The title track, the album's first single, was an elegy for Neil Young's 1948 Buick Roadmaster hearse, his first car. The album stemmed from a desire by both Young and Stills to pick up where they left off with their Buffalo Springfield-era guitar explorations. CSNY cohorts David Crosby and Graham Nash got wind of the project, and "Long May You Run" briefly became a CSNY album. But before long, Young and Stills decided to wipe Crosby and Nash's vocal harmonies from the album tracks in their absence (ironically, Crosby and Nash were busy putting finishing touches on their own duet record.) Crosby and Nash were livid when they found out, and it would be eight years before the quartet even considered working together again (Crosby, Stills and Nash would regroup in 1977 for an album and tour.)
Guardian Angel
The Stills-Young Band Lyrics
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Watching over you, yes
Better mind your ways
Just might leave on you
In the darkness
Who else is really with you?
Only you alone
When there's no more time
And nothing left to do
Who will hear you?
Who will hear your heart?
Your guardian angel
Who are these kindred spirits?
Would you know them
If they stood in front of you?
They come below
The longing beseech at you
Trying to telephone
Someone might listen for a while
When there's no more time
And nothing left to do
Who will hear you?
Who will hear your heart?
Your guardian angel
When a passing stranger
Looks away from you
An uneasy feeling
Starts coming over you
Somebody watching somewhere
Maybe today it's you
Comes a desperate urge to run
Guardian angel, where are you?
When there's no more time
And nothing left to do
Who will hear you?
Who will hear your heart?
Your guardian angel, yeah
The Stills-Young Band's song Guardian Angel is a beautiful ode to the idea of a guardian angel. The song starts with the lines, "There's a guardian angel, Watching over you, yes, Better mind your ways, Just might leave on you." The lyrics suggest that the guardian angel is always watching over someone and one needs to be careful of their actions, or they may lose the guidance and protection of this divine being. It emphasizes that in times of darkness, one can always feel a sense of comfort knowing that their guardian angel is with them. The song poses some existential questions, like when there is no more time or nothing left to do, who will hear you? It suggests that the guardian angel is always there to listen and understand.
The second verse of the song is a beautiful tribute to kindred spirits. It asks if one would recognize their kindred spirits if they stood in front of them. It talks about an inexplicable feeling of longing or desperation that one feels when they are trying to connect with someone. The lines "When a passing stranger, Looks away from you, An uneasy feeling, Starts coming over you" suggest the need for human connection and empathy, which can be fulfilled by the presence of a guarding angel. The song ends on a note of hope and assurance that even when one feels lost or hopeless, their guardian angel is always there to listen and help.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a guardian angel
There is someone watching over you and protecting you.
Watching over you, yes
This person is keeping a watchful eye on you and your actions.
Better mind your ways
You should pay attention to your behavior and make sure it aligns with what is right and good.
Just might leave on you
If you do not behave appropriately, this guardian angel may abandon you.
In the darkness
When you are alone and in a state of darkness, both literally and metaphorically.
Who else is really with you?
Who else is truly present and watching over you besides your guardian angel?
Only you alone
You are the only constant in your life, and you must deal with yourself and your thoughts all the time.
Got to live with you all the time
You are stuck with yourself all the time, no matter what.
When there's no more time
When it is too late to change course or take action.
And nothing left to do
When there are no more options or actions available.
Who will hear you?
Who will listen to your thoughts and feelings, and understand what you are going through?
Who will hear your heart?
Who will understand the internal struggles and emotions that you are experiencing?
Your guardian angel
Your protector who watches over you and cares for you.
Who are these kindred spirits?
Who are the people who are like you and share your experiences and emotions?
Would you know them
Would you recognize them if you saw them?
If they stood in front of you?
If these people were right in front of you, would you be able to identify them?
They come below
These people reach out to you from a place of emptiness and sadness.
The longing beseech at you
They are desperately asking for your help and attention.
Trying to telephone
These people are attempting to communicate with you and connect with you.
Someone might listen for a while
Someone might take the time to hear them out and offer support.
When there's no more time
When it is too late to provide assistance or make a meaningful impact.
And nothing left to do
When there are no more options or solutions available.
When a passing stranger
When a random person crosses your path.
Looks away from you
When that person avoids making eye contact with you or pretends not to see you.
An uneasy feeling
A sensation of discomfort and awkwardness that follows.
Starts coming over you
You begin to feel uneasy and nervous.
Somebody watching somewhere
There is someone out there who is keeping an eye on you and your actions.
Maybe today it's you
Maybe today it is your turn to be watched and scrutinized by the world.
Comes a desperate urge to run
You feel like you want to escape and take flight because you feel overwhelmed and suffocated.
Guardian angel, where are you?
You are calling out to your protector, asking them for help and guidance during these trying times.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Stephen Stills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind