Eight Miles High
The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers Lyrics
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You'll find that it's stranger than known
Signs in the street, that say where you're going
Are somewhere just being their own
Nowhere is there warmth to be found
Among those afraid of losing their ground
Rain gray town, known for its sound
Round the squares, huddled in storms
Some laughing, some just shapeless forms
Sidewalk scenes, and black limousines
Some living, some standing alone
The Byrds' "Eight Miles High," a track from their 1966 album "Fifth Dimension," is widely considered one of the most important songs in rock history, and here's why: written by guitarist Roger McGuinn and bassist David Crosby in response to their experiences while on tour in the UK, "Eight Miles High" is a psychedelic tour de force, blending lyrics that evoke the disorienting effects of John F. Kennedy Airport and references to the Vietnam War with a guitar riff as dizzying as a plane taking off.
The first verse of "Eight Miles High" suggests that the traveller is entering a strange, unfamiliar land; the second verse refers to the turmoil and uncertainty of contemporary life, possibly referring to political strife and social unrest in the mid-1960s. The next verse presents the traveler with an apparently hopeless scene: a dreary, featureless town in which everyone seems to be struggling, and no one is at ease. The song closes with a depiction of alienation and loneliness, with individuals drifting about in pain but not together.
Line by Line Meaning
Eight miles high and when you touch down
The singer is saying that they are very high and when they come back to reality, they'll realize that things are not as they seem
You'll find that it's stranger than known
When you come back to reality, it can be weird or even surreal
Signs in the street that say where you're going
There are many signs directing you in life, but it doesn't mean you're going to the right place
Are somewhere just being their own
People are focused on their own journey and may not be aware of how it affects others
Nowhere is there warmth to be found
The artist feels a lack of comfort or kindness in their surroundings
Among those afraid of losing their ground
The people around the singer are fearful of change or uncertainty
Rain gray town known for its sound
The singer is in a dull and lifeless place that is known for its music
In places small faces unbound
The artist sees young people looking for freedom and expressing themselves in small pockets of the town
Round the squares huddled in storms
People gather in public spaces during rough times, seeking shelter and support from one another
Some laughing some just shapeless forms
In group situations, some people are happy and engaged while others seem lost and disconnected
Sidewalk scenes and black limousines
There are stark differences between the rich and poor, as seen in flashy cars passing by regular pedestrians
Some living some standing alone
People have different ways of dealing with the challenges of life, some rely on others while others prefer to stand alone
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: David Crosby, Gene Clark, Roger Mcguinn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind