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 Won't Have to Cry
The Byrds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But it's happened to you many times before
But if you will come with me, then girl you will see
That you won't have to cry anymore
There's no reason to feel blue because of what he says to you
And I wouldn't want to see you hurt no more
I could never do you wrong 'cause my love for you is too strong
Oh I saw you there with tears in your eyes
Because he told you so many, many lies
Oh, you know it isn't right to put yourself uptight
By thinking about the things he's done before
Just trust your love in me and girl you will see
That you won't have to cry
No, you won't have to cry
No, you won't have to cry anymore
The Byrds' You Won't Have to Cry is a classic example of a love song that is meant to soothe and console a heart that has been broken before. The song starts with the singer being sad to see the person they love in pain, but assures them that they won't have to cry anymore. The song then moves on to the singer telling the person that there is no reason for them to feel blue or hurt anymore because their love for them is too strong and they'll never make them cry again.
The lyrics then go on to describe the pain the person has been through in their past relationships, and how it's not right for them to put themselves through it again. The singer then asks the person to trust their love and assures them that they won't have to cry anymore.
One thing to note is that the song is quite optimistic and hopeful. It's not just about consoling someone who has been hurt by love, but also about showing them that love can be different, and that they can find someone who will treat them right.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh you know it makes me sad to see you feel so bad
It saddens me to witness you in such emotional pain
But it's happened to you many times before
This is not the first time you've faced this kind of situation
But if you will come with me, then girl you will see
If you will trust me and allow me to be there for you
That you won't have to cry anymore
You will find comfort and support, and won't have to cry
There's no reason to feel blue because of what he says to you
You should not let his words make you feel sad or down
And I wouldn't want to see you hurt no more
I care for you, and don't want to see you suffer anymore
I could never do you wrong 'cause my love for you is too strong
I will always treat you with care and respect, as my love for you is genuine
And you won't have to cry anymore
I will provide you with the emotional support you need to overcome this pain
Oh I saw you there with tears in your eyes
I witnessed you crying and feeling upset
Because he told you so many, many lies
He has been dishonest with you on multiple occasions
Oh, you know it isn't right to put yourself uptight
It's not healthy for you to dwell on his actions and let it stress you out
By thinking about the things he's done before
You should not obsess over his past mistakes
Just trust your love in me and girl you will see
Have faith in my love for you and I will help you through this
That you won't have to cry
You don't need to cry alone, as I will be there for you emotionally
No, you won't have to cry
I will provide you with the support to overcome this pain, and you won't have to cry
No, you won't have to cry anymore
Together, we will overcome this pain, and you will no longer have to cry
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: GENE CLARK, JAMES JOSEPH MC GUINN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Smile892011
A hidden gem. Gene Clark is really an underrated pop songwriter.
Jules Sanchez
The Byrds were a great group, they recorded so many great songs. This was a great song, I don't think it had very much air time during that era of time. Many songs from various artists, were placed on albums that slipped through the cracks, but were great songs that many people never heard, unless they had the album.
Humzahnator
Arguably the Byrds most underrated song, in a long list of under appreciated songs. This is one of their finest
Maureen Devries
Humzahnator Thanks to Gene Clark.
Humzah Jaleel
One of the most beautiful songs ever written
Psychedelic Lizard
I love that pitch progression.
MusicallyStoned
Crosby's vocals in the chorus! Bliss.
MinamuTV
One of the best songs from the album.
captainsoul1953
+Michael Luther well.....there's the awful Don't court yourself babe.....and never liked I knew I'd want you...so many other good Gene Clark songs they could have used.....and Jackie de Shannon had better songs they could have covered.....otherwise it's all good
Michael Luther
+MinamuTV So true, but what song isn't one of the best on that album?