare the rod and spoil the child to help them feel secure."
@NealBraverman.
It is now 2020 & look how far ahead the Byrds were with this songs so many years before COVID-19 or the most Autocratic Presents this country has ever seen!! Thanks Dear Byrd’s!! ☮️
@warmenhj
One of the greatest songs and always it applies in lots political issues at hand
@gerrymarks7527
Bought this record from sam the record man when i was living up in toronto ontario early 1980's also saw roger and gene on the
CBC long time ago on peter gzowski show.sound good at the time.i have most all the byrds albuns this record is one of my least favorites.still love them.still cant beat the orignal byrds.wish the living members could renight one more time
before its to late.it would be magical.🤔😒😄
@soularddave2
We made it to 2022 and we're still alive. Song is as great & prescient as ever
@n.j.porter8717
Now it's 2025---and it's all too awful
@edge2sword186
The Byrds said it perfectly in the song " I want to grow up to be a politician " it is so true for today's situation with one of the most greedy self serving men to ever hold the highest office in the land .