First listen to Crosby Stills & Nash - Wooden Ships (REACTION)

[@BostonBreeze]

Stephen Stills did a great song with Buffalo Springfield "For What its Worth". Give it a listen.

[@stevemd6488]

"There's a feeling in this song"...no one could have said it better my friend

[@Yosef1952]

Wonderful choice. You are ROCKING this reaction channel.

[@theblackcat5416]

The futility of war. Stephen Stills guitar always felt mournful to me in this song. ✌❤🌻😷🎶

[@paullane1680]

One should note Paul Kantner of the Jefferson Airplane helped write this song... you should check out the Airplanes version.

[@supasoulproductions]

It's well worth checking out and gives a bit more of the apocalyptic vibe, but I would not recommend it as your first Jeffereson Airplane song. Try 'White Rabbit' and perhaps 'Volunteers' first, IMO

[@tcanfield]

Right on ! I love Jorma Kaukonen the most from that band. Somehow that skinny, young hippie guy turned into a thick, burly old guy! His guitar skills are still great, saw him live 5 years ago and loved it.

[@Macilmoyle]

@@supasoulproductions Or possibly Ballad of You Me and Pooneil kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWaQfHaHfsqHZ7M (or then again, maybe not, but Casady's bass solo is mindblowing) :-)

[@sjw5797]

@@supasoulproductions "Somebody to Love".

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

@@tcanfield Fur Peace Ranch- live Jorma! Keeping me sane during this time of no concerts,check it out! Peace from ferretfret in Ct.

[@davemadman7093]

Absolute classic from David, Stephen and Graham. Beautiful sounds man. Love it😃👍

[@Duskwind_]

You really need to hear 'Southern Cross' my friend.

[@dogstar7]

We were the first generation to grow up with The Bomb. We were the "Duck & Cover" kids who dived under our desks during the Cuban Missile Crisis ...and we were subject to The Draft. The organ note staccato sounds like telegraph chatter. A popular post-nuclear movie of the time was "On The Beach" which featured a phantom telegraph signal that is thought to come from what is believed to be the last holdout of surviving fallout victims

[@Dooklawz]

read On The Beach in HS and it completely entranced me, then a few years later I saw the movie, just as good as the book imo. Very powerful..loved it.

[@lynette.]

Nuclear war we came so close . Left you with the feeling of live for today for today is the only day we have. This always brings back that feeling.

[@stevevasell429]

It would be great to see you react to their song " Teach Your Children ". I always get so emotional when i hear it. Just so lovely a melody and such powerful lyrics.

[@ericanderson8886]

It's a sad and lovely tune indeed

[@IllumeEltanin]

Another one Dad should sit in on...

[@jimmyfortrue3741]

Good choice.

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

Refers to nuclear war, the Jefferson Airplane version who Paul Kantner was a part of is also great!

[@andrewfischer8564]

beat me to it

[@NondescriptMammal]

Yeah I always kind of preferred the Airplane version, but they're both good

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

@@NondescriptMammal me too,but I owned every Airplane album. So I am a little biased!

[@rk41gator]

It refers to war in general and the Vietnam War in particular. I lived that era and CSN&Y were heroes singing our pain.

[@davidfinnell1660]

You gotta do "Almost cut my hair " by these guy's! It's a very soulful rocker!

[@johntarleton6330]

Had the privilege to see these guys do this song live back in the 70's. Some of Steven Stills best guitar work.

[@DaBadger354]

Really happy so see younger people discovering this music. This is the music I grew up with I was in High School when most of these songs were popular. The Beatles and the whole British Invasion was happening all at the same time, it was a magical time that created so much great music from around the world and in the States!

[@daveking9393]

Good you referenced Neil Young... Although not in title description. He was with them a short time but had impacts

[@jimmyfortrue3741]

The song "Our House" was a big hit for CSN... Really nice song. Great harmonies ( as your finding out ) I was about your age when my friends and I were into Crosby Stills Nash and also Neil Young

[@kerrylewis7964]

yep me too graduated high school in 74....Dam I miss those days...Oh the MUSIC, turntables incense, and heavy discussions about the music. I enjoy watching this young man getting into the music of my youth.

