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.
You Don't Miss Your Water
The Byrds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I was blind and I could not see
But when you left me oh, how I cried
You don't miss your water till your well runs dry
I was a playboy, I could not be true
I couldn't believe I really loved you
But when you left me oh, how I cried
In the beginning you really loved me
But I was blind and I could not see
But when you left me oh, how I cried
You don't miss our water till your well runs dry
You don't miss our water till your well runs dry
The Byrds's song You Don't Miss Your Water is a poignant ballad about taking things for granted and only realizing their true value when they're gone. The first verse describes how the singer was loved in the beginning but was too blind to see it. The second verse reveals that the singer was a playboy and couldn't be faithful to the person who loved him, until she eventually left him. The chorus repeats, "You don't miss your water till your well runs dry," emphasizing the message that we often don't appreciate something or someone until it's gone.
The lyrics suggest that the singer now regrets his actions and wishes he had been more aware of what he had when he had it. The song is ultimately a warning against taking things for granted and a call to appreciate the people and things in our lives while we still have them.
This song is a classic in the soul and R&B genres and was originally written and performed by William Bell in 1961. However, The Byrds's version, released in 1965, is a folk rock adaptation that helped popularize the song and introduce it to a wider audience. The song has since been covered by many artists, including Otis Redding, Al Green, and Emmylou Harris.
Line by Line Meaning
In the beginning you really loved me
At the start of our relationship, you had genuine affection for me
But I was blind and I could not see
I failed to recognize your true feelings because of my own shortcomings
But when you left me oh, how I cried
Only after you were gone did I realize the depth of my emotions and the mistake I had made
You don't miss your water till your well runs dry
One often only realizes the true value of something once it is gone
I was a playboy, I could not be true
I had a reputation for being a womanizer and was unable to commit to a serious relationship
I couldn't believe I really loved you
I struggled with admitting my feelings because of my past behavior and attitude towards love
You don't miss your water till your well runs dry
One often only realizes the true value of something once it is gone
In the beginning you really loved me
At the start of our relationship, you had genuine affection for me
But I was blind and I could not see
I failed to recognize your true feelings because of my own shortcomings
But when you left me oh, how I cried
Only after you were gone did I realize the depth of my emotions and the mistake I had made
You don't miss your water till your well runs dry
One often only realizes the true value of something once it is gone
You don't miss your water till your well runs dry
One often only realizes the true value of something once it is gone
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: William Bell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@frederickglasser5617
This album just hits ya and hits ya and hits ya again
@gilesfamily2653
One of the greatest songs ever. Gram sounds great plus the harmonies are very cool.
28 December 2022
@philokevetch8691
This album is a masterpiece. Just a testimony to perfection.
@ginajarrellmmmm3026
I am so in love with this right now❤thank you so much for posting
@kenconaway7681
This is one of those that gives ya chill bumps.
@williamellis-xd1rm
This is blowing my mind. I cant believe this is The Byrds!
@deadfreak6248
He might have the best country voice of all time. Definitely the most soulful.
@tylerstanley578
Probably the first country singer that had more of an edge to his voice therefore creating the country rock sound
@popev3887
deadfreak, you been smoking way too much weed.....
@ZionForman
Gram Parsons was a massive talent