Buffalo Springfield was a seminal folk rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1966, during the height of the counterculture movement. The band was a melting pot of talent, featuring iconic musicians such as Neil Young, Stephen Stills, Richie Furay, Bruce Palmer, and Dewey Martin. Their unique blend of folk, rock, and country influences, coupled with socially conscious lyrics, helped define the sound of the era.
Buffalo Springfield’s self-titled debut album, released in 1966, featured the enduring protest anthem “For What It’s Worth,” which captured the zeitgeist of the 1960s and became an anthem for social change. The band’s subsequent albums, including “Buffalo Springfield Again” (1967) and “Last Time Around” (1968), further solidified their reputation as one of the most influential bands of the era.
Despite their relatively short-lived tenure, Buffalo Springfield left an indelible mark on the music world, inspiring generations of musicians with their innovative sound and socially conscious lyrics. Their brief but impactful legacy continues to resonate with audiences today, cementing their status as pioneers of folk rock and stalwarts of the 1960s counterculture movement.
1. For What It’s Worth
“For What It’s Worth” is a timeless protest anthem by Buffalo Springfield, released in 1966. Written by Stephen Stills, the song encapsulates the social and political unrest of the 1960s, particularly the clashes between police and young people in Los Angeles on the Sunset Strip.
The song’s iconic opening riff immediately draws listeners in, setting the stage for Stills’ evocative lyrics that capture the tension and uncertainty of the era. With its catchy melody and powerful message, “For What It’s Worth” became an anthem for the counterculture movement and a rallying cry for social change.
The lyrics, which include the famous lines “There’s something happening here / What it is ain’t exactly clear,” reflect the frustration and disillusionment felt by many young people at the time. Despite being written over 50 years ago, the song’s themes of activism, resistance, and the quest for justice remain as relevant today as ever.
“For What It’s Worth” continues to resonate with audiences around the world, earning its place as one of the greatest protest songs of all time. Its enduring popularity and timeless message serve as a reminder of the power of music to inspire, unite, and effect change.
2. Bluebird
“Bluebird” is a song by the American-Canadian rock band Buffalo Springfield, released in 1967 as part of their second album, “Buffalo Springfield Again.” The song was written by Stephen Stills, who was a prominent member of the band.
“Bluebird” is characterized by its intricate guitar work, folk-rock sound, and cryptic lyrics. The song features a memorable guitar riff and showcases Stills’ talent as both a guitarist and vocalist. Lyrically, “Bluebird” is open to interpretation, with its abstract imagery and poetic language evoking themes of freedom, wanderlust, and longing.
Upon its release, “Bluebird” received acclaim from music critics and became a fan favorite, helping to solidify Buffalo Springfield’s reputation as one of the pioneering bands of the 1960s rock scene. The song’s melodic guitar lines and Stills’ soulful vocals resonated with audiences, making it a staple of classic rock radio and earning it a place in the band’s iconic repertoire.
“Bluebird” remains one of Buffalo Springfield’s most beloved songs, celebrated for its timeless appeal and enduring influence on the rock music genre. Its haunting melody and enigmatic lyrics continue to captivate listeners, ensuring its status as a classic of 1960s rock music.
3. Rock & Roll Woman
“Rock & Roll Woman” is a song by the American-Canadian rock band Buffalo Springfield, released in 1967 as part of their self-titled debut album. The song was written by Stephen Stills, who was a prominent member of the band.
“Rock & Roll Woman” is characterized by its catchy guitar riff, energetic rhythm, and memorable melody. The song features Stills’ distinctive vocals and showcases the band’s signature folk-rock sound. Lyrically, “Rock & Roll Woman” explores themes of freedom, rebellion, and the allure of the rock and roll lifestyle.
Upon its release, “Rock & Roll Woman” received acclaim from music critics and became a fan favorite, helping to establish Buffalo Springfield as one of the leading bands of the 1960s rock scene. The song’s infectious groove and Stills’ impassioned vocals resonated with audiences, making it a staple of classic rock radio and earning it a place in the band’s iconic repertoire.
“Rock & Roll Woman” remains a beloved track in Buffalo Springfield’s discography, celebrated for its timeless appeal and enduring influence on the rock music genre. Its catchy melody and spirited performance continue to captivate listeners, ensuring its status as a classic of 1960s rock music.
4. Mr. Soul
“Mr. Soul” is a seminal rock song by Buffalo Springfield, released in 1967 on their second album, “Buffalo Springfield Again.” The song was written by Neil Young, one of the band’s most prominent members known for his distinctive songwriting and guitar playing.
“Mr. Soul” is characterized by its driving rhythm, fuzzy guitar riffs, and introspective lyrics. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious melody create a sense of urgency and excitement, while Young’s impassioned vocals add depth and emotion to the performance.
Lyrically, “Mr. Soul” delves into themes of identity, authenticity, and the pressures of fame. Young, who was grappling with his newfound celebrity status at the time, uses the song as a platform to express his inner turmoil and disillusionment with the music industry.
With its raw energy and thought-provoking lyrics, “Mr. Soul” quickly became a fan favorite and a staple of Buffalo Springfield’s live performances. The song’s enduring popularity has solidified its status as one of the band’s most iconic and influential tracks, earning praise from critics and musicians alike for its innovation and creativity.
“Mr. Soul” remains a beloved classic in the rock canon, celebrated for its timeless sound and introspective lyrics that continue to resonate with audiences today.
5. Expecting to Fly
“Expecting to Fly” is a song by the American-Canadian rock band Buffalo Springfield, released in 1967 as a single and later included on their second album, “Buffalo Springfield Again.” The song was written by Neil Young, who was a key member of the band.
“Expecting to Fly” is characterized by its dreamy atmosphere, lush orchestration, and ethereal vocals. The song features intricate arrangements, including strings and horns, which add to its cinematic quality. Lyrically, “Expecting to Fly” explores themes of longing, disillusionment, and the search for meaning.
Upon its release, “Expecting to Fly” received critical acclaim for its innovative sound and poignant lyrics. Neil Young’s haunting vocals and the song’s evocative instrumentation resonated with audiences, making it a standout track in Buffalo Springfield’s repertoire. Despite not achieving commercial success as a single, “Expecting to Fly” has since become regarded as one of the band’s most enduring and influential songs.
“Expecting to Fly” remains a beloved classic in Neil Young’s discography and is celebrated for its atmospheric beauty and emotional depth. Its haunting melody and introspective lyrics continue to captivate listeners, ensuring its place as a timeless gem in the annals of rock music.
6. Broken Arrow
“Broken Arrow” is a compelling and introspective song by Buffalo Springfield, featured on their final studio album “Last Time Around,” released in 1968. Written by Neil Young, the song stands out for its poetic lyricism, haunting melody, and innovative arrangement.
In “Broken Arrow,” Young explores themes of disillusionment, longing, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. The song’s enigmatic lyrics and dream-like imagery evoke a sense of introspection and contemplation, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences and emotions.
Musically, “Broken Arrow” showcases Buffalo Springfield’s versatility and creativity. The song’s intricate instrumentation, including lush strings and atmospheric effects, creates a rich sonic landscape that enhances the mood and atmosphere of the song.
Despite its commercial success, “Broken Arrow” has earned acclaim from both critics and fans for its artistic ambition and emotional depth. The song’s enduring popularity and influence have solidified its status as one of Buffalo Springfield’s most iconic and memorable tracks, serving as a testament to the band’s enduring legacy in the annals of rock music history.
7. I Am a Child
“I Am a Child” is a poignant and introspective song by Buffalo Springfield, featured on their second album, “Buffalo Springfield Again,” released in 1967. The song was penned by Neil Young, reflecting his introspective songwriting style and knack for capturing the complexities of youth and self-discovery.