[@larrymiller9698]

‘73 here... I had this in the cassette deck in the car a lot!!! LOL!!! I am amazed and grateful that this young man is enjoying our music. And, with an intelligent view to boot!!

[@mrheem44]

great for the future of cats in America and Europe too

[@TheDivayenta]

My favorite song by them! Listen to Buffalo Springfield and the Byrds to get Stephen Stills’ and David Crosby’s influences. Crosby still tours and makes incredible albums with CPR and Lighthouse. WS is a classic David Crosby style tune. There is no Neil Young on their first album. Lead guitar is Stephen Stills. The musicianship of this group was off the charts.

[@donnabruhn6907]

Mine too and Buffalo Springfield 's anti war song Also

[@kerrywolfert5095]

So are all of the other instruments save for drums.

[@sheilaswegler4859]

I'm so pleased that you love their music. It's funny, the satisfaction/pleasure it gives. It's like when my Uncle took my sister and me to see the movie The Gods Must Be Crazy, which he had taken enough people to see that movie, that he had a T shirt made that said "The Gods Must Be Crazy! 14 times!" He excitedly watched us watching it, just the way we all watch you. Circles. I'm a bit like him, but I don't collect. Over his lifetime he gathered a collection of over 80,000 pieces of sheet music, all crammed into file cabinets in his apartment.(Now in the possession of Michael Feinstein and his Americana music museum.) I remember visiting my uncle, and a nightclub singer was there (he often provided music to them, so they were often there), and we watched videos of various arrangements of the same song. It's exactly what I do now, sometimes. When David Crosby was really on his death bed, with 2 weeks to live if he didn't get a liver transplant, someone who knew him got a call from Crosby's son. Given up for adoption when Crosby was 20. Raymond/Ray had fiigured out who his father was and wanted to meet him before he died, and he did. David Crosby says he is a more brilliant musician than he himself is. They and some other writers worked together on the 2014 album Croz. Crosby heaped praise on all of them. The song Morning Falling on that album breaks my heart. It is not musically "brilliant", but great choices were made. And most importantly it does what it needs to do, in delivering its message . Around the time of a Vegas Engagement after "Croz" was released,, Crosby said, "I’m 78, I’m at the end of my life, which is okay. I’ve got a certain amount of time, whatever it is. The length of it isn’t significant, it’s what I do with it. I’ve got one thing I can do that could help anybody and that’s this music." The Crosby, Stills Nash relationships lasted through a heck of a lot of strife, but by then, they were not speaking.

[@johncagnettajr344]

"Wooden Ships" is a song written by David Crosby, Paul Kantner, and Stephen Stills, of which versions were eventually recorded both by Crosby, Stills & Nash and by Jefferson Airplane. Kantner was a founding member of the Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship.

[@MissAstorDancer]

Jefferson Airplane's version of this song is also beautiful!

[@mclerms]

You need to react to "Almost Cut my Hair", David Crosby sings lead and the song is very soulful!!

[@darkmagus64]

they not only sing great, and write great lyrics, the music is impeccable, those transitions are awesome.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

The silver people on the shoreline are wearing radiation suits and implies it’s a nuclear war. You should definitely listen to the Jefferson airplanes original version from their Volunteers album. . Great reaction and analysis. Glad you liked it. . Thanks.

[@tcanfield]

Smart interpretation my friend ! I was never sure what that meant.

[@dylandenney3980]

Not trying to be "that guy" just wanna note that the CSN version came out in May of '69. The Airplane version came out in October of '69. Edit: November '69

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

@@dylandenney3980 really, I thought volunteers was 68. I made a mistake. Thanks for clearing that up. This means there are actually two original versions. Cool

[@dylandenney3980]

@@Hartlor_Tayley yea it was co-written by Paul Kantner and Stills, and Crosby threw some lines in and wrote the music I believe.

[@dylandenney3980]

@@Hartlor_Tayley I was off too Volunteers was November.

[@michaelyork4554]

We were all listening to this type of music back then, when our government leaders had lost their minds, and morals, it is all too sad to realize, that the time that has passed by now, 50 years later, finds us all in the same situation. The only difference is the voices of opposition have been all the more silenced by corporate control.

[@liblit]

The astonishing thing about this is that all the instruments (other than drums and some rhythm guitar) are Stephen Stills. Lead, organ, bass, etc.

