Ballad of Easy Rider

The Byrds

About Ballad of Easy Rider

"Ballad of Easy Rider" is a song written by Roger McGuinn, with input from Bob Dylan (although Dylan is not credited as a co-writer), for the 1969 film, Easy Rider. The song was initially released in August 1969 on the Easy Rider soundtrack album as a Roger McGuinn solo performance. It was later issued in an alternate version as a single by McGuinn's band the Byrds on October 1, 1969. The Byrds' single reached number 65 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was issued in most international territories, although it was not released in the United Kingdom. Senior editor for Rolling Stone magazine, David Fricke, has described the song as perfectly capturing the social mood of late 1969 and highlighting "the weary blues and dashed expectations of a decade's worth of social insurrection." 


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The river flows, it flows to the sea
Wherever that river goes that's where I want to be
Flow river flow, let your waters wash down
Take me from this road to some other town

All he wanted was to be free
And that's the way it turned out to be
Flow river flow, let your waters wash down
Take me from this road to some other town

Flow river flow, past the shady trees
Go river go, go to the sea
Flow to the sea

The river flows, it flows to the sea
Wherever it goes that's where I want to be
Flow river flow, let your waters wash down
Take me from this road to some other town

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The Byrds

The Byrds ( /ˈbɜrdz/) were an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1964. The band underwent multiple line-up changes throughout its existence, with frontman Roger McGuinn (aka Jim McGuinn) remaining the sole consistent member, until the group disbanded in 1973. Although they only managed to attain the huge commercial success of contemporaries like The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and The Rolling Stones for a short period of time (1965–66), The Byrds are today considered by critics to be one of the most influential bands of the 1960s. Initially, they pioneered the musical genre of folk rock, melding the influence of The Beatles and other British Invasion bands with contemporary and traditional folk music. As the 1960s progressed, the band was a… more »

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Written by: Roger McGuinn

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Ballad of Easy Rider" was written by Roger McGuinn and Bob Dylan. However, only the former gets official credit for the song. The track became the theme for the 1969 cult classic film, 'Easy Rider.'
Notable Inspiration
The track is directly inspired by the movie 'Easy Rider.' Peter Fonda, one of the film's stars, reportedly asked Bob Dylan to write the theme song for the movie. However, Dylan only jotted down a few lines and told Fonda to give them to Roger McGuinn, who created the song we know today.
Intriguing Credit Controversy
While Roger McGuinn receives the credit for the song, Bob Dylan reportedly wrote the lyrics for the chorus. According to the Reports, Dylan did not want to be credited because he was going through a particularly litigious period at that time.
Album Success
The song is featured in the album 'The Ballad of Easy Rider', which peaked at number 36 on the Billboard Top LPs chart.
Cover Versions
Over the years, "Ballad of Easy Rider" has been covered by many artists, including Fairport Convention, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and Mary McCaslin.
Song Interpretation
The song is often considered to embody the free-spirited ethos of the late 1960s. Its lyrics touch on embracing the open road and seeking freedom, much like the characters in 'Easy Rider.'
Movie Contribution
"Ballad of Easy Rider" is featured heavily in the film and is arguably key to its success. The entire film encapsulates the feeling of the motorcycle-riding, freedom-seeking counterculture of the late '60s. The song's themes align perfectly with this motif.
The Byrds' Rendition
Although McGuinn originally performed it solo with his acoustic guitar for the film's soundtrack, The Byrds – of which Roger was a member – later produced a full band version of the song.
Cultural Impact
"Ballad of Easy Rider" is now considered a classic track both in the rock genre and the wider music industry. It encapsulates a specific moment in time for American culture, making it a cornerstone piece for many music historians and fans alike.
Song's Legacy
Despite it being more than 50 years since its release, "Ballad of Easy Rider" remains an iconic song, frequently used to signify the late '60s counterculture in media.

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    Ballad of Easy Rider

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1969

    Billboard #65


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