Crosby, Stills & Nash - Helplessly Hoping (With Lyrics)

"Helplessly Hoping" is the 8th track off of their debut self titled album, "Crosby, Stills & Nash" from 1969. This song is one of my favorites by CSN and the harmonies are particularly good. Just sit back, listen and enjoy a truly beautiful song with great lyrics.
Lyrics:
Helplessly hoping
Her harlequin hovers nearby
Awaiting a word
Gasping at glimpses
Of gentle true spirit
He runs, wishing he could fly
Only to trip at the sound of good-bye
Wordlessly watching
He waits by the window
And wonders
At the empty place inside
Heartlessly helping himself to her bad dreams
He worries
Did he hear a good-bye? Or even hello?
They are one person
They are two alone
They are three together
They are for each other
Stand by the stairway
You'll see something
Certain to tell you confusion has its cost
Love isn't lying
It's loose in a lady who lingers
Saying she is lost
And choking on hello
They are one person
They are two alone
They are three together
They are for each other

[@itzSweats]

When you are 21 years old and this is your favorite song....... then you see it was made 50 years ago, and it makes you realize some things are truly timeless.

[@yat3700]

Indeed👍👍👍

[@mauriziozanoni7312]

Non si potrà più fare una canzone come questa!

[@harrynettles942]

I totally agree

[@Roberta_Trevino]

Thank you for saying that the song is timeless instead of saying you were "born in the wrong generation". Music is not about us, it's infinite and we are lucky to be able to make it and listen to it

[@debrarankin1740]

I was 13 / 14 when I first became aware of them in very early 70's

[@silasfatchett5693]

It only takes three voices and one guitar to create a masterpiece.

[@pabloperez4063]

Like P, P & M

[@Kentuckylocations]

If this song does not mean something to you now or has not meant something to you in the past... Someday it will

[@rogerthat6787]

One of their finest songs. The vocal harmonies are just beautiful. RIP, David Crosby. Thanks for the music and the memories.

[@ronlindsay6147]

Those voices were created to sing together

[@jules4b]

Ron Lindsay Agree! You might want to check out Home Free's version, too. Their harmonies are gorgeous

[@jimkif4110]

Those souls were created to sing together......

[@BilisNegra]

@@jimkif4110 Yeah, so were the Beatles, Beach Boys, and Queen, for most obvious examples.

[@josephyuski5267]

Great things can happen when special people come together ❤

[@debrarankin1740]

THEY MOST CERTAINLY WERE, such a great moment in my life

[@otisspunkmeyer9339]

In my humble opinion one of the best harmonized songs ever

[@johnhill4964]

So long, David Crosby. Thank you for sharing your music with the world.

[@VincenzoColamartino-wl7yh]

Yet...really ❤

[@TalAlgom]

I was 12 when this masterpiece was sung for the first time, I was 24 when this masterpiece lead my "all time loved ones". I was 36 when I introduced this eternal tunes to my older son. I was 48 when cried for the first time listening to this beautiful song. I am 66 and still shed tears with this melody. In conclusion this is a timeless masterpiece with a whole parallel world inrerstellar.. ❤

[@VincenzoColamartino-wl7yh]

This music It s Forever,make you Sade and Happy.. ❤

[@PennyRankin]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@paulanderson2269]

I’m so glad I grew up listening to music like this

[@lesliemaness9279]

Hey, had a high school friend with your name- Brazosport High ring a bell?

[@paulanderson2269]

No born and raised in Minnesota. There are 1000s of Paul Anderson’s out here. Lol

[@danerlich7393]

The ultimate TRIPLE threat.. Harmony, music and lyrics of THREE unique voices blended divinely.... NO three men in history ever had this sound.. We were BLESSED to have lived in their time together...They made the angels so jealous - they grabbed Crosby from our midst..

[@ladyhecate9450]

Nothing like listening to their music with earphones on like this song as well as Wooden Ships.

[@shannonvanderhoof4810]

❤❤❤

[@amberthemainegirl]

RIP David Crosby there will never be music like this again. Cherish the memories they left.

