Eight Miles High
The Byrds
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Eight miles high and when you touch down You'll find that it's stranger than known Signs in the street that say where you're going Are somewhere just being their own Nowhere is there warmth to be found Among those afraid of losing their ground Rain gray town known for its sound In places small faces unbound Round the squares huddled in storms Some laughing some just shapeless forms Sidewalk scenes and black limousines Some living some standing alone
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Written by: David Crosby, Gene Clark, Roger Mcguinn
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Genre Classification"Eight Miles High" is often classified under the genre of 'psychedelic rock.' It is considered a pioneering song of this genre.
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Song OriginsThe lyrics of the song were primarily written by Gene Clark, with musical inputs from Roger McGuinn and David Crosby. It was released by The Byrds as a single in 1966.
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Chart Performance"Eight Miles High" achieved considerable success immediately after its release, peaking at No.14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No.24 in the UK Singles Chart.
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NotorietyThe song was infamous for being one of the first records to be banned by American radio for drug references. The line 'rain gray town, known for its sound,' was interpreted as a reference to the drug culture of London.
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Recording Techniques"Eight Miles High" incorporates innovative recording techniques, including extensive use of reverb, compression, and echo. These effects were used to create the "spacey" sound that marks the song.
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Musical InfluenceThe song is credited with inspiring the 'raga rock' trend in the 1960s. Influences drawn from Ravi Shankar's sitar playing marked the song as groundbreaking in terms of musical fusion.
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ControversyDespite denials from the band, the song's title led many to assume it was about drug use, suggesting the 'eight miles high' as a metaphor for a drug-induced state. This controversy contributed to the song's notoriety and popularity.
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Cover VersionsSeveral cover versions have been performed by other artists, including Husker Du, Roxy Music and Leo Kottke, attesting to the song's enduring appeal.
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Critical AcclaimRolling Stone magazine listed "Eight Miles High" at number 151 on its list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
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LegacyThe song represents a major shift in the direction of rock music, and its influence is evident in the work of numerous bands who incorporated psychedelic influences into their music.
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Song’s InterpretationAlthough it was often interpreted as a drug song, the band members insist in reality it was about their first flight to England—the 'eight miles high' referring to the altitude of their airplane.
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"Eight Miles High Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/19101490/The+Byrds/Eight+Miles+High>.
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