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.
Thoughts And Words
The Byrds Lyrics
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And everything looked as though it was all mine
Loveliness to gaze upon
To feel your magic pulling me away
I thought I was on top of it all
Everyone else was so small
Then I knew what you wanted to doI knew what you wanted to do
Often think of times when all your thoughts and words
Come close to making me lose my mind
Moment now recalling all the time involving minutes
That we spent alone
I thought I was on top of it all
Everyone else was so small
Then I knew what you wanted to do
I knew what you wanted to do
One day you came into my mind
And everything looked as though it was all mine
Loveliness to gaze upon
To feel your magic pulling me away
I thought I was on top of it all
Everyone else was so small
Then I knew what you wanted to do
I knew what you wanted to do
The Byrds' song "Thoughts and Words" is a contemplative track that explores the all-consuming obsession over a person. The opening lines, "One day you came into my mind, and everything looked as though it was all mine" allude to the overwhelming feeling one gets when they meet someone that they are attracted to. The prospect of love fills the singer's mind, and he feels like he owns everything in the world. The next set of lines, "Loveliness to gaze upon, to feel your magic pulling me away" speaks of the attraction he feels towards said person. Their beauty is something he feels is a "magic" that is pulling him towards them.
The song's unique composition features an electric 12-string guitar throughout, which was a signature sound of The Byrds. This sound was highly influential and can be heard in other songs such as "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "Turn! Turn! Turn!". The lyrics explore themes of love, obsession, and the effect it has on one's perception of the world. The singer, who feels like he is on top of the world, acknowledges that the person he is obsessed with has the ability to make him lose his mind.
The lyrics also suggest that the singer previously believed he was above everyone else, but now realizes that his obsession has made him vulnerable. The line "Everyone else was so small" highlights his previous arrogance and how his obsession has changed his perspective. The repetition of the line "Then I knew what you wanted to do, I knew what you wanted to do" suggests that the singer has now understood that the person he is attracted to also feels the same way about him.
Line by Line Meaning
One day you came into my mind
The singer is recalling a particular moment when they thought of someone they admire or care for deeply.
And everything looked as though it was all mine
They had a feeling of ownership over all their surroundings and experiences, as if everything could be attributed to the presence of the person in their mind.
Loveliness to gaze upon
The person in question is outwardly attractive, and the singer finds pleasure in simply looking at them.
To feel your magic pulling me away
There is something enchanting about this person that makes the artist feel as if they are being pulled toward them, subconsciously or otherwise.
I thought I was on top of it all
The artist had been feeling confident and in control prior to thinking of this person.
Everyone else was so small
Others around them seemed insignificant or unimportant in comparison to the person in their thoughts.
Then I knew what you wanted to do
The singer realized that the person in their thoughts had a desire or intention, but it is unclear what exactly that may be.
Often think of times when all your thoughts and words
The artist frequently recalls moments in which they had conversations or interactions with the person in question, and reflects on the meaning behind their words.
Come close to making me lose my mind
In these moments, the person's words or actions have a profound effect on the artist, and they feel as if they are losing control over their thoughts and emotions.
Moment now recalling all the time involving minutes
The artist is currently revisiting specific moments from their past interactions with the person, as if they are reliving those moments in their mind.
That we spent alone
These moments were private and shared only between the singer and the person in their thoughts.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: CHRIS HILLMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stephengorin2685
One more excellent Chris contribution.
@gurusoft1
Psychedelic ‘Rubber Soul’
@schmozzer
And 'Help!'
@youandwhosearmy6339
2 and a half years later though
@robertommundsen9155
Way better than sgt pepper
@RS-vk7op
@@youandwhosearmy6339 this was recorded in Autumn 1966
@enricorigon1925
Rubber Soul is psychedelic too...
@mrmjb1960
The Backwards Guitar by Roger is the most chilling thing on this!
@clarenzlarka
Hauntingly lovely. This song is exceptional in its wistful, gorgeous melodic structure. Terrific harmonies with the truncated harmony lyric by Crosby, wow. And McGuinn's amazing backwards guitar over the jangle. Should be required listening in any music appreciation class.
@colin6768
I couldn't have put it better myself.