Buffalo Springfield was a seminal American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1966. The band’s original lineup consisted of Stephen Stills (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Neil Young (guitar, vocals), Richie Furay (guitar, vocals), Bruce Palmer (bass), and Dewey Martin (drums).
The band’s music blended folk, rock, and psychedelic elements, with thought-provoking lyrics that reflected the social and political turbulence of the 1960s. Buffalo Springfield’s sound was characterized by intricate vocal harmonies, innovative guitar work, and a dynamic rhythm section.
One of Buffalo Springfield’s most famous songs is “For What It’s Worth,” released in 1967. The song became an anthem for the counterculture movement and is often associated with the protests against the Vietnam War. Other notable songs by Buffalo Springfield include “Mr. Soul,” “Expecting to Fly,” and “Rock and Roll Woman.”
Despite their relatively short tenure, Buffalo Springfield’s influence on the development of rock music was profound. The band’s members went on to have successful careers as solo artists and in other bands, cementing their legacy as pioneers of the folk-rock and psychedelic rock genres.
1. Kind Woman
“Kind Woman” is a folk-rock song by Buffalo Springfield, featured on their second album, *Buffalo Springfield Again*, released in 1967. The song was written by Richie Furay, who also provided lead vocals.
“Kind Woman” is characterized by its gentle melody, tender lyrics, and emotive vocal delivery. The song reflects themes of love, gratitude, and longing, with Furay expressing appreciation for the kindness and love of a woman who has touched his heart.
The song’s stripped-down arrangement, featuring acoustic guitar and subtle harmonies, creates an intimate and introspective atmosphere. “Kind Woman” stands out as a heartfelt and sincere ballad amidst the more rock-oriented tracks on the album.
Richie Furay’s poignant songwriting and heartfelt vocals make “Kind Woman” a standout track in Buffalo Springfield’s discography, showcasing the band’s versatility and ability to create music that resonates on a deep emotional level.
2. I Am a Child
“I Am a Child” is a folk-rock song by Buffalo Springfield, released on their debut self-titled album in 1966. The song was written by Neil Young, who also sings lead vocals on the track.
“I Am a Child” is characterized by its simplicity and innocence. The song features a gentle acoustic guitar melody and delicate vocal harmonies, creating a nostalgic and wistful atmosphere. The lyrics express themes of vulnerability, introspection, and the search for identity, as the protagonist grapples with the complexities of growing up.
Despite its understated arrangement, “I Am a Child” is a powerful and evocative song that resonates with listeners on a deeply emotional level. Neil Young’s plaintive vocals and heartfelt delivery capture the universal experience of childhood and the longing for understanding and acceptance.
“I Am a Child” remains a beloved classic in Buffalo Springfield’s repertoire, showcasing the band’s ability to craft poignant and introspective songs that transcend time and resonate with audiences across generations.
3. Expecting to Fly
“Expecting to Fly” is a folk-rock song by Buffalo Springfield, featured on their second album, *Buffalo Springfield Again*, released in 1967. The song was written by Neil Young, who also sings lead vocals.
“Expecting to Fly” is characterized by its ethereal and dreamy atmosphere. The song features lush orchestration, including strings and horns, layered over a hauntingly beautiful melody. Neil Young’s vocals are tender and emotive, conveying a sense of longing and introspection.
Lyrically, “Expecting to Fly” explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The lyrics evoke a sense of yearning and uncertainty, as the protagonist grapples with the complexities of relationships and the inevitability of change.
“Expecting to Fly” stands out as one of Buffalo Springfield’s most experimental and ambitious tracks, showcasing the band’s willingness to push the boundaries of their folk-rock sound. The song’s haunting beauty and introspective lyrics have made it a beloved classic among fans of the band and Neil Young’s solo work.
4. For What It’s Worth
“For What It’s Worth” is a folk-rock song by Buffalo Springfield, released in 1966 as a single and later included on their self-titled debut album. The song was written by Stephen Stills, who also sings lead vocals.
“For What It’s Worth” is perhaps one of the most iconic protest songs of the 1960s, capturing the social and political unrest of the era. The song’s lyrics were inspired by the Sunset Strip curfew riots in November 1966, where young people protested against the enforcement of a newly enacted curfew and other restrictions targeting the counterculture scene in Los Angeles.
With its memorable guitar riff, driving rhythm, and catchy melody, “For What It’s Worth” became an anthem for the emerging youth movement and the broader civil rights and anti-war movements of the 1960s. The song’s message of resistance and solidarity resonated with audiences, and it remains relevant as a rallying cry for social justice and political activism.
“For What It’s Worth” has been covered by numerous artists over the years and continues to be celebrated as a timeless classic in the history of rock music. Its enduring popularity and cultural significance have solidified its place as one of Buffalo Springfield’s most enduring and influential songs.
5. Bluebird
“Bluebird” is a folk-rock song by Buffalo Springfield, featured on their second album, *Buffalo Springfield Again*, released in 1967. The song was written by Stephen Stills, who also provides lead vocals.
