Eight Miles High

The Byrds

About Eight Miles High

"Eight Miles High" is a song by the American rock band the Byrds, written by Gene Clark, Jim McGuinn (a.k.a. Roger McGuinn), and David Crosby. It was first released as a single on March 14, 1966. Musically influenced by Ravi Shankar and John Coltrane, the song was influential in developing the musical styles of psychedelic rock, raga rock, and psychedelic pop. Accordingly, critics often cite "Eight Miles High" as being the first bona fide psychedelic rock song, as well as a classic of the counterculture era. The song was subject to a U. S. radio ban shortly after its release, following allegations published in the broadcasting trade journal the Gavin Report regarding perceived drug connotations in its lyrics. The band strenuously denied these allegations at the time, but in later years both Clark and Crosby admitted that the song was at least partly inspired by their own drug use. The failure of "Eight Miles High" to reach the Billboard Top 10 is usually attributed to the broadcasting ban, but some commentators have suggested the song's complexity and uncommercial nature were greater factors. 


Year:
1988
3:39
50 
#2

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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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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: David Crosby, Gene Clark, Roger Mcguinn

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC

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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.
Song Origins
The 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.
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.
Notoriety
The 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.
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.
Musical Influence
The 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.
Controversy
Despite 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.
Cover Versions
Several cover versions have been performed by other artists, including Husker Du, Roxy Music and Leo Kottke, attesting to the song's enduring appeal.
Critical Acclaim
Rolling Stone magazine listed "Eight Miles High" at number 151 on its list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
Legacy
The 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.
Song’s Interpretation
Although 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

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1966

    Billboard #14


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