With its gentle melody and sparse arrangement, “I Am a Child” exudes a sense of vulnerability and innocence. The lyrics speak to the universal experience of growing up and grappling with one’s identity, as Young muses, “I am a child, I last a while / You can’t conceive of the pleasure in my smile.”
Despite its simplicity, “I Am a Child” resonates deeply with listeners, tapping into themes of nostalgia, longing, and the passage of time. Young’s earnest vocals and heartfelt delivery add depth and emotion to the song, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journey from childhood to adulthood.
“I Am a Child” stands as a testament to Buffalo Springfield’s ability to blend folk, rock, and country influences into a cohesive and timeless sound. The song’s enduring popularity and universal themes have solidified its place as one of the band’s most beloved and enduring tracks.
8. Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing
“Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing” is a song by the American-Canadian rock band Buffalo Springfield, released in 1966 as part of their self-titled debut album. The song was written by Neil Young, who was a key member of the band.
“Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing” is characterized by its folk-rock sound, melodic guitar work, and introspective lyrics. The song features Neil Young’s distinctive vocals and showcases the band’s tight harmonies. Lyrically, the song explores themes of disillusionment and societal change, with the narrator reflecting on the decline of a friend named Clancy.
Upon its release, “Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing” received praise for its poetic lyrics and evocative melody. Neil Young’s plaintive vocals and the song’s melancholic atmosphere resonated with audiences, establishing Buffalo Springfield as one of the leading bands of the 1960s rock scene. While it did not achieve commercial success as a single, “Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing” has since become regarded as one of the band’s most enduring and influential songs.
“Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing” remains a beloved classic in Buffalo Springfield’s discography and is celebrated for its timeless appeal and emotional depth. Its haunting melody and introspective lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, ensuring its place as a standout track in the annals of rock music.
9. Burned
“Burned” is a raw and emotionally charged song by Buffalo Springfield, released in 1966 as a part of their debut album. It was written by Neil Young, one of the band’s founding members known for his introspective songwriting and distinctive guitar work.
The song’s lyrics delve into themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and disillusionment, reflecting Young’s personal experiences at the time. With lines like “I’m a burned out soul / I’ve got no place to go,” Young captures the sense of hopelessness and despair that often accompanies the end of a relationship.
Musically, “Burned” features a driving rhythm, jangly guitars, and tight harmonies characteristic of Buffalo Springfield’s folk rock sound. Young’s impassioned vocals add to the intensity of the song, conveying the pain and frustration of lost love.
Despite its relatively short length, “Burned” packs a powerful punch, leaving a lasting impression on listeners with its raw emotion and infectious energy. The song’s raw honesty and relatable lyrics have earned it a special place in Buffalo Springfield’s discography, making it a fan favorite and a standout track on their debut album.
10. Go and Say Goodbye
“Go and Say Goodbye” is a song by the American-Canadian rock band Buffalo Springfield, released in 1966 as part of their self-titled debut album. The song was written by Stephen Stills, who was a key member of the band.
“Go and Say Goodbye” is characterized by its folk-rock sound, melodic guitar work, and tight harmonies. The song features a catchy guitar riff and showcases the band’s signature vocal blend. Lyrically, the song tells the story of a breakup, with the narrator urging their partner to leave and end the relationship.
Upon its release, “Go and Say Goodbye” received praise for its memorable melody and tight musicianship. Stephen Stills’ plaintive vocals and the song’s bittersweet lyrics resonated with audiences, establishing Buffalo Springfield as one of the leading bands of the 1960s rock scene. While it did not achieve commercial success as a single, “Go and Say Goodbye” has since become regarded as one of the band’s most enduring and influential songs.
“Go and Say Goodbye” remains a beloved classic in Buffalo Springfield’s discography and is celebrated for its timeless appeal and emotional resonance. Its memorable melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to captivate listeners, ensuring its place as a standout track in the annals of rock music.
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.
