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.
Renaissance Fair
The Byrds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I smell cinnamon and spices
I hear music everywhere
All around kaleidoscope of color
I think that maybe I'm dreaming
Maids pass gracefully in laughterWine colored flowers in their hair
Last call from lands I've never been to
I think that maybe I'm dreaming
Sun's flash on a soda prism
Bright jewels on the ladies flashing
Eyes catch on a shiny prism
Hear ye the crying of the vendors
Fruit for sale wax candles for to burn
Fires flare soon it will be night fall
I think that maybe I'm dreaming
I think that maybe I'm dreaming
I think that maybe I'm dreaming
The Byrds' "Renaissance Fair" paints a picture of a vivid dreamworld, where the singer is caught in a sensory overload of colors, scents, and sounds. The lyrics evoke a sense of wonder, as the dreamer takes in all the unfamiliar sights and sounds around him. The smell of cinnamon and spices suggests a festive atmosphere, while the maids with wine-colored flowers in their hair and the bright jewels on the ladies create a picture of opulence and luxury. The song mentions a kaleidoscope of colors, suggesting a vibrant, almost overwhelming display of hues.
The dreamer also hears music everywhere, indicating that he is at the heart of the festivities. The lyrics mention last call from lands the dreamer has never been to, suggesting a sense of adventure and exploration. The chorus repeats the line "I think that maybe I'm dreaming," indicating that the dreamer himself is aware that he may not be in a tangible reality, or perhaps he is caught in a surreal, alternate universe. The song's overall ambiance is one of escapism, where reality is forgotten, and the dreamer can indulge in a world free from the constraints of everyday life.
Line by Line Meaning
I think that maybe I'm dreaming
The singer feels like they might be dreaming because of the many surreal sensory experiences around them
I smell cinnamon and spices
The singer detects warm, comforting scents in the air
I hear music everywhere
The singer hears a procession of sounds and melodies from many different sources
All around kaleidoscope of color
The scene is vibrant, dynamic and constantly changing, filled with many different hues and tones
Maids pass gracefully in laughter
Women move elegantly, enjoying themselves and chatting merrily
Wine colored flowers in their hair
The women wear rich, deep red flowers in their hair
Last call from lands I've never been to
There are distant places calling out, beckoning the singer to explore them
Sun's flash on a soda prism
The sunlight hits a prism, creating a rainbow of colors
Bright jewels on the ladies flashing
The women are wearing jewelry that sparkles and shines in the light
Eyes catch on a shiny prism
The artist's attention is drawn to something glittering and interesting
Hear ye the crying of the vendors
Merchants are calling out, trying to get people to buy their wares
Fruit for sale wax candles for to burn
There are fresh fruits and candles available for purchase
Fires flare soon it will be night fall
The sun is setting and people are starting to light fires to prepare for nightfall
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: DAVID CROSBY, 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