[@tneary8319]

This group of talent will never happen again

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

Crazy how a 50 yr old song can make me cry and remember ❤️❤️🙏🙏

[@deidrebroadnax5274]

Same here

[@shelleycassidy5282]

I was 13 when this album came out (vinyl, anyone?) and fell in love with this short song. Still love the harmony, alliteration and rhyme scheme in addition to the lyrics themselves. CSN fan 'til I die, I guess.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

There are times when alliteration is simply wonderful.

[@simz2689]

51 years later and we're still listening. Talk about timeless tunes

[@timschofield3666]

One gal comes to mind from decades ago. It's been 47 yrs but I still think of her listening to this. Hope where ever she is she has had a good life.

[@dtower2200]

1974 I was 16 busted up bad in a hospital from a motorcycle accident. Belted this song and others from this album ... Singing their songs of love and protest kept me comforted in a lonely time. Forever grateful.

[@LaserRanger15]

I always wish this song was longer. Beautiful

[@mtoomb]

I grew up listening to this song, as it was one of my mom’s favorite songs on the album. As soon as I heard the guitar in Annihilation it took me back 30 years to my childhood. What a perfect song, what a brilliant movie.

[@kevinp3672]

Rest in Peace David ✌️, thanks for making the 70's a great memory for me.

[@Ira-dv4ht]

This song still brings much of the pain inside of me to the surface. I furst heard it in 1971 after I finished Army service. I was in Korea in 1969, and in Vietnam in 1970. I had no girlfriend or wife to go back to. I braced myself every day to fight back against the powerful emptiness that roamed free within me. I never thought about giving up and quitting. Almost miraculously, it seemed one girl and then another vand another would enter my life, stay a while, and leave. I didn't know what was the matter with me. I'm now with my second wife, and we had our 18th ❤ anniversary yesterday. I had a decent career in the mechanical trades. We own a modest home in a comfortable neighborhood. We have enough money. Life turned out OK. Never give up. They say that 80% of success is found by just showing up, reporting for duty, as it were, each day. It was hard at times. But that beats the alternative, if giving up. Try to stay sober, live a clean life. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Show respect to everyone. Avoid toxic people. Do what you have to do to build a decent career. Most people have to put A good portion of their dreams on hold Until after they stop working. Don't expect self esteem to be handed to you. Expect to struggle for it. Make a good career, Earn the respect of your peers, Handle your money wisely, And you will get that self esteem.

[@DavidSmith-db1mk]

I was fortunate enough to see them play 3 times their music is timeless

[@MerryMermaid4Otis]

I heard this today at Nono Pizza in SLC, and burst into tears. I was suddenly transported back to 8th grade and almost choked on my pizza. Great combo!

[@kelleyprince7880]

RIP Blue 1969-2014 : my soulmate and husband for 23 years held this song dear to our hearts and now it brings new tears of new meaning for me this evening.

[@berkleysmama]

I am so so sorry for your loss….

[@HoodooYooLuv]

Kel prnc Same here, I am also sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for your comment. It is appreciated without a doubt. I was fortunate enough to see these guys live just a few weeks ago for the first time ever and they were incredible. They played this song and it was one of the best they performed that night. I highly suggest seeing them live to anyone. They really are a unique group. No one else sounds like CSN/Y

[@Jbrownefan]

Kel prnc So sorry for your loss.....let this song carry you.....

[@RaeZoladawn777]

Kel prnc Bless you

[@Gingerjake2]

Kel prnc I'm so sorry for your loss...it's never easy losing those we love. Hopefully this song you shared will help sustain you.

[@Glastonbury1]

Shivers down my spine!!! Every time I listen to it!!! How do we say thankyou to someone who gives us such a beautiful gift?

[@skbirdluvr]

RIP David. Incredible harmonies.

[@caseycompton1461]

played this at my daughter's funeral. it's not just about romantic love.

[@janescribner8258]

+Casey Compton Sympathies ...

[@JustBeKind1]

+Casey Compton Sincere sympathy to you. God Bless.

