Buffalo Springfield was a short-lived but influential American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1966. The band’s core members included Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Richie Furay, Bruce Palmer, and Dewey Martin. They are often credited as one of the key groups that helped shape the folk-rock and country-rock genres during the late 1960s.
The band’s self-titled debut album, “Buffalo Springfield,” released in 1966, featured the iconic protest song “For What It’s Worth.” The track, written by Stephen Stills, became an anthem for the counterculture movement and is widely recognized for its social commentary on the unrest of the 1960s.
Buffalo Springfield’s music was characterized by a blend of folk, rock, and country influences. Their songs often featured intricate harmonies, thoughtful lyrics, and a sound that reflected the social and political turbulence of the era. Despite their relatively short time together, the band’s impact was significant, influencing subsequent generations of musicians.
Internal conflicts and personnel changes led to the disbandment of Buffalo Springfield in 1968, but its members went on to achieve successful solo careers. Neil Young, in particular, became a legendary figure in the rock music scene. The band’s legacy endures, and their music remains a crucial part of the 1960s rock and folk-rock canon.
1. For What It’s Worth
“For What It’s Worth” is a seminal song by Buffalo Springfield, released in 1966 as a single and later featured on the band’s self-titled debut album. The song, written by Stephen Stills, has become an enduring anthem that captures the spirit of the 1960s counterculture movement.
The lyrics of “For What It’s Worth” address the social and political unrest of the time, particularly focusing on the Sunset Strip curfew riots in Los Angeles in 1966. The phrase “Stop, hey, what’s that sound? Everybody look what’s going down” became iconic and reflected the atmosphere of protest and change during the turbulent 1960s.
The song’s distinctive opening guitar riff, played by Stephen Stills, is instantly recognizable and has contributed to the enduring popularity of “For What It’s Worth.” The track is often considered one of the quintessential protest songs of the era, capturing the sentiments of a generation questioning authority and seeking social justice.
Despite Buffalo Springfield’s relatively short-lived existence, “For What It’s Worth” remains a powerful cultural touchstone, and its relevance has transcended its initial context. The song’s impact has endured over the years, with its message still resonating with listeners and its place secured in the pantheon of influential rock and protest music.
2. Bluebird
“Bluebird” is a song by Buffalo Springfield, written by Stephen Stills. It is one of the tracks from the band’s second album, “Buffalo Springfield Again,” released in 1967. “Bluebird” is notable for its intricate guitar work, featuring solos by both Stephen Stills and Neil Young, and it’s considered one of the standout tracks from the album.
The song showcases the musical and stylistic diversity within Buffalo Springfield. With its melodic and intricate guitar arrangements, “Bluebird” demonstrates the band’s ability to blend folk, rock, and psychedelic elements into a cohesive and compelling piece.
Lyrically, “Bluebird” is somewhat enigmatic, with Stills using poetic and symbolic language. The song has been interpreted in various ways, and its ambiguous lyrics contribute to its timeless and enduring appeal.
“Bluebird” not only highlights the individual talents of the band members but also serves as a representation of the musical experimentation and creativity that defined the late 1960s. The song has endured as a classic within the Buffalo Springfield catalog and is often praised for its instrumental prowess and its contribution to the development of folk-rock and psychedelic rock during that era.
3. Rock & Roll Woman
“Rock & Roll Woman” is a song by Buffalo Springfield, written by Stephen Stills. It is featured on the band’s third and final studio album, “Last Time Around,” released in 1968. The track showcases the band’s signature sound, blending folk, rock, and country influences.
“Rock & Roll Woman” is notable for its catchy melody, harmonious vocals, and intricate guitar work, characteristic of Buffalo Springfield’s musical style. The lyrics, written by Stills, have been interpreted as a commentary on the changing dynamics within the music industry and the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
The song features Stills on lead vocals, and it reflects the band’s ability to address contemporary social issues while maintaining a musicality that appealed to a broad audience. The intertwining vocals of Stephen Stills and Richie Furay contribute to the harmonious and melodic nature of the track.
While “Rock & Roll Woman” may not be as well-known as some of Buffalo Springfield’s earlier hits, it remains a respected and influential piece within their discography. The song captures the essence of the band’s musical evolution and their role in shaping the folk-rock and country-rock genres during the late 1960s.
4. Mr. Soul
“Mr. Soul” is a song by Buffalo Springfield, written by Neil Young. It was first released on the band’s debut album, “Buffalo Springfield,” in 1966. The song is notable for its distinctive guitar riff and Neil Young’s introspective lyrics.
“Mr. Soul” reflects Young’s thoughts on the challenges and pressures of fame and the music industry. The lyrics touch on themes of identity, authenticity, and the struggle to maintain one’s true self in the face of external expectations. The title character, “Mr. Soul,” is often interpreted as a representation of Young himself.
Musically, “Mr. Soul” features a catchy guitar riff played by Neil Young and incorporates elements of folk and rock. The song’s blend of acoustic and electric instrumentation reflects Buffalo Springfield’s ability to merge various musical styles, contributing to the band’s influential sound.
The song gained recognition for its innovative approach and became a favorite among fans of both Buffalo Springfield and Neil Young’s solo work. “Mr. Soul” remains a classic example of Young’s songwriting and Buffalo Springfield’s contribution to the folk-rock and rock scenes of the 1960s.
5. Expecting to Fly
“Expecting to Fly” is a song by Buffalo Springfield, written by Neil Young. It was released as a single in 1967 and later included on the band’s second album, “Buffalo Springfield Again.” The song is notable for its dreamy and orchestral arrangement, which sets it apart from much of the band’s other material.