[@-R.Gray-]

This album was recorded as Young was joining the band, so some of the songs were done before he was a member. This is probably my favourite Stephen Stills lead guitar playing. The Wikipedia entry on this song answers some of your questions- The ships being wooden wouldn't become radioactive like those made of metal. Purple berries = iodine pills to counter radiation. Silver people on the shoreline = anti-radiation suits. Those on the ship were safe, but couldn't help those still on the shore.

[@j.h.3777]

Who knew? These reaction vids are teaching me about songs I've heard for years but never dissected or read the lyrics. Thanks for everyone's input!

[@johncampbell756]

Actually Neil was after the album. They were preparing to tour and the label head suggested Neil would help fill out their live sound as Stephen played almost all the instruments himself. Neil ended up only on about half of Deja Vu.

[@-R.Gray-]

@@johncampbell756You're right : I just realized that since he had announced it as CSN&Young, I had assumed he must be talking about Deja Vu.

[@chrisb587]

Just Stills on all instruments with Dallas Taylor on drums. CSN on vocals. I don't think Crosby even plays rhythm, although he always does live.

[@myrrhfishify7743]

And therefore doomed to stay away from the shore. Very post apocalyptic.

[@capncanuck2064]

I Love CSN. I saw them in concert at Stowe Vt around 1995. An outdoor concert , sitting on the side of the mountain ( Ski hill ). My girlfriend ( wife now ) and I made our way to the first row. Good memories. Listen to Southern Cross by them. My personal favorite song. Love your reactions. Cheers from Canada.

[@adriennekliger3005]

I’m 64 years old, and had the good fortune to see CSN&Y live. I loved your reaction to this beautifully written song. You seemed to immediately understand the power of the meaning of the song-how war affects humanity. The first line: “If you smile at me I will understand, cause that is something everybody everywhere does in the same language.” Is so damn beautiful. I really enjoyed watching someone your age really get this gorgeous piece of music.

[@boosuedon]

"Silver people on the shoreline let us be". People that are infected with radiation sickness. The song is about the effects of nuclear war and the few survivors.

[@josephgillmer10]

The silver people are people in radioactive suits. I think the first paragraph is so hitting once you know what they are singing about

[@josephgillmer10]

Jefferson and CSN both played this at different times at woodatoxk. Jefferson's version is like grateful dead or phish jam. CSN's is next level musical genius

[@luiscasso9594]

If, you want to listen to another powerful CSNY song, check out "Ohio."

[@drieuxkoeppel8152]

Please please please. And do research on the Kent State Massacre. May 4, 1970.

[@andrewfischer8564]

funny how the government under comrade rump is gunning down people in 2020

[@richardhooser5096]

Been enjoying these songs for almost 50 years now. Makes me so happy to see young people discover their greatness!

[@yorpersona]

These guys faced the times they lived in with song, not violence. Teach your children well, things that they can live by-like truth, justice and a pursuit of happiness..when did it all change?

[@davidvornsand9551]

Crosby Stills Nash and Young articulated feelings that were always in our heads however we could not express it so perfectly!

[@svenidol]

This is another Cold War anthem. "Who won?" is a reference to the nuclear deterrent policy of "MAD" - Mutually Assured Destruction. The story is definitely post apocalyptic. The two men having a conversation in the beginning are citizens of the opposing nations (one would presume Soviet and American) who have taken to sea in wooden ships to escape the radiation on the mainland. They describe watching the "silver people" in radiation suits dying on the beaches. This was written in a te when people not only worried that a nuclear war MIGHT happen, many thought it was inevitable with the continuing tensions between the East and the West.

[@rk41gator]

It was more about the Vietnam War...you don't need us.

[@TomTom-ui9hg]

Great songs are not only meant to be heard but also to leave you with a feeling of something within yourself. You seem to have that ability of absorbing and relating those feeling like my generation did at the time of equality for all and unjust wars. Need more like you my friend. Peace!

[@jimsteffel]

Check out Dark Star

[@Live2swim]

You have made me happy again, sharing our music.

[@greggbarrett7117]

It just occurred to me that the organ is back in the mix but urgent in it's voicing. Reminds me of an SOS signal.

