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.
Medley
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 song "My Back Pages" is a complex and introspective reflection on the changing political and social climate of the 1960s. The lyrics begin by describing the singer's youthful idealism and revolutionary spirit, represented metaphorically by "crimson flames tied through my ears" and "countless fire and flaming road." However, as the song progresses, the singer admits to the limitations of this perspective, acknowledging the "half-wracked prejudice" and "confusion boats" that have led him astray. The refrain "Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now" suggests a newfound sense of humility and openness to change.
The final section of the song takes a sharp turn toward bluesy rock and roll, with the singer singing about the power dynamics of a romantic relationship. The repeated refrain "Baby what you want me to do" echoes the song's earlier themes of surrendering control and recognizing one's own limitations.
The Byrds' "My Back Pages" was actually a cover song; it was written by Bob Dylan, who originally recorded it for his 1964 album "Another Side of Bob Dylan." The song was a significant departure from the protest songs and topical social commentary that Dylan was known for at the time, and signaled a shift toward more introspective and philosophical themes.
Despite its complex lyrics, "My Back Pages" became a hit for The Byrds, reaching #30 on the US charts in 1967. The song has since been covered by many other artists, including Neil Young, The Ramones, and R.E.M.
Line by Line Meaning
Crimson flames tied through my ears
My mind is engrossed with passion and intensity
Throwin' high and mighty traps
I'm setting traps and using my wit to outsmart others
Countless fire and flaming road
I'm on a path of adventure and taking risks
Using ideas as my maps
I'm exploring the unknown with my creativity and imagination
"We'll meet on edges, soon," said I
I'm ready to face challenges and meet people who are different from me
Proud 'neath heated brow
I'm confident and determined in my pursuits
Ah, but I was so much older then
In the past, I thought I knew everything and was more mature than I really was
I'm younger than that now
Now, I realize that I still have much to learn and that youthfulness is an asset
Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth
My biases and preconceived notions clouded my judgment
"Rip down all hate," I screamed
I was passionate about advocating for love and equality
Lies that life is black and white
I used to believe that the world was purely good or bad, but it's more complex than that
Spoke from my skull. I dreamed
I realized that my thoughts were not always rational and that I needed to be more thoughtful
Romantic flanks of musketeers
I used to romanticize the past and heroic figures
Foundation deep, somehow
My beliefs and values run deep within me, but they're not always reasonable
In a soldier's stance, I aimed my hand
I was ready to defend my beliefs and values
At the mongrel dogs who teach
I was critical of those who spread violence and hate
Fearing not I'd become my enemy
I was willing to confront my own flaws and biases
In the instant that I preach
I realized that words were not enough to effect change
My pathway led by confusion boats
I felt lost and uncertain about the direction of my life
Mutiny from stern to bow
I encountered opposition at every turn
My guard stood hard when abstract threats
I was defensive when it came to abstract concepts that challenged my beliefs
Too noble to neglect
I felt that it was important to stand up for what I believed in
Deceived me into thinking
I was naive and easily fooled by others' words and actions
I had something to protect
I felt that my values and beliefs were worth fighting for
Good and bad, I define these terms
I am now able to see the complexity of the world and the grey areas between good and bad
Quite clear, no doubt, somehow
Although things are not always black and white, I am still certain of my beliefs and values
You got me runnin', you got me hidin'
The singer is at the mercy of someone else
You got me run hide, hide run
The artist is uncertain and disoriented
Anyway you want baby, oh yeah yeah yeah
The artist is willing to comply with the other person's wishes
You got me doin' what you want me
The singer is not in control of their own actions
Baby what you want me to do
The singer is asking for direction and guidance
I'm goin' up, I'm goin' down
The artist's emotions are fluctuating
I'm goin' up down, down up
The artist is being pulled in different directions
You got me seekin', you got me hidin'
The artist is trying to find their way in a confusing situation
You got me seek hide, hide seek
The singer is unsure of who they can trust and where they should go
Anyway you want
The artist is ready to comply with the other person's wishes
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