Crosby Stills & Nash - Helplessly Hoping

Originally recorded in 1969, released as part of the CSN Box Set in 1991.

Lyrics:

Helplessly hoping
Her harlequin hovers nearby
Awaiting a word
Gasping at glimpses
Of gentle true spirit
He runs, wishing he could fly
Only to trip at the sound of good-bye

Wordlessly watching
He waits by the window
And wonders
At the empty place inside
Heartlessly helping himself to her bad dreams
He worries
Did he hear a good-bye? Or even hello?

They are one person
They are two alone
They are three together
They are for each other

Stand by the stairway
You'll see something
Certain to tell you confusion has its cost
Love isn't lying
It's loose in a lady who lingers
Saying she is lost
And choking on hello

They are one person
They are two alone
They are three together
They are for each other

• Category

  Music

[Dazi369]

I must interject here, when this album was made they were Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young.

[centuryrox]

Not true. The original recording of this song (the a Capella version) was from their debut album in 1969. Neil Young didn't join them until their 2nd album, "Deja Vu", in 1970. This version of the song was remixed for their 1991 boxed set album, and credited to only Crosby, Stills, and Nash.

[giantfriendlycat]

Way back in the 80s, my mother saw Stephen Stills when he came near us in CT. She said he was incredible, singing all alone at the piano. After the show, she stole his setlist, in blue marker on yellow pad paper. Then she saw him hanging outside talking to some fans, and she asked if he could sign the setlist she stole. She said he cracked up and signed it appreciatively. I have that setlist right here in a drawer in my desk, with Stephen Stills scribbled in blue marker....

[Daman schoolvlog]

some one knows their history!

[Ultranothing]

Oooohh...burn! Interjection rejection!

[robert dennison]

check him out on Wiki, he is a local here ,(Tampa)

[MrDuster366]

absolutly correct! How could anyone forget neil young? Damn im geetin old!

[Thundergod129]

The original version was on the self titled debut album in 1969. It was just Steve on acoustic guitar and David with Graham on backing vocals. Each song positively a gem ....

[Thundergod129]

How can you listen to CSN and not like The Eagles? It seems like they were an influence to them....

[Thundergod129]

Never heard this version before...Really gives it a country flavour with the pedal steel. Very cool!!

[kuipje82]

jeah right Lebowski,-)

[wichitarick]

I was helping someone through a nervous breakdown when these lyrics took on a whole new meaning! It tested my limits to my very soul , hmmm. & I lost,never lost at anything,my mind ,body soul, truly were not enough to stand it all. I was shown life can become more than a person alone can do. i was tested but am here now, never say never! Life is beautiful,accept it on IT'S terms though. my harmony & spirit are one. Peace. Rick western slope Co. Wichita Ks