[@debhouckscraftycottage]

Thanks! My favorite group of all time!

[@melvinperry9393]

What I believe to be the greatest opening line of any Rock song. Second would be the opening line of "Don't take me alive" by Steely Dan

[@richardbrown5517]

I got to see them twice, a week after Woodstock and once, the following year. Tremendous talent.

[@gregkerr725]

It's like the different sides of issues and those who fight their battles while people who would otherwise be at peace with each other end up as collateral damage. Amid the wreckage people dream of a place where all that strife is left behind.

[@davidmaholchic6146]

Love you analysis wise beyond your years. At least you take the time to listen closely and talk about it

[@sidecardog5244]

Deja Vu is my favorite album by them. Carry On, Woodstock, Our House....

[@dturasky19]

Best CSN song IMO!!! Stephen Stills is one of the most underrated musicians !

[@zebulon8819]

I knew you love this one it's my favorite from them 🎶🎵♥️ silver people on the shoreline AKA radiation suits some have said

[@dt1064]

Another slow melodic, hypnotic song by them is Guinevere.

[@charliemcfarling4219]

I'm glad you brought it up. I was looking for a reaction video to "Guinevere" when I found this video. It is one of my absolute favorite CSN songs and as you said, is hauntingly beautiful. I hope he does do a reaction to that song, he won't be disappointed.

[@tcanfield]

This is a masterpiece !Later on they did another excellent one I’d recommend called “Southern Cross”.

[@mr.goodenough3796]

Probably my favorite song of theirs. Very powerful as you said. Beautiful instrumentation too.

[@DF-ee8vt]

Neil Young came and went at whim more often than the others. The main core was CSN. They have the magical vocal harmonies and made the most memorable music together, but there were also sub-groups formed by Crosby & Nash, and Stills & Young. I think the wooden ships represent a return to a more organic existence before metal ships(similar to the "Woodstock" message of getting "back to the garden"). This song is used in the opening scenes of the Woodstock film.

[@MissAstorDancer]

I was hoping someone would mention that this song was used over the opening scenes in the Woodstock documentary/film. It played over the scenes that preceded the actual performances, while the stages were being built, and the people were coming by the thousands, causing traffic jams for goodness knows how far away from the venue, so that the people had to abandon their vehicles and walk to the venue. I will never forget seeing the film as soon as it was released, in a (then) brand new theater with an amazing sound system. This song over the opening footage just set the stage (literally - LOL!) for the event to come!!!!

[@jinglebe11rainbow37]

so now you need to hear the Byrds(David Crosby's early band), and Buffalo Springfield(Stephen Stills & Neil Young's early band)

[@catleeper]

Great reaction! Watching you dig on this song that meant so much to us so many years ago...wow! It’s phenomenal how you are able to grasp it.

[@tygerbrite]

One immediate reference of the wooden ships is that David Crosby bought a vintage wooden sailing vessel (once they started making money) and became a serious sailor. He had the boat in Florida I think, or somewhere in the southeast. He said something to the effect that sailing on the ocean is where he felt truly "free and easy." This information is either from the group biography on CSN or the film on Laurel Canyon that features the group's coming together (fantastic film).

[@ecarteringram]

Rediscovering, and really listening ........thanks for reminding me.

[@brucegordon3816]

Dude! I love it that you are checking out this stuff, and love it even more that you totally dig it. You are a cool guy from another generation, and the fact that you can appreciate this speaks volumes for your maturity, taste and open mindedness. I also get the impression you are a musician, and the fact that you are obviously impressed by the musicality of this also attests to your advanced maturity and ability to appreciate timeless music. The theme of this, which was very prevalent amongst the Jefferson Airplane, especially Paul Kantner of the Airplane and their association with David Crosby and Stephen Stills was to just split and get away from the madness of modern society, couched in a story of war, Armageddon, and gathering of tribes of hippies, of which I am one. I appreciate you very much.