“Bluebird” is characterized by its intricate guitar work, upbeat tempo, and intricate vocal harmonies. The song features Stills’ signature fingerpicking style and showcases the band’s instrumental prowess. Lyrically, “Bluebird” is cryptic and abstract, with imagery that evokes feelings of longing, freedom, and transcendence.
The song’s extended instrumental breaks allow each member of the band to showcase their musical talents, with electric guitar solos and improvisations adding to the song’s dynamic energy. “Bluebird” is often regarded as one of Buffalo Springfield’s standout tracks, showcasing the band’s ability to blend folk, rock, and psychedelic elements into a cohesive and compelling sound.
“Bluebird” remains a favorite among fans of Buffalo Springfield and is celebrated for its innovative musical arrangements and Stills’ virtuosic guitar playing.
6. Rock & Roll Woman
“Rock & Roll Woman” is a rock song by Buffalo Springfield, released in 1967 on their album *Buffalo Springfield Again*. The song was written by Stephen Stills, who also sings lead vocals.
“Rock & Roll Woman” is characterized by its catchy guitar riff, driving rhythm, and energetic performance. The song features tight vocal harmonies and a memorable melody that captures the spirit of the rock and roll era.
Lyrically, “Rock & Roll Woman” explores themes of freedom, rebellion, and the power of music to inspire change. The song’s protagonist is drawn to a mysterious and enigmatic woman who embodies the spirit of rock and roll, capturing his imagination and igniting his passion.
With its infectious energy and dynamic performance, “Rock & Roll Woman” became a fan favorite and a staple of Buffalo Springfield’s live shows. The song remains a classic example of the band’s innovative blend of folk, rock, and psychedelic influences, showcasing their talent for crafting memorable and influential music.
7. Mr. Soul
“Mr. Soul” is a rock song by Buffalo Springfield, released in 1967 on their album *Buffalo Springfield Again*. The song was written by Neil Young, who also provides lead vocals.
“Mr. Soul” is characterized by its driving rhythm, catchy guitar riff, and introspective lyrics. The song features a raw and energetic performance, with Young’s distinctive vocals and guitar work driving the song forward.
Lyrically, “Mr. Soul” is a reflection on fame, identity, and the pressures of being in the spotlight. The protagonist grapples with the expectations and scrutiny that come with fame, expressing a desire to maintain authenticity and integrity in the face of public scrutiny.
With its infectious energy and thought-provoking lyrics, “Mr. Soul” became one of Buffalo Springfield’s most enduring and influential songs. The song remains a classic example of the band’s innovative blend of folk, rock, and psychedelic influences, showcasing their talent for crafting memorable and thought-provoking music.
8. Burned
“Burned” is a folk-rock song by Buffalo Springfield, released in 1966 on their self-titled debut album, *Buffalo Springfield*. The song was written by Neil Young, who also sings lead vocals.
“Burned” features a driving rhythm, catchy guitar riff, and raw, energetic performance. The song’s lyrics express frustration and disillusionment with societal norms and expectations. The protagonist feels trapped and suffocated by the pressures of conformity, longing to break free and live life on their own terms.
With its edgy sound and rebellious spirit, “Burned” became a fan favorite and a staple of Buffalo Springfield’s live shows. The song showcases the band’s talent for blending folk, rock, and garage influences into a unique and compelling sound.
“Burned” remains a classic example of Buffalo Springfield’s early work and is celebrated for its raw energy and infectious groove. The song’s themes of rebellion and individualism continue to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless anthem of defiance and freedom.
9. Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing
“Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing” is a folk-rock song by Buffalo Springfield, released on their self-titled debut album in 1966. The song was written by Neil Young, who also provides lead vocals.
“Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing” features a melancholic melody and introspective lyrics. The song tells the story of a character named Clancy, who has lost his ability to express himself through singing. Clancy’s struggles are presented as a metaphor for the challenges of communication and connection in a changing world.
With its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, “Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing” showcases Neil Young’s talent as a songwriter and vocalist. The song’s introspective mood and emotional depth set it apart as a standout track on Buffalo Springfield’s debut album.
“Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing” remains a favorite among fans of Buffalo Springfield and is regarded as one of the band’s early classics. Its themes of alienation and loss continue to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless piece of folk-rock music.
10. Go and Say Goodbye
“Go and Say Goodbye” is a folk-rock song by Buffalo Springfield, released on their self-titled debut album in 1966. The song was written by Stephen Stills, who also provides lead vocals.
“Go and Say Goodbye” features a catchy melody and a laid-back, acoustic-driven arrangement. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a relationship on the brink of ending, with the protagonist urging their partner to go and say goodbye. The song’s reflective tone and introspective lyrics capture the emotional complexity of letting go and moving on.
With its memorable melody and heartfelt vocals, “Go and Say Goodbye” showcases Stephen Stills’ songwriting talent and the band’s ability to blend folk and rock influences into a cohesive sound. The song remains a favorite among fans of Buffalo Springfield and is regarded as one of the standout tracks on their debut album.