JOHNNY'S GARDEN ~ MANASSAS ~ Lyrics

It is said that there was an old English home where many musicians and artist gathered back in the sixties...and, the man that took care of the beautiful gardens there was Johnny...and, he was a friend to many and the flowers were his friends...

This album was and remains to be one of my all time favorites throughout the years...I had originally uploaded this to a channel that I created for my daughter, Sarah..but, decided to bring it to my channel as it truly is a ole fave of mine...and, I wanted it to be in my collection...This video was made in the early stages of my learning how to make a video..so, there are some major rough edges that kinda make me cringe, and have even thought about a remake of it...but, these are some images that I always imagined when I heard this tune...and, it remains to be very special to me...

I make these videos to bring honour to the song and to the artist so deserving of. I appreciate so much the opportunity to do so. It is my hope that it will spark a memory for someone of the pure joy we knew in those days when we believed so much the message of that era. And, I enjoy thinking about those to come that will hear it for the first time. For me, that is the true joy of this great connection..

Lyrics:

There's a place
I can get to
Where I'm safe
From the city blues
And its green
And its quiet
Only trouble was
I had to buy it
And I'll do anything I got to do
Cut my hair and shine my shoes
chorus
And keep on singin' the blues
If I can stay here in Johnny's garden
As the swift bird
Flies over the grasses
Dipping now and then
To take his breakfast
Thus I come and go
And I travel
And I can watch that bird
And unravel
chorus --
With his love
And his carin'
He puts his life
Into beauty sharin'
And his children
Are his flowers
There to give us peace
In quiet hours.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• stephenstills
• manassas
• johnnysgarden
• peace
• love
• era

[rfranklinw1]

I don't care who it was written about. I have been a fan since the very beginning. Springfield, Byrds, Hollies, CSN, CSNY, solo etc etc etc. I have my own little "Johnny's Garden" I have created in my small back yard here in Dayton, Ohio. "it's green and it's quiet, only trouble was I had to buy it" lol

[sherrylynn70]

I love your response to this..and, you found the secret to Johnnys Garden...that is what I want, too..Good For You..It really is a small world when it comes to the great connection of our hearts through a great classic like this..thanks for commenting..

[wolfblaze99]

I thought it was written about John Mayall, I heard he used to hang out in a tree in this garden and write music...FYI

[sherrylynn70]

hmm...I am sure there were many rock n roll stories of Johnny's Garden..thanks for sharing this one..

[sherrylynn70]

I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your time and comment...This song is very close to my heart and your comment expresses exactly why it is...I would love to make this video again..I have learned alot since putting this together in my workstudy days on Windows Movie Maker..but, your comment lets me know it is just fine the way it is...thanks so much...this is why I enjoy this art form so much...it is such a small world when it comes to the great connection of our hearts through the music...

[DavidCX500]

What a relaxing and gentle song this is, and how heartfelt and sincere the writer must have been to open up his heart and let these chords and words come out and be recorded. Perhaps "Johnny's Garden" was meant as metaphor... just something to think about. Not for a pot-garden as suggested by another here, but perhaps for that special place out in the country where you can truly unwind, relax, and feel like an accepted and accepting part of this beautiful little planet we call earth. LUV U STEVE

[sherrylynn70]

I think you are exactly right...I appreciate your comment so much...:-) I love Steve, too.

[johnstieglitz]

I found this several months ago and then it was gone! It broke my heart. Now I found it again. Thank you! My name is johnny and I'm a 55 year old ex freak with my own garden in a tiny town in Ky. "and his children are his flowers....and they will give him peace in quiet hours" Man....ain't it the truth!

[1953jazzman]

My favorite Stills song - period!!!  Thanks for bringing it over, Sherry!!

[TheNigelr]

For those of us with a few decades under our belts, this is perhaps what we are all about?

Elton did something related; about another Jonny tho'?

[professormacdeezy]

@MrOhjok No... Check out 4waysite.com or Zimmer's authorized CSN biography. Johnny was Stills' gardener: The one constant in all the changes of ownership was Johnny the gardener, who kept the estate looking immaculate, “He had soul” explained Stephen. “He was a herbalist and use to make the most incredible herbal teas. The song was written at a time when I was on the road constantly, and what I really needed was to stay at home and tend my garden.”

[newmillenniumbeatnik]

Remains one of my favorites!



[paulo10508]

It's a good tune,thats it its good listen

[MrOhjok]

Correction: I meant to say "Johnny Barbata" who played drums. Stills often spent time at Barbata's home, thus this song..any other story is bullshit..he wrote the song about sitting in Barbata's garden, playing with Johnny's kids, etc.

[zzyyxxo]

such a great song.  Stephen Stills has a magnificent voice and a true way with his guitar.