[@charlesharris2749]

Interesting seeing young people hearing the songs of my generation from 50 years ago when I was young. The reactions are not dissimilar to our own at the time; emotional and thoughtful. Thanks

[@charlesharris2749]

. Try these, Time followed by The Great Gig In The Sky, as on the Dark Side of the Moon album, from this live performance: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXiVpY2EhLaKd6M&ab_channel=PinkFloyd kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIi9Z5ujfc9lg6M&ab_channel=PinkFloyd full concert kzbin.info/www/bejne/jabJc6hrpt2noKM&ab_channel=BluesRock

[@byronmitchell3784]

Crosby, Stills, and Nash, "Wooden Ships" was the opening song for "Woodstock", and Pictured the Performers Stage being built.. and the throngs of Young People arriving for the 3 day concert....Yes there is Them Performing "Suite Judy Blue Eyes". Was the 2nd time they sang this song in front of an audience...

[@bobdelp2023]

SURPRISING ME TODAY HUH??? :) RIGHT ON DANIEL, MY FAVORITE CSN SONG BY FARRRR , JUST A GREAT SONG WITH GR8 LYRICS, I HAVE A SHIRT FROM 1 OF THEIR CONCERTS IN 92 THAT I WENT TO WHICH I GET COMMENTS ON ALWAYS, IT'S THE 1ST LINE OF THE SONG WITH A SHIP AND IT'S DARK BLUE WITH WHITE LETTERING " IF YOU SMILE AT ME I WILL UNDERSTAND, CAUSE THAT IS SOMETHING EVERYBODY EVERYWHERE DOES IN THE SAME LANGUAGE! :) ' THANKS DANIEL!

[@sharondavid-melly1498]

Thank you for this fabulous song!😘✌️

[@joelliebler5690]

This is one of my favorite songs by them!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻Try reacting toCountry Girl mostly done by Neil on the legendary Deja Vu album!

[@randygabbert7831]

This is an anti war, Viet Nam era song with expanded meaning. Steven Stills was a highly underrated guitar player, the playing here is with a deep almost jazzy feel to it!

[@jjs2351]

I'm so much older than you (I was your age when this song came out) but after watching several of your videos, I respect your thoughtfulness and willingness to explore different bands from the past. Your commentary is very good. Keep up the fine work !

[@thomasmcdonough6642]

Stehen Stills was incredible singer ,writer, guitarist

[@boosuedon]

Neil Young was in and out of the group as he had his own solo career going at the same time. When he was available, he played with them.

[@MrMrmmu72]

Imagine that you've just turned 19. Vietnam is going on full force, as is the Civil Rights movement. Political upheaval is running rampant and on TV every night. You've never heard of CSN. You get this album as a birthday present. You put on a set of headphones, turn on the stereo, and you drop the needle on THIS...That's the impact this album and the next one, Deja Vu, had.

[@breadnapkin]

CSN + sometimes Y. Carry On, Teach Your Children, Ohio, Our House, Wasted On the Way, Southern Cross

[@RicoBurghFan]

This was co-written by David Crosby , Stephen Stills and Paul Kantner, founder of Jefferson Airplane. Crosby and Stills were on vocals, with Stills providing the insane bass and guitar licks, with Graham Nash on amazing harmonies. Obviously an antiwar song, but even more so an imagining of what would happen after a nuclear war. Epic and meaningful.

[@markdraine3571]

Another kick -ass reaction ,Daniel..Really enjoyable.

[@williamcabell142]

One of top five all time groups. I have no numerical order of my five! 😎👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@cynthianavarro4316]

YAY! Wooden Ships! I clicked so fast! I have recommended this song to you before and I'm so glad you chose it! Awesome, group as a trio and as a quartet. And they could write! If you haven't already, Long Time Gone is a great song from this album with David singing lead. Songfacts (for Long Time Gone): The liner notes for the 1991 box set Crosby, Stills & Nash, David Crosby wrote: "It was written the night Bobby Kennedy was killed. I believed in him because he said he wanted to make some positive changes in America, and he hadn't been bought and sold like Johnson and Nixon - cats who made their deals years ago with the special interests in this country in order to gain power. I thought Bobby, like his brother, was a leader who had not made those deals. I was already angry about Jack Kennedy getting killed and it boiled over into this song when they got his brother, too." Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young played this at the 1969 Woodstock Festival, and this song was used to open the video, which shows the workers preparing Max Yasgur's farm for the festival. >>

[@garylarue3899]

You mentioned the bass and drums. Two great session musicians for sure. Dallas Taylor on drums and Greg Reeves on bass. They actually get on cover credit on the second lp, Deja Vu. Greg Reeves was actually a very young session musician at Motown records before hooking up with CSNY. Thanks for reacting to this classic.

