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.
Reputation
The Byrds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ain't gonna take your fooling, baby, you know you better settle down
Because you ain't doing nothing
You're just tearing your own reputation down
You keep on running around, you know
And you ain't doing nothing but tearing your own reputation down
Now you got a disposition, you're putting me uptight
Because you ain't doing nothing
You're just tearing your own reputation down
You keep on running around, you know
And you ain't doing nothing but tearing your own reputation down
You keep tearing your own reputation down
Keep tearing your own reputation down
The Byrds's song "Reputation" presents the perspective of a narrator addressing a woman he is involved with who has acquired a notorious reputation for promiscuity. The singer cautions her about the likelihood of this behavior affecting her reputation negatively in the long run. The chorus "You keep on running around, you know / And you ain't doing nothing but tearing your own reputation down" emphasizes the idea that this woman's actions are not only impacting others' perceptions of her but are also self-sabotaging. The verses further elaborate on the singer's reluctance to be involved with her as he perceives that her promiscuity is a part of her personality that stems from her disposition. The lyrics "Now you got a disposition, you're putting me uptight / I know you're always fishing, baby, but I won't bite" suggest that the woman's advances are not tempting enough to make the singer overlook his apprehensions.
The song recognizes the societal double standards surrounding promiscuity. While men are often praised for their sexual conquests, women are scrutinized for the same behavior. This double standard is acknowledged in the first line of the song, "Well, you've got a reputation for running around" that bears an undertone of condemnation. However, as the song progresses, the focus shifts towards concern for the woman's reputation and its impact on her future.
Overall, "Reputation" is a cautionary tale disguised as a love song, reminding the listeners of the consequences of their actions and the importance of building a positive reputation.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, you've got a reputation for running around
I know you have a history of being promiscuous
Ain't gonna take your fooling, baby, you know you better settle down
I won't tolerate your games anymore, and you should start behaving yourself
Because you ain't doing nothing
Your actions are pointless and have no value
You're just tearing your own reputation down
Your behavior is ruining your own image among others
You keep on running around, you know
You continue to engage in these behaviors despite knowing their negative consequences
Now you got a disposition, you're putting me uptight
Your attitude towards me is causing me stress and discomfort
I know you're always fishing, baby, but I won't bite
I understand that you're trying to get a reaction out of me, but I won't give in
You keep tearing your own reputation down
You persist in damaging your own standing in the eyes of others
Keep tearing your own reputation down
Continue with this behavior and continue harming your own image
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TIM HARDIN, Kim Fowley, Steve O'Riley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lare Clark
Never heard this before or since. Nice edgy harmonies and melody. It fits with Lazy Days and If You Gotta Go, Go Now. I'd add 100 Years to that as well. Groovy stuff with the dobro.
Jeff Duggan
This is a great record !
A T
A perfect song
edmond nicodemi
Did Tim Harden write this?
Either way it's a great track.