Wasn't Born to Follow

The Byrds, Carole King

About Wasn't Born to Follow

"Wasn't Born to Follow", also known as "I Wasn't Born to Follow", is a song written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Goffin wrote the lyrics and King provided the music. The song was first recorded by the Byrds on their 1968 album, The Notorious Byrd Brothers. King's short lived band the City also recorded the song for their 1968 album, Now That Everything's Been Said. It has also been covered by many other artists, including the Monkees, the Lemon Pipers, Dusty Springfield, and as a solo recording by King. The Byrds recording was featured in the 1969 film Easy Rider and was released as a single in the UK and Germany in the same year as a result. 


Year:
1969
2:03
26 
#1

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No I'd rather go and journey
Where the diamond crescent's glowing
And run across the valley
Beneath the sacred mountain
And wander through the forest
Where the trees have leaves of prisms
And break the light in colors
That no one know the names of

And when it's time I'll go and lay
Beside the legendary fountain
'Till I see her form reflected
In its clear and jewelled waters
And if you think I'm ready
You may lead me to the chasm
Where the rivers of our visions
Flow into one another

I will want to dive beneath the white cascading waters
She may beg, she may plead, she may argue with her logic
And mention all the things I'll lose
That really have no value in the end she will surely know
I wasn't born to follow

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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: Carole King, Gerry Goffin

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Composition
"Wasn't Born to Follow" is a folk-pop song written by the team of Carole King and Gerry Goffin.
First Release
Though the song was covered by multiple artists, it was first popularized by the American band "The Byrds" in 1968.
Album
The song was included in The Byrds' album "The Notorious Byrd Brothers."
Song Theme
The song reflects an anti-establishment and anti-conformist message, marking the countercultural sentiments of the 1960s.
Film Appearance
"Wasn't Born to Follow" was featured in the soundtrack of the cult classic "Easy Rider" (1969).
Dusty Springfield Cover
British pop singer Dusty Springfield covered the song, and her version was included in her 1970 album "A Brand New Me."
Carole King's Contribution
As one of the co-writers of the song, Carole King was already a successful musician and songwriter before she penned "Wasn't Born to Follow." She's also known for hits like "You've Got a Friend" and "I Feel the Earth Move."
Gerry Goffin's Role
Gerry Goffin, the co-writer, was not just a longtime partner of Carole King in music, but he was also her husband. They wrote numerous hit songs together before their divorce in 1968.
The Byrds' Leadership
Under the leadership of Roger McGuinn, The Byrds' version of "Wasn't Born to Follow" features their signature harmonies and 12-string Rickenbacker guitar sound.
Legacy
The song is still celebrated today and is seen as a reflection of both anti-establishment attitudes and the freedom of the open road, further popularized by its inclusion in the "Easy Rider" soundtrack. The song itself has become a classic in the counterculture and popular folk-rock genres.

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