[@lewisjohnson8297]

The Illiad and the Odyssey always came from the back of my mind.

[@zebjohnson5118]

Almost cut by my hair. The guitar work is outstanding 🙏♥️

[@ericanderson8886]

Hey Dicon, great tune, not the first supergroup at all. Probably Cream has that honor, then maybe ELP. But they are a great group.

[@theblackcat5416]

Yeah, I'm thinking it was Cream as well.

[@Lightmane]

Supergroup? Wasn't Cream like the first group? : )

[@HamiltonRb]

I would agree with Cream but in a way isn’t The Yardbirds the first super group with who played in it at various times. If you had Clapton, Beck and Page you did something right

[@ericanderson8886]

@@HamiltonRb yardbirds indeed, they just weren't called super lol

[@kestrelle5345]

It would have to be the Beatles, no?

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

❤️❤️❤️!

[@alanshepherd4304]

After The Beatles and Pink Floyd CSN(Y) come a verrry close third!!! Three of the very best!! Jeeze I'm so happy to be a Baby Boomer!!!😁😁🇬🇧

[@byronmitchell3784]

CSN&Y, "WOODEN SHIPS". THIS DOES REMIND OF WOODSTOCK. THOSE VOICES BROUGHT OUT THOSE INNOCENT YEARS OF BEING YOUNG . LOVED HOW STEPHEN STILLS & DAVID CROSBY SANG VERSES BACK AND FORTH TO EACH OTHER. "SAY CAN I HAVE SOME OF YOUR PURPLE BERRIES?" "YES, I'VE BEEN EATING THEM 6, 7 WEEKS NOW. HAVEN'T GOT SICK ONCE ". "PROBABLY WILL KEEP US BOTH ALIVE". LINES THAT HAVE STUCK WITH ME FOR 50 YEARS... YES THEIR IS SOME AWESOME FOOTAGE FROM WOODSTOCK MOVIE. OF THE 3 CS&N PLAYING SUITE JUDY BLUE EYES. IT'S PERFECTLY DONE. FOR THE 2ND TIME THEY PERFORMED THIS LIVE....IT'S WORTH EVERY SECOND OF THIS CLASSIC TUNE....PEACE DANIEL...ANOTHER HALLOWEEN SONG "TIME WARP" FROM ROCKY PICTURE HORROR SHOW...

[@cpmf2112]

I remember hearing this was in part based on the Pacific islanders where the nuclear bombs were tested. They were told to leave before the islands were destroyed and were divided about it. The silver people were in radiation suits.

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

By Crosby, Stills and Nash; on their first album.

[@dalem8332]

CSN& Y did some GREAT stuff! Loved them. 🎼🎶🎶🇨🇦

[@bethhowton5768]

Always loved this song. You can do as much of them as you want.

[@stevenmurano7863]

incredible stuff right here. also, aside from the Jeff Airlplane version, David Crosby and Graham nash released a legendary concert called "another stoney evening'. just the two of them and acoustic guitars (story goes that Crosby had the flu and had like a 103 fever....treated it with 'herbal' medication ;O)....anyway...FANTASTIC concert and they do an incredible version of this one

[@randyguess3124]

I actually like David Crosby's rhythm electric guitar on this. He's an amazing guitarist. Watch the video of Crosby and Nash performing "Guinnevere" from around 1970. All the guitar you hear on that live acoustic performance is David, because Graham is just playing percussion on his guitar.

[@annheckenbach7358]

David Crosby, who sang the last lines of the song, was also in the Byrds. Amazing with harmony, but such a great voice on his own. He recorded several solo albums. Recommended Album- If Only I Could Remember My Name.

[@Wordsmyth8]

You are right, this is a tremendous song from an album full of them. Also write about the fact that the song evokes a certain kind of feeling, not the usual kind you get from a rock song. I’ve always loved its wistfulness.

[@Deyan_B_Travels]

I can't take my ears off bass in this song!

[@powderthumb5959]

Neil did not play on this song.

