Buffalo Springfield was an American rock band that emerged in the mid-1960s and was a significant contributor to the folk-rock movement of the time. The band was known for its politically charged lyrics, intricate harmonies, and experimental sound that blended folk, rock, and country genres. During its brief existence from 1966 to 1968, Buffalo Springfield produced a string of hit songs that captured the zeitgeist of the era and influenced generations of musicians to come. From “For What It’s Worth” to “Mr. Soul,” the band’s music has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with audiences today. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the top 10 best Buffalo Springfield songs of all time. We’ll explore the lyrics, melodies, and production that made these songs iconic and discuss their impact on the music industry. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering Buffalo Springfield’s music for the first time, this list is sure to give you a greater appreciation for the band’s lasting legacy. So, let’s dive in and explore the best of Buffalo Springfield.
1. Flying On The Ground Is Wrong
“Flying On The Ground Is Wrong” is a bluesy rock song by Buffalo Springfield that was written by Neil Young. The song features his signature guitar work and soulful vocals, as well as Stephen Stills’ harmonies. The lyrics speak to the feeling of being lost and searching for meaning in life, with lines like “Is my world not falling down, I’m in pieces on the ground.” The song’s raw emotion and catchy melody make it a standout track on the band’s debut album.
2. A Child’s Claim To Fame
“A Child’s Claim To Fame” is a country-tinged rock song by Buffalo Springfield that was written by Richie Furay, one of the band’s lead vocalists and guitarists. The song features his smooth vocals and catchy guitar riffs, as well as Stephen Stills’ harmonies. The lyrics speak to the feeling of being misunderstood and underestimated, with lines like “I’m a child of laughter, I’m a child of pain, I’m a child of love.” The song’s upbeat tempo and playful lyrics make it a fan favorite and a standout track on the band’s debut album.
3. For What It’s Worth
“For What It’s Worth” is another iconic rock song by Buffalo Springfield that has become a symbol of the 1960s counterculture movement. The song was written by Stephen Stills, another lead vocalist and guitarist for the band. The song’s opening guitar riff is instantly recognizable and sets the tone for the song’s message about social unrest and political upheaval. The lyrics speak to the protests and clashes between police and anti-war demonstrators that were happening at the time. With lines like “There’s a man with a gun over there, telling me I’ve got to beware,” the song captures the feeling of unease and uncertainty of the era. “For What It’s Worth” has been covered by many artists over the years and remains a powerful symbol of protest music.
4. On The Way Home
“On The Way Home” is a reflective and introspective song by Buffalo Springfield. The song was written by Neil Young and features his signature acoustic guitar style and emotional vocals. The lyrics speak to the feeling of being lost and searching for meaning in life. With lines like “I’m searching for love and a way to understand,” the song captures the sense of uncertainty and longing that many people experience. The song’s gentle melody and thoughtful lyrics make it a standout track on the band’s album “Last Time Around.”
5. Mr. Soul
“Mr. Soul” by Buffalo Springfield is a classic rock song that was written by Neil Young, one of the band’s lead vocalists and guitarists. The song features a driving guitar riff and strong vocals that reflect the counterculture movement of the late 1960s. The lyrics address the struggles of being a public figure and the feeling of being misunderstood. With lines like “Oh, hello Mr. Soul, I dropped by to pick up a reason,” the song conveys a sense of searching for purpose and meaning in life. “Mr. Soul” has become a beloved rock classic and a staple of the genre.
6. Bluebird
“Bluebird” is a blues-inspired rock song by Buffalo Springfield. The song was written by Stephen Stills and features his powerful guitar work and soulful vocals. The lyrics speak to the desire for freedom and adventure, with lines like “Listen to my bluebird laugh, she can’t tell you why.” The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious melody make it a fan favorite and a standout track on the band’s self-titled debut album.
7. Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing
“Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing” is a bluesy rock song by Buffalo Springfield that was written by Neil Young. The song features his signature guitar work and soulful vocals, as well as Stephen Stills’ harmonies. The lyrics speak to the feeling of being misunderstood and underestimated, with lines like “He’s got to be himself, he can’t be no one else.” The song’s raw emotion and catchy melody make it a standout track on the band’s debut album.
8. Broken Arrow
“Broken Arrow” is a hauntingly beautiful song by Buffalo Springfield. The song was written by Neil Young and features his signature acoustic guitar style and ethereal vocals. The lyrics speak to the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of change, with lines like “All your money’s gone, and you’re drunk as hell.” The song’s gentle melody and poignant lyrics make it a powerful and emotional track that has resonated with fans for generations. “Broken Arrow” is a true classic that showcases the band’s incredible talent and enduring legacy.
9. Four Days Gone
“Four Days Gone” is a folk-inspired rock song by Buffalo Springfield that was written by Stephen Stills. The song features his powerful guitar work and soulful vocals, as well as intricate harmonies. The lyrics speak to the feeling of being lost and searching for meaning in life, with lines like “Four days gone, I’m aching more than I ever thought I could.” The song’s intricate melodies and poetic lyrics make it a standout track on the band’s second album.
10. Expecting To Fly
“Expecting To Fly” is a hauntingly beautiful song by Buffalo Springfield. The song was written by Neil Young and features his signature acoustic guitar style and ethereal vocals, as well as stunning orchestration. The lyrics speak to the fleeting nature of love and the sadness of lost dreams, with lines like “There you stood on the edge of your feather, expecting to fly.” The song’s delicate melody and poignant lyrics make it a powerful and emotional track that has resonated with fans for generations.
Samuel Moore 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.