[@LauraBianchi_in_ascolto]

+Casey Compton may music heal your sorrow

[@HoodooYooLuv]

+Casey Compton My deepest condolences to you and yours. I hope you are hanging in there and staying strong. I feel for you, but wish you all the best. Keep the faith Casey, and always remember the fun times and the sweet memories. Thank you so much for your comment

[@klaytonvonkluge4905]

+Casey Compton - Sincere sympathy, sorry for late text

[@nicktroglia6051]

my heart aches every time i absorb this song

[@dhbartlett06]

mmmmmm....this song.....I never EVER tire of it.

[@luckylulu5123]

My love for this song is immense

[@MAGAisacult]

One of musics greatest harmonies.

[@michelleatkinson8718]

Lucy Singleto

[@roberts.3055]

Lucy Singleton+ When I heard just the guitar start of this song in Annihilation, it instanly brought back the memories from my Teens and the tears quickly followed. Certainly one of my all time Favorite songs EVER!!!(Top 5). Getting teary eyed just writing this and thinking of this song and the past (had a REALLY bad abusive childhood), which is sometimes best left behind us, as long as we learned the lesson it was there to teach us. So yeah, I feel what you're saying.. This song means so many different things to people and in the end that's what counts in my mind. Thanks.. :)

[@thundergod1298]

Nobody has touched three part harmony like this, ever....

[@klaytonvonkluge4905]

You're absolutely right, no three part harmony, or singing group was even close to this unique blend of vocal "timbres", and while i don't want to make this a contest, comparisons are inevitable... Seals & Crofts, America, and a handful of others are within the same realm of talent, but none have quite that same resonance, nor are any nearly as good at songwriting; David Crosby and Graham Nash have a very healthy track record for writing songs, (David was w/ 'The Byrds' prior to CSN & Y, and Graham w/ 'The Hollies, both composed with these super-bands) and Stephen Stills was in 'Buffalo Springfield' alongside Neil Young, and this duos' song composition skills speaks plainly for itself-! Looking back, CSN & Y are nothing short of a "Super-Group' themselves, and the concept appeared rife for that particular time, ('68 thru '72 or so) with awesome teams like "Blind Faith", before this, "Cream", Paul McCartney's 'Wings', Apple label fledgling group 'BadFinger', Yarbirds alumni Jeff Beck (w/ Rod Stewart in 'Faces') and Jimmy Page (formed a little group known as 'Led Zeppelin') and there are several more... What an incredible time for music! Wish I would have been around and/or old enough to appreciate this amazing and evolutionary period in Rock music....

[@mrspecialk1234]

Have you not heard of the Beegees my friend?

[@neilnash5661]

Thundergod129 Makes grown men cry

[@homeyginomolly]

special k yes, they could sing, but disco lyrics and melody were childish next to this. CSN&Y were deep. They were all great songwriters and musicians. CSNY represented a beautiful era, an era of questioning. They were truth seekers. The BeeGees were just good singers. They were the end of the era of greater meaning. Disco was, is and will always be crap.

[@fortliedot4746]

Well, that is a well pondered, respectful and balanced affirmation. SYKE! CSN&Y may have been deep, and in search of "truth", but they were also deep in the snow and in search of the bottle. Did you know Stills used to hit Veronique Sanson quite a lot? Plus, please, before making assomptions about the BeeGees, listen to them, especially "BeeGees' 1st". They had been around for 10 years before they even touched disco. And you may think that crapping on other people's kind of music makes you look cool and R'n'R, but you just sound like a douche. My turn to assert generalities: like all hippies, you are snobbish and narrow minded. "The era of greater meaning"? The era when people didn't give a shit about what they were doing, the era that left a disaster of a world to the following generations, the era when people basically fucked up the entire planet, and those same people, who had a great time rockin', fuckin' and a-snortin', are now bitter old fucks who blame everyone but themselves for everything that turned bad, conveniently forgetting they were the cause for almost all of it. Other than that, love the song.

[@ashratempel5094]

Amazing album. Never gets old.

[@85nikki96]

These lyrics are genius with all the double meanings and it captures feelings beautifully....like "He waits by the window And wonders At the empty place inside" Can mean inside the house or inside himself, a surprising empty feeling he's never experienced before. There isn't talent in lyrics and music like this anymore.

