On Rolling Stone magazine's list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time," the editors usually have a little something to say about each song: What makes it so great; who wrote it and why, etc. With "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" by Crosby, Stills & Nash, they found no need to explain or justify its inclusion...and they were absolutely right.
Seriously.
But just for fun, I did a little research at songfacts.com and have concluded that though the tune and the harmonies are overwhelmingly beautiful, the words spell out a sad, sad tale.
Stephen Stills wrote the song as he was trying to avoid an impending breakup between Judy Collins and himself. When the song was done, he bought some flowers and went to Collins' house to sing it to her.
Imagine how desperate he must have sounded when he sang words like "It's getting to the point where I am no fun anymore. I am sorry. Sometimes it hurts so badly I must cry out loud, 'I am lonely'," and "Remember what we've said and done and felt about each other. Oh babe, have mercy," and the perfectly pathetic, "Will you come see me Thursdays and Saturdays? What have you got to lose?"
It makes what Judy Collins said absolutely understandable: "It's gorgeous, but it's not going to get me back."
If this were the Truth Is... blog, this story would be followed up with these wise words: Whiners aren't winners.
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