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.
The Christian Life
The Byrds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They say I'm missing a whole world of fun
But I still love them and I sing with pride
I like the Christian life
I won't lose a friend by heeding God's call
For what is a friend who'd want you to fall
Others find pleasure in things I despise
My buddies shun me since I turned to Jesus
They say I'm missing a whole world of fun
I live without them and walk in the light
I like the Christian life
I won't lose a friend by heeding God's call
For what is a friend who'd want you to fall
Others find pleasure in things I despise
I like the Christian life
I like the Christian life
The Byrds's song The Christian Life can be interpreted in different ways, but its main message is about staying true to one's faith despite being ostracized by friends who have chosen a different path in life. The song's protagonist talks about being advised to wait to experience life's pleasures, but he chooses to sing with pride about his Christianity. He values his faith more than anything else and won't let anyone steer him away from it.
The lyrics also deal with the idea of friendship and loyalty. The singer argues that a true friend would never encourage someone to compromise their beliefs or values for the sake of worldly pleasures. He acknowledges that his decision to embrace Christianity has caused him to lose friends, but he sees it as a necessary sacrifice. He enjoys the Christian life and feels empowered by the light of his faith.
Overall, The Christian Life is a song about standing firm in one's convictions despite societal pressures and opposition. It's a message about being true to oneself and one's beliefs, even if it means going against the grain.
Line by Line Meaning
My buddies tell me that I should've waited
My friends advise me that I should have remained in the worldly ways
They say I'm missing a whole world of fun
They think that I am not enjoying life to the fullest and am missing out
But I still love them and I sing with pride
However, I still love my friends and am proud to declare my faith
I like the Christian life
I am content and happy with my decision to live as a Christian
I won't lose a friend by heeding God's call
I am willing to risk losing friends if they do not support my faith and obedience to God
For what is a friend who'd want you to fall
A true friend would not want me to compromise my principles and beliefs
Others find pleasure in things I despise
Some people enjoy activities that I disapprove of based on my faith
My buddies shun me since I turned to Jesus
My friends have rejected me since I adopted a Christian lifestyle
I live without them and walk in the light
Despite losing my friends, I continue to live for Christ and follow his teachings
I like the Christian life
I am content and happy with my decision to live as a Christian
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LOUVIN
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