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.
Mr. Spaceman
The Byrds Lyrics
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And then realized it was still dark outside
It was a light coming down from the sky
I don't know who or why
Must be those strangers that come every night
Those saucer shaped lights put people uptight
Leave blue green footprints that glow in the darkI hope they get home alright
Hey, Mr. Spaceman
Won't you please take me along
I won't do anything wrong
Hey, Mr. Spaceman
Won't you please take me along for a ride
Woke up this morning, I was feeling quite weird
Had flies in my beard, my toothpaste was smeared
Over my window, they'd written my name
Said, "So long, we'll see you again"
Hey, Mr. Spaceman
Won't you please take me along
I won't do anything wrong
Hey, Mr. Spaceman
Won't you please take me along for a ride
Hey, Mr. Spaceman
Won't you please take me along
I won't do anything wrong
Hey, Mr. Spaceman
Won't you please take me along for a ride
The lyrics of "Mr. Spaceman" by The Byrds describe the experience of a person who has apparently encountered extraterrestrials, or at least believes they have. The singer wakes up to find a strange light, which he assumes is coming from a UFO, and speculates that the aliens responsible are the same ones responsible for other sightings. He expresses a desire to join them, asking the "Mr. Spaceman" of the title to take him along for a ride.
The song seems to be a lighthearted take on the idea of the "alien encounter" phenomenon that was popular at the time. The singer is fascinated rather than frightened by his experience and seems eager to have more contact with the supposed visitors. The humor in the lyrics is emphasized by the reference to flies in the singer's beard and toothpaste smeared on his face, suggesting that he might have dreamed the encounter or that it was a result of some kind of drug-induced hallucination.
Overall, the song is a playful exploration of the idea of extraterrestrial beings and the possibility of contact with them. It reflects the fascination with science fiction and the mysteries of the universe that have been a part of popular culture for many years.
Line by Line Meaning
Woke up this morning with light in my eyes
After waking up, the singer sees a bright light shining into their eyes.
And then realized it was still dark outside
Despite the brightness, the sky is still dark outside.
It was a light coming down from the sky
The light seems to come from the sky, implying it may have come from a UFO.
I don't know who or why
The artist has no explanation for the source of the light.
Must be those strangers that come every night
The artist believes that the light is from extraterrestrial beings who visit regularly.
Those saucer shaped lights put people uptight
The sight of the flying objects disturbs people.
Leave blue green footprints that glow in the dark
The extraterrestrial beings leave behind footprints that emit a faint blue-green glow in the dark.
I hope they get home alright
The artist is concerned for the safety of the visitors and hopes they make it back home safely.
Hey, Mr. Spaceman
The artist addresses an extraterrestrial being, possibly the pilot of the UFO.
Won't you please take me along
The artist expresses a desire to ride along with the extraterrestrial being in their spacecraft.
I won't do anything wrong
The singer assures the extraterrestrial being that they will not cause any problems or harm.
Woke up this morning, I was feeling quite weird
The artist wakes up with a strange feeling, perhaps because of their experience with the extraterrestrial visitors.
Had flies in my beard, my toothpaste was smeared
The singer's appearance is disheveled and chaotic, indicating their state of mind.
Over my window, they'd written my name
The extraterrestrial visitors left a message for the singer on their window.
Said, "So long, we'll see you again"
The message from the visitors implies that they will return to see the singer again.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Roger McGuinn
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