“Expecting to Fly” features lush orchestration, including strings and horns, giving it a distinct and ethereal quality. Neil Young’s vocals, accompanied by this rich musical backdrop, create a haunting and introspective atmosphere. The lyrics are poetic and somewhat abstract, with themes that suggest longing, reflection, and the anticipation of change.
The song is often considered one of Neil Young’s early masterpieces, showcasing his ability to experiment with different musical textures and convey complex emotions. “Expecting to Fly” stands out in the Buffalo Springfield catalog as a departure from their more typical folk-rock sound, demonstrating the band’s versatility.
Despite not being a chart-topping single, “Expecting to Fly” has endured as a classic and is appreciated for its artistic ambition and Neil Young’s introspective songwriting. The song’s unique sound and emotional depth contribute to its status as a significant piece in the landscape of late 1960s rock music.
6. Broken Arrow
“Broken Arrow” is a song by Buffalo Springfield, written by Neil Young. It is the title track from the band’s third and final studio album, released in 1968. The song is characterized by its experimental and intricate musical arrangement and is considered one of Neil Young’s more avant-garde compositions.
“Broken Arrow” stands out for its extended instrumental breaks, unconventional structure, and use of sound effects. Neil Young’s lyrics are cryptic and open to interpretation, contributing to the song’s enigmatic atmosphere. The title itself, “Broken Arrow,” has been suggested to symbolize various things, including a damaged nuclear weapon or a Native American legend.
Musically, the song incorporates elements of folk, rock, and psychedelia, showcasing Buffalo Springfield’s willingness to explore new sonic territories. The diverse instrumentation, including horns and strings, adds to the complexity of the composition.
While “Broken Arrow” may not have achieved the same commercial success as some of Buffalo Springfield’s earlier hits, it has gained recognition for its artistic ambition and experimentation. The song’s unconventional structure and Neil Young’s avant-garde approach make it a notable and influential piece within the band’s discography, reflecting the spirit of musical exploration prevalent in the late 1960s.
7. I Am a Child
“I Am a Child” is a song by Neil Young, and it was released as a single with Buffalo Springfield in 1968. The song later appeared on the band’s final album, “Last Time Around.” Neil Young wrote and sang the lead vocals for “I Am a Child.”
The song is characterized by its simplicity, both in terms of lyrics and musical arrangement. The lyrics express a sense of innocence and vulnerability, capturing the feelings of a child navigating the complexities of the world. With lines like “I am a child, I last a while, you can’t conceive of the pleasure in my smile,” Young creates a poignant and introspective mood.
Musically, “I Am a Child” features an acoustic arrangement with gentle strumming and Neil Young’s distinctive vocals. The song’s stripped-down approach contrasts with some of the more elaborate and experimental tracks in Buffalo Springfield’s repertoire.
“I Am a Child” has endured as one of Neil Young’s beloved compositions. Its timeless quality and introspective nature have resonated with audiences, and the song remains a notable contribution to the folk-rock and singer-songwriter genres.
8. Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing
“Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing” is a song written by Neil Young and performed by Buffalo Springfield. It was released on the band’s eponymous debut album in 1966. The track showcases Neil Young’s songwriting skills and distinctive vocals.
The lyrics of “Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing” are somewhat enigmatic, prompting interpretations about disillusionment and the challenges of communication. The character “Clancy” serves as a symbol for someone who struggles to express themselves or connect with others.
Musically, the song features folk-rock elements, incorporating acoustic guitars and harmonies. Neil Young’s lead vocals, along with Stephen Stills’ and Richie Furay’s harmonies, create a haunting and evocative atmosphere. The track is characterized by its emotive delivery and the synergy of the band members’ voices.
While “Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing” may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of Buffalo Springfield’s other songs, it is appreciated for its poetic lyrics and the introspective mood it conveys. The song remains a notable piece within the band’s early catalog, capturing the essence of the folk-rock and rock scenes of the mid-1960s.
9. Burned
“Burned” is a song by Buffalo Springfield, released in 1966 on the band’s self-titled debut album. The song is notable for featuring Neil Young on lead vocals and is an early example of his distinctive songwriting style.
The lyrics of “Burned” reflect themes of heartbreak and disappointment in a relationship. Neil Young’s delivery adds a sense of vulnerability and emotion to the song, capturing the feelings of disillusionment and pain associated with lost love.
Musically, “Burned” blends folk and rock elements, characteristic of Buffalo Springfield’s sound. The song features a prominent guitar riff and harmonies, with Young’s vocals complemented by those of Stephen Stills and Richie Furay.
While “Burned” was not released as a single and may not be as well-known as some of Buffalo Springfield’s other tracks, it remains a fan favorite and a notable representation of the band’s early work. The song showcases Neil Young’s emerging talent as a songwriter and contributes to the overall diversity of styles within Buffalo Springfield’s debut album.
10. Go and Say Goodbye
“Go and Say Goodbye” is a song by Buffalo Springfield, released on their self-titled debut album in 1966. The track was written by Stephen Stills, who also provides lead vocals on the song. “Go and Say Goodbye” is one of the earlier compositions by Stills within the Buffalo Springfield catalog.
The lyrics of the song suggest themes of farewell and parting ways, and Stills’ delivery conveys a sense of melancholy and introspection. The harmonies, a characteristic feature of Buffalo Springfield’s sound, are also prominent in this track.
Musically, “Go and Say Goodbye” features folk-rock elements, with acoustic guitars and vocal harmonies playing a central role. The song captures the essence of the mid-1960s folk-rock scene and highlights the band’s ability to blend various influences into a cohesive sound.
While not released as a single, “Go and Say Goodbye” remains a notable part of Buffalo Springfield’s early discography. It reflects the band’s exploration of folk and rock elements, setting the stage for their subsequent contributions to the evolving music landscape of the late 1960s.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