[@johnmcdermitt1693]

RIP David.......Thank you!!😢

[@perlofgren9589]

If like a lot of the younger commenters here you are discovering Crosby, Stills and Nash for the first time, you are in for a treat. "Our House", "Southern Cross", "Suite Judy Blue Eyes", and "Carry On" are just a few of the incredible tracks waiting to enchant you. With their rich, otherworldly harmonies and deep, thought-provoking lyrics, CSN's music is among the most beautiful things you will ever hear on planet Earth. Enjoy!

[@Average_D]

Per Lofgren ....Ahhh, “our house” and “carry on” are two of my favorites. It makes me happy when The newest generation discovers classics. You just can’t feel emotions from most of today’s music like you can from guys like CS&N. 🙏🏼

[@magyar1227]

Takes me back to my summer in Colorado in '69.

[@beckyevepete]

I couldn't have said it better myself! Perfect harmony! I've seen them together, individually & in other bands. All amazing! No one can play a guitar like Stephen. I saw him play after he'd smashed up his hand skiing earlier in the day. He apologized in case he screwed up or fell off the stool he was on from the pain killers shot into his hand! Poor guy was trying to joke but he pushed on and only stopped a few times. I have to say that the three voices together are magic!!

[@rkoorse]

...and go see the boys live.. Haven't seen David yet, but Graham a few times and it was delightful. "Delightful" not a word I used back in the day, but "far out" may have run it's course. Will see David for sure. If they never play together again so be it but hope they become friends again those two.

[@avalondreaming1433]

Per Lofgren Don't forget Wooden Ships.

[@cmayknot]

Shout out to my husband, who waited while I let go of being lost. We are for each other!

[@siskiyouwoodsmann4279]

Very well said, he’s a lucky man

[@nancydemoss7904]

The perfect harmonies on this song brings tears to my eyes and hope to my heart.

[@GAMakin]

Yes. Largely acapella. The guitar is there for Bass... Much like the single string "washtub" Bass employed by Do-wop, down on the Corner, out in the Street, keepin' the Beat. I was a young punk, but I saw it there, down on the corner, heard it and eventually "emulated" it in variation. Good MUSIC never dies. GREAT Music has a Life of its own: It "stands" for What It Is... Body, Heart and Soul, in-search of the Lost Chord. 🎶

[@flyerphil]

Beautiful.. brought tears to my eyes this early morning. Nearly 40 years on and it still is an unique song

[@eduardoalcala8310]

Nash's voice has always been magical ever since the sixties, his voice even shaped The Hollies, truly a gift

[@alanseregrov9930]

At the time of writing this, I am 14 years old. My father and I first listened to this song when I was 3 years old. It's considered "our song" now. Glad he showed me some good music when I was still very young. Not my favorite song of all time, But I hold it very near and dear to my heart. Thanks Dad, you really are one hell of a guy.

[@Peter-vc8ls]

Beautiful sentiment!!!!

[@85Calhoun]

never before have I heard such harmony..it was perfect!

[@gudlisner501]

Back in August 1971 I saw these guys in the RAH in London and I was an 18 years old Irish kid and just finding my way out of an awful childhood and dreadful adolescence. Then these guys launched into Dylan’s “I Shall be Released” and I knew in my heart that I was going to be alright.

[@orwhat24]

Stephen Stills is one hell of a songwriter. Thanks for all the music, Stephen. "Three together, they are four for each other." CSN, indeed.

[@travelinband5156]

My band just played at Humphrey's On The Bay in San Diego - Stephen played the night before

[@amossnowdaharleyman9179]

my generational music. So glad youth today can't still find and listen to it. One of the few things good about the internet. Ya'll missed some good times back then.There was a lot of bad,but the good was there too.

[@kayem11]

I was 13 when the song was released in 1969 and down to today I can't have enough of it - along with many of these guys' songs of mesmerizing vocal harmonies and guitar work. Evergreen music in a league of its own.

[@01sapphireGTS]

Music is a very powerful art medium. It fires the imagination and stirs the soul, as exhibited here.

[@bwanna23]

Humans at their best.

