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.
What's Happening
The Byrds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't know what you're doing here
I don't know what's going on here
I don't know how it's supposed to be
I, I don't have the vaguest notion
Whose it is or what it's all for
I don't know, I'm not cryin'
Laughin' mostly as you can see
These lyrics from The Byrds's song "What's Happening?!?!" are an expression of confusion and bewilderment. The singer doesn't understand the situation they are in or the people around them. They feel lost and unsure of how they are supposed to behave or what their purpose is. The use of repetition in the first three lines emphasizes the singer's sense of disorientation.
The line "Whose it is or what it's all for" is particularly interesting as it suggests the singer is questioning the meaning of life itself. They may be feeling existential or searching for a greater purpose. However, despite their confusion and uncertainty, the singer appears to maintain a sense of humor, reflected in the final line of the lyrics, "Laughin' mostly as you can see."
The overall message of the song seems to be a commentary on the confusion and uncertainty of the times in which it was written (1967). It could also be interpreted as a critique of society's lack of direction and guidance.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know who you think you are
I am uncertain of your identity and self-perception
I don't know what you're doing here
I do not understand the purpose of your presence
I don't know what's going on here
I am ignorant regarding the current situation and circumstances
I don't know how it's supposed to be
I am unsure of what the correct or intended manner is
I, I don't have the vaguest notion
I have absolutely no awareness, knowledge, or idea
Whose it is or what it's all for
I have no idea who owns or created it, or what its purpose is
I don't know, I'm not cryin'
I remain uncertain but I am not emotionally upset
Laughin' mostly as you can see
In fact, I am mostly amused and finding humor in the situation
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DAVID VAN CORTLANDT CROSBY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bcsjy1
Can't get enough of old Byrds.
@georgefelton669
Crosby's vocal and McGuinn's sitar-like Rickenbacker. Sweet. One of the Byrds' best songs.
@kevinoconnor4245
Let's hear it for the bassist and drummer ,too...
@josephlemko3027
David Crosby's vocal is glorious, as well as McGuinn's guitar playing. Great song from an equally fine album.
@DanRelayer_Ukraine
RIP to the One and Only. What a wonderful magical voice.
I don't know
I'm not cryin'
Laughin' mostly
As you can see
@davidzimmerli489
One of the most creative groups in the history of popular music, and one of my all-time favorite groups ...... together they made magic ....beautiful magic ..
@davidwatton
Just listen to that gorgeous searing guitar tone of McGuinn's. Drink in the sweetness of Crosby's voice. McGuinn and Crosby in perfect combination.
@Ecmredsoxslipknot
The first time I heard this song, I was instantly blown away. The very definition of a timeless classic.
@giancarlobruno5110
RIP David Crosby. Underrated Byrds album track of his.
@bobbycormier
my absolute favorite from this line-up. love the suppressed chuckle too.