[@wayneguess7946]

I've been a CSNY fan forever, never heard this song! I like it! DEEP!

[@Knightveil]

The song was written by David Crosby, Paul Kantner (of Jefferson Airplane) and Stephen Stills. It tells the story of two survivors of a nuclear war, with various images meant to evoke the feeling of desolation and hopelessness as they watch men on the shoreline looking for survivors (the silver people). The wooden ships are both a physical reality (the only way they can travel long distances without getting irradiated) and a metaphor for a simpler time before the war when there was peace and freedom. The Jefferson Airplane version has, if I recall slightly different lyrics and a wholly different arrangement that makes it almost a completely different song, even though the overarching theme is the same. Worth a listen.

[@lla788]

So many great songs from CSN & (Y) I think this may be the 1st song that u've done where u can really hear David Crosby's phenomenal vocals. Stills & Crosby alternate singing throughout & Nash joins in during the chorus. The first verse is Stills & the 2nd verse is Crosby and it ends w/Crosby singing that last verse

[@beckygrant2258]

This is the only song on the Crosby, Stills & Nash album - the group's first - with more than one writer on the credits. The group came together in 1968 after the three members - David Crosby (The Byrds), Stephen Stills (Buffalo Springfield) and Graham Nash (The Hollies) left very successful bands. Each came with their own songs, which were evenly distributed throughout the album. Crosby and Stills made music together before Nash joined, which is how "Wooden Ships" came together. In David Crosby's liner notes for the 1991 box set Crosby, Stills & Nash, he says this cryptic, apocalyptic, anti-war song was "written in the main cabin of my boat, the Mayan. I had the music already [and Jefferson Airplane's] Paul Kanter wrote two verses, Stephen [Stills] wrote one and I added the bits at both ends." He goes on to say that the songwriters "imagined ourselves as the few survivors, escaping on a boat to create a new civilization." Crosby called the song "science fiction," but with the Vietnam War escalating and nuclear weapons bunkered around the world, it didn't seem beyond the realm of possibility.

[@beckygrant2258]

Neil Young joined the group by the second album. He has always been in and out of this band, whenever he feels like it. He’s a tremendous addition, when he’s there. But he is hard to get along with sometimes. They all try to stay positive.

[@cynthiaschultheis1660]

THEIR WHOLE ALBUM"DEJA VU" IS EXCELLENT!!👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤❤❤👍👍👍👍👍❤❤

[@denisetinto1828]

You are a smart young man. Good analysis. Cheers from Canada

[@dalemettee1147]

Daniel, we wanted you thear this group because we knew that you of all people would feel it and understand the frustration we all had about this war. Guys were coming home and people in their communities would spit on them for not winning. It was horrible Daniel, just so sad. To this day, fellows who were there never got over the reactions that they had to endure.

[@josephgillmer10]

For this song, it was just CSN. Young plays in songs on their greatest hits album "So far". This song is about the fallout from nuclear holocaust. The harmonies are off the chart incredible.

[@cassvirgillo3395]

Hey DS9, Daniel, Good song, by one of the best groups of the day. The political content of songs from that era, is all to rare these days. Glad to be here after 12 little heart attacks, no joke, and a Shent being installed. Can't go wrong with C,S,N&Y. All the best from Oregon, C.

[@cynthiaschultheis1660]

STEVEN STILLS WROTE "SOUTHERN CROSS". AS HE WAS A SAILOR😍😍😍😍

[@gregkerr725]

I know that with what all is happening in our own country at this time, I and other folks I know feel like foreigners now...in the land we were raised in.

[@HamiltonRb]

The US of today under Trump reminds me of all the protests, racism, violence and chaos under Richard Nixon. You would think the country would learn

[@markmurphy558]

It's after a nuclear war. The title, Wooden Ships, is an anti-technology sentiment that was a very popular during the 60s.

[@heaven7360]

helps to hear it in the context of the period in which it was written...a different generation...that the music represented. Hard to imagine but people were dropping out entirely

[@nicholasmckibbin1510]

Crosby Stills Nash and Young and their (slightly) earlier incarnation Crosby Stills Nash, are among my favorites. The debut album and déjà vu particularly. I have both on vinyl, and they were among the first albums I downloaded to my phone when I got Apple Music. 😂