[@DebNKY]

Perfect example of alliteration, for those of you English Lit geeks out there. Like me. Besides that, a beautiful, haunting, poetic song. I had no idea this was on CSN's debut album. Such a gift, that kind of talent.

[@345Express]

Thank you for pointing out this song as a "perfect example of alliteration! I had to read through the lyrics -- so thoughtfully provided in a reply by Ray Ursillo -- to find them in their fullness. While they abound throughout, the first lines of each verse are magnificent examples. Simply amazing!

[@wesweldon8350]

Got to See Crosby @ red rocks a few years ago before he passed. That was something special

[@Razzzz77]

Masterpiece.

[@carni1233]

A masterpiece indeed

[@richardlopiccolo4115]

" they are for...each other" i love that harmony

[@JPascal61]

This song reaches deep into your soul and grabs a hold. It represents a time that will never be again.

[@deidrebroadnax5274]

Amen, I time and place. I wish I was there again.

[@jesseboombatts8399]

My mom just passed away and these guys were my parents band for 40 years. They drove from Flatbush to Saugerties to see them at Woodstock (their first live concert). We would go on road trips and blast all their albums... Sad the baby boomers are ending their lifespan...

[@jamesodom4647]

My heart goes out to you brother

[@robertgarland805]

Next year at Gooselake just outside Dearborn Mich. Massive crowd there too. I had my VW BUS and very happy hippy. Oh the memories fade. Still remember trying to find my way back to my blanket in the dark through the crowd while peaking on LSD.

[@banpong]

Woodstock was not their first, it was there first concert with Neil Young

[@yvonnemendez3075]

So great when music was music and had something to say . Peace out ✌️😪

[@jimkif4110]

Been listening to this for 30 years....still brings tears occasionally. The masters....

[@bigelk0]

Music like this never needs and help on its own sound. Beautiful is all I could say.

[@patrickflanagan8008]

Truly beautiful....always makes the hairs on my neck stand upright.

[@n64314]

Last time I heard this song i was 9 years old and my dad use to play it all the time in the car. I'm now 22 years old and I still remember the lyrics. Strong song; brings back memories...

[@dennismoss371]

Such beautiful harmonies. Beautiful song.

[@osuzq21]

We are one person, they are two alone, they are three together, they are for each other...

[@Weslipaul69]

Just an acoustic guitar and some beautiful harmony... Masterpiece

[@RainaBedford]

the harmonies here

[@daviddoherty3349]

Just sensational and to think how young they were when this was written and recorded.

[@nickyl9040]

I got this album for my 16th birthday A week later I saw them at Woodstock

[@lemurianchick]

Like wow, man....Trippy...

[@BilisNegra]

Right time, right spot! You're among the chosen! BTW, was Woodstock as calamitously shitty (on the audience side) as we are told it was?

[@airportchronicles199]

Must of been amazing...

[@khatiagagnidze3832]

you have been soooo lucky

[@scottmcgregor8569]

:)

[@mauriziozanoni7312]

Nessuno più di CS&N ha saputo creare la pace musicale; poi è arrivato Y e sono arrivati in cielo. Lunga vita a tutti quattro!

[@countrypaul]

A theme song for that period of my life.The first CSN album rarely left the turntable for weeks after its release.

[@cliftonreedjr6073]

My favorite all time albums. Seen them in concert many times when I was young

[@LiloUkulele]

I remember seeing them at Golden Gate Park-free concert -during the VN protest march in SF that weekend so long ago..april 15 1967

[@dwstorm5508]

The guitar and the harmonies.... just beautiful.

[@nelsonlugo45]

I brang meself hear. Bought this album the minute it came out, still have it.

[@twray1835]

An absolutely perfect song. No error. These guys laid down the mantle for music. God bless them.

[@ivanmolina3563]

that is a real song,feeling,harmony and words

[@davidfawcett4993]

First time i heard this song i listened to it on a cassette,over and over thank god for CD's...One of the greatest songs ever written and performed by three great talents..Graham Nash is a magnificent human being...just throwing that in there because i admire his humanity...

[@lynnpwest1]

Hey, HackNSlasHz, you are absolutely right.....did just that in the 70's with this entire double album.....the m&m's talked and at restaurants the food looked like people's faces and talked back too....laugh, laugh, laugh...most excellent memories!

[@shineon4863]

Anyone who has ever felt suffocated in a marriage but unable to end it understands these lyrics so well.

[@scottmoore1896]

Agree

[@TorkG8]

+Shine On That's sad. :(

[@TheFootyCast_]

See the film 'Annihilation' by Alex Garland

[@mgway4661]

Scott Moore Truth

[@padave]

Definitely hopeless in my marriage

[@rich8880]

Sometimes there is God in a song and in the harmonies. This was such a moment

[@oskarmac14]

Music originates from a magic that is invisible, captivating, all encompassing. For me, life can’t exist without music. It is in everything.

[@johnvoyce]

Superb. All three voices are dead clear.

[@muralidharan1065]

My heart beats with the rhythm of this song reflecting the world I see around me. Sadness despair yet it’s so soul touching it keeps me living for another day. It’s timeless n priceless

[@ChipMarine]

BEAUTIFUL !

[@marchoebel3474]

Mr. Crosby i saw your Doc Film 🎥 this Week.. God bless you.. 🌈🦄❤️...

[@rockinrowdy13]

beautiful harmonies..wonderful song..i have seen them twice in recent years and they still can play and sing

[@cyborgoftheyear]

This is such a beautiful song.

[@has123456]

RIP, D. CROSBY. God bless you, man! (From Brazil 🇧🇷)

[@ant13665]

superb alliteration, immaculate harmonies. this is a masterpiece.

[@TrueBlueSue49]

These are absolutely amazing lyrics!!!

[@TrueBlueSue49]

Ken Yee Thank You!

[@brownguy0405]

I had this song stuck in my head for two years, and it was today when I finally figured out what it was.

[@tarakersey6115]

I remember so clearly watching my first love playing and singing this .. he introduced me to so much. I miss him. I wish he would talk to me.. I still love him

[@nasimmiller9538]

TARA KERS sorry. I know the feeling

[@ryecreeks]

I to am missing someone...... I haven't me her yet........

[@mtripleup]

Its a horrible feeling, sometimes even a glance would suffice

[@temporarytemporary8960]

Missing someone right now just discovered this song. Amen.

[@genevafieldson4285]

David , thank you for the beautiful voice you shared with us! Be blessed!😇😥

[@paulisaac78]

Pretty song with great harmonies.

[@plankpoop1]

🎶 ❤

[@Treebard]

True, but calling this a "pretty song" is like calling the Sistine Chapel a "good painting". This song is one of the most perfect of the '60s folk era.

[@TPat1957]

When you look up the word "Harmony" in Websters, YOU will see C, S, N, and Y too! This is such a lovely song.and the album is great from start to fin! They nearly define the 60's all by themselves! Pure Art!! and in the right place at the right time! Peace!

[@jadowe]

I love this so much

[@zarrayx]

i never get tried listening to this song and the harmony of these 3 is beyond words

[@eddiesauer2026]

Millions of people came here thinking they found a new version of this incredible song while hammered but they found this studio version and couldn’t leave cuz the guitar starts and it’s really good.

[@youaregodspursuit]

Can you imagine what some of us were able to experience driving our car on an AM radio and hearing this for the first time? The music of the 60's pierced and thrilled us to the point that we have not been the same since. This group in all it's variation led this transition. Hard to imagine that soon most of us that were witnesses won't be here much longer. All that we have seen and experienced; starting with Kennedy being assassinated, Viet Nam, boys leaving for Canada, the summer riots, student unrest/Kent State, the Fall of Saigon, permeation of our culture with drugs and so much more still haunt us today.

[@katuggle1983]

This is such a wonderful song of love and complete togetherness.

[@howardbologna8804]

Best harmony EVER heard!

[@VerucaSallt]

I sing a cappella because of this song. RIP David Crosby.

[@alexcastro7339]

This song makes me cry....

[@raindeerprojekt4119]

Heartbreaking breathtaking and soul freeing.....Well put down boys

[@nimblesaint3081]

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful...