The Byrds — Eight Miles High
Album: Fifth DimensionAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 3216
Length: 3:32
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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
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
Comments (267)add comment
Listening to RP while reading the news and this comes on. Forget the news
unmatched. asatonishing
The guitar solo is just horrible!!
Totally original guitar solos for starters.
Dapps wrote:
100%!! And, back atcha... ✌️!!
The best intro ....
The best track (along with some Beatles goodies) .....
The best band (not forgetting The Beatles) ......
I still love this as much as I did when I bought it back in the 60's - and indeed I still have it, single and album.
A wonderful time to be alive - I was 17 and loved my life .... looks for that magic carpet to take me back.
✌️ and ❤️
KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:
They copied the Byrds.
It's all about the Byrds and the Be atles!! What a magnificent era of music being produced at that time! Thanks RP!
They copied the Byrds.
I've always had a crush on Roger McGuinn.. Yowzah!!
The guitar work in this is hard on the ears!
I wish I could do something higher than a 10 for this one.
bialia wrote:
Oh, it was, believe me...
I did not yet exist when this was released, but to me this sounds like this just encapsulates all that dissonant, psychedelic, mystical promise of the era. It makes me wish I was there. What an exciting time for rock. Fantastic.
Oh, it was, believe me...
Why can't I make myself like this? I just can't and I grew up with them! I will keep trying! 
Drums so good. Understated and tight backdrop for the jangles and dissonance of the strings.
I wouldn't mind adding a 12-string Rickenbacker to my collection. It would lend the right quality to those eerily still, candle-lit winter nights when the fire is crackling, the amps are humming, and my mind is someplace warm.
The biog needs an update. David Crosby is sadly gone.
Thanks David. Miss you being on the planet (or slightly above it).
The best intro ....
The best track (along with some Beatles goodies) .....
The best band (not forgetting The Beatles) ......
I still love this as much as I did when I bought it back in the 60's - and indeed I still have it, single and album.
A wonderful time to be alive - I was 17 and loved my life .... looks for that magic carpet to take me back.
✌️ and ❤️
The best track (along with some Beatles goodies) .....
The best band (not forgetting The Beatles) ......
I still love this as much as I did when I bought it back in the 60's - and indeed I still have it, single and album.
A wonderful time to be alive - I was 17 and loved my life .... looks for that magic carpet to take me back.
✌️ and ❤️
I can't say it enough. Jangly guitars! One of the best examples
EXCELLENT!! I also love their long, live version! Thanx RP!
cely wrote:
The secret, I think, is not wanting to sound dissonant, but giving a fuck about being popular or not.
I used to unconsciously judge a song on its melody, lyrics and prominenet features alone. Incrementally I've moved on to trying to hear every instrument and the way they all work together. With its disonant bass and guitar parts, this one is fascinating. And way beyond most of the rock from its era. An era in which it was possible to be dissonant and still popular. Sad we aren't there anymore.
The secret, I think, is not wanting to sound dissonant, but giving a fuck about being popular or not.
Back in the mid 60's The Byrds appeared and changed my life - especially this track. I eventually met Roger McGuinn over here in the UK, early 70's - got his autograph on vinyl.
The track sounds just as good today - doesn't date.
Thanks to wonderful Radio Paradise for the music they put out there ...........
The track sounds just as good today - doesn't date.
Thanks to wonderful Radio Paradise for the music they put out there ...........
I did not yet exist when this was released, but to me this sounds like this just encapsulates all that dissonant, psychedelic, mystical promise of the era. It makes me wish I was there. What an exciting time for rock. Fantastic.
The Byrds' influence on Rock Music can't be overstated but is often overlooked.
kcar wrote:
Yeah, feels more like '68 or so...
Nope, in '65 I was traveling across country with my family and this was so big it got on the radio wherever in the Midwest we were.
In '68, we had just moved again, so I was stuck at home with the Chicago police riot, developing a giant chip on my shoulder that still surfaces occasionally.
Yeah, feels more like '68 or so...
Nope, in '65 I was traveling across country with my family and this was so big it got on the radio wherever in the Midwest we were.
In '68, we had just moved again, so I was stuck at home with the Chicago police riot, developing a giant chip on my shoulder that still surfaces occasionally.
eyke wrote:
casual, I know what you mean
I was 8-9 in that year, so this goes way back for me. As awesome* now as then.
*real awesome, not the causal millennial awesome of today
casual, I know what you mean
cely wrote:
Oddly, I chose this time to try to listen just to the drums. some of it. is buried in the mix, so I'll try again in a moment with headphones, but what I heard was outstanding.
I used to unconsciously judge a song on its melody, lyrics and prominenet features alone. Incrementally I've moved on to trying to hear every instrument and the way they all work together. With its disonant bass and guitar parts, this one is fascinating. And way beyond most of the rock from its era. An era in which it was possible to be dissonant and still popular. Sad we aren't there anymore.
Oddly, I chose this time to try to listen just to the drums. some of it. is buried in the mix, so I'll try again in a moment with headphones, but what I heard was outstanding.
ICONIC!!! I was 11yrs old when this came out & I bought the 45. I also love the live (long) version! Thanx RP! 
I was 8-9 in that year, so this goes way back for me. As awesome* now as then.
*real awesome, not the causal millennial awesome of today
*real awesome, not the causal millennial awesome of today
Jayesea wrote:
I AGREE!!!
Love the overwhelming tsunami of sound this song is. Just incredible music imo.
I AGREE!!!
Love the overwhelming tsunami of sound this song is. Just incredible music imo.
One of the top 10 rock songs ever recorded
coloradojohn wrote:
Yeah, feels more like '68 or so...
Amazing, to think this came out in '66! Totally lit up the music scene, too, with that wild jamming on the 12-string, and killer harmonies!
Yeah, feels more like '68 or so...
No, not one compressors, but TWO, in series!
capandjudy wrote:
I read that Roger McGuinn used a lot of compression on his Rickenbacker 12 string to get that Byrds guitar sound.
capandjudy wrote:
I read that Roger McGuinn used a lot of compression on his Rickenbacker 12 string to get that Byrds guitar sound.
I JUST heard Crosby say (from a 1966 interview), "It always feels like we just landed [the Lear Jet] as we finish playing 8 Miles High".
As I caught the last part of this playing, I JUST finished listening to a 1966 interview of McGuinn and Crosby talk about writing 8 Miles High, choosing the Byrds name, and just finishing the whole Fifth Dimension album. I also listened to the whole album for the first time. The album was the Columbia "Legacy" version @1996 by Sony.com. It appears to have come from a single CD, ripped at 256k but I don't think it was remastered. Further, I just listened to RP's FLAC version. RP's version I just heard was "many miles higher" in quality. I was not impressed with the 256k CD quality of 8 Miles High at all. The mixing on the rest of the album, as much of that era's music was not great. But then most listening was done on mono AM radio. RP's version made me feel better about me rating this cut as a 10, and well worthy.
The album came with 5 bonus tracks, which included that interview. McGuinn and Crosby sounded just like any kids that were on 18-20 years old in the 60's. What was very cool, is the album came with 18 pages of commentary and pics. There's also a FLAC version of the 11 track original out there, which is what RP just played?
McGuinn lives locally here in Orlando and is still playing gigs nationwide. He's got a special 6 string he co-produced that supposedly can provide the sound of the 12 string RB... and, is only about $5,600!
cely wrote:
As I caught the last part of this playing, I JUST finished listening to a 1966 interview of McGuinn and Crosby talk about writing 8 Miles High, choosing the Byrds name, and just finishing the whole Fifth Dimension album. I also listened to the whole album for the first time. The album was the Columbia "Legacy" version @1996 by Sony.com. It appears to have come from a single CD, ripped at 256k but I don't think it was remastered. Further, I just listened to RP's FLAC version. RP's version I just heard was "many miles higher" in quality. I was not impressed with the 256k CD quality of 8 Miles High at all. The mixing on the rest of the album, as much of that era's music was not great. But then most listening was done on mono AM radio. RP's version made me feel better about me rating this cut as a 10, and well worthy.
The album came with 5 bonus tracks, which included that interview. McGuinn and Crosby sounded just like any kids that were on 18-20 years old in the 60's. What was very cool, is the album came with 18 pages of commentary and pics. There's also a FLAC version of the 11 track original out there, which is what RP just played?
McGuinn lives locally here in Orlando and is still playing gigs nationwide. He's got a special 6 string he co-produced that supposedly can provide the sound of the 12 string RB... and, is only about $5,600!
cely wrote:
I used to unconsciously judge a song on its melody, lyrics and prominenet features alone. Incrementally I've moved on to trying to hear every instrument and the way they all work together. With its disonant bass and guitar parts, this one is fascinating. And way beyond most of the rock from its era. An era in which it was possible to be dissonant and still popular. Sad we aren't there anymore.
Amazing band. Who else rocked like that?? The whole thing is one minute about to fall apart, then soar way up high to the heavens. Love the Byrds, 10.
dboseman wrote:
OMG I love Radio Paradise. The best "station" of my life. Thanks Bill.
kurtster wrote:
Pretty much how I felt. I was 14 in L A then and this was a game changer. This weren't surf music. Then a few months later at Christmas of 66, L A 's other house band, The Doors released Light My Fire and the lid was off of the box.
13 when it came out. I remember it so well. And the Doors. Set me up for Are You Experienced. It was all good..
Pretty much how I felt. I was 14 in L A then and this was a game changer. This weren't surf music. Then a few months later at Christmas of 66, L A 's other house band, The Doors released Light My Fire and the lid was off of the box.
13 when it came out. I remember it so well. And the Doors. Set me up for Are You Experienced. It was all good..
junebaby65 wrote:
Pretty much how I felt. I was 14 in L A then and this was a game changer. This weren't surf music. Then a few months later at Christmas of 66, L A 's other house band, The Doors released Light My Fire and the lid was off of the box.
Yea, first time I heard it when I was 12 I just sat there going, "What is this?"
Pretty much how I felt. I was 14 in L A then and this was a game changer. This weren't surf music. Then a few months later at Christmas of 66, L A 's other house band, The Doors released Light My Fire and the lid was off of the box.
OMG I love Radio Paradise. The best "station" of my life. Thanks Bill.
I used to unconsciously judge a song on its melody, lyrics and prominenet features alone. Incrementally I've moved on to trying to hear every instrument and the way they all work together. With its disonant bass and guitar parts, this one is fascinating. And way beyond most of the rock from its era. An era in which it was possible to be dissonant and still popular. Sad we aren't there anymore.
Golden Earing makes a little bit harder and better(For me)
charbo wrote:
Yes, it's an interesting story:
"'Eight Miles High' actually came about as a tribute to John Coltrane. It was our attempt to play jazz." - Roger McGuinn
The lead guitar is an homage to John Coltrane. Tasty licks.
Yes, it's an interesting story:
"'Eight Miles High' actually came about as a tribute to John Coltrane. It was our attempt to play jazz." - Roger McGuinn
rpdevotee wrote:
Yea, first time I heard it when I was 12 I just sat there going, "What is this?"
Absolutely love this guitaring 
So original
So originalYea, first time I heard it when I was 12 I just sat there going, "What is this?"
F**** Yeah!! 
I love the "sloppy" guitar work in this song. Once I heard a cleaner version demo they did with the guitar more "controlled" and coherent, and it just didn't sound as cool.
I haven't listened for a while. I haven't heard this song in forever. I love it. Sooo much history. It psychedelacized me before I ever took any psychedelics. Gateway music? Thanks for the play Bill.
Alastair wrote:
Yes, it contributes to the unique sonic space of this song.
Folks like to argue whether this song is about doing "drugs" or flying in a jet airliner but I would like to think it is a celebration of astral travelling.
Still sounds like the guitarist is getting his fingers stuck in the strings
Yes, it contributes to the unique sonic space of this song.
Folks like to argue whether this song is about doing "drugs" or flying in a jet airliner but I would like to think it is a celebration of astral travelling.
Nice segue from "40 Feet" to "Eight Miles High". 
great song great band
Yes siree.
Still sounds like the guitarist is getting his fingers stuck in the strings
Blew me away when heard this when I was 13.
Concert Review: Ex-Byrds Deliver Stirring ‘Sweetheart of the Rodeo’ Tribute
At the Theatre at Ace Hotel, Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman were joined by Marty Stuart — and, for this tour opening, Mike Campbell — to celebrate the 50th anniversary of not just an album, but the country-rock movement it started. https://variety.com/2018/music/reviews/byrds-sweetheart-rodeo-50th-anniversary-concert-roger-mcguinn-chris-hillman-1202886554/
rpdevotee wrote:
I read that Roger McGuinn used a lot of compression on his Rickenbacker 12 string to get that Byrds guitar sound.
Absolutely love this guitaring So original
So originalI read that Roger McGuinn used a lot of compression on his Rickenbacker 12 string to get that Byrds guitar sound.
zesty ! still love the grooveFor the record, I would like to propose that flying over Greenland is far trippier than many recreational chemicals.
Proclivities wrote:
It is a pretty sloppy recording overall (especially the lead guitar) - probably somewhat deliberate, but that's always been part of its appeal to me. One of the few tunes of theirs that I can still listen to.
The lead guitar is an homage to John Coltrane. Tasty licks.
It is a pretty sloppy recording overall (especially the lead guitar) - probably somewhat deliberate, but that's always been part of its appeal to me. One of the few tunes of theirs that I can still listen to.
The lead guitar is an homage to John Coltrane. Tasty licks.
Absolutely love this guitaring So original
So originalThe sentiments are all still valid; still the trippiest sound around... Timeless anchor, this; ties me to enlightened moods I live to revel in...
Great track - the Husker Du version of this is pretty amazing as well.
Funny, this song makes me think of Leonard Cohen who I grew to love listening to his LP on Songs of Love of Hate in my Uncle's farmhouse in Norway.
Must be memories of flying over Greenland.
Must be memories of flying over Greenland.
kingart wrote:
They copied the Byrds.
I'm making an educated guess at the context: I think this reference may be the quip the Beatles (Lennon) made about them being more popular than Jesus Christ. This sparked outrage — until it was pointed out that more Beatle albums were flying from record stores than Bibles from bookshops. Likewise, the title Eight Miles High caused an uproar by seeming to condone drugs, but instead referred to the only-slightly exaggerated altitude of the band's touring airplane. Two instances of words from a band's lips that were misconstrued by bias. The Byrds kind of copied the Fabs.
cactus wrote:
sorry the Byrds copied the Beatles
Uh, yeah, riiiight. And the Beatles never copied anybody.
cactus wrote:
sorry the Byrds copied the Beatles
Uh, yeah, riiiight. And the Beatles never copied anybody.
They copied the Byrds.
LowPhreak wrote:
Everybody in my elevator loves this elevating classic song... we be dancing like happy hippies... love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll... hope you are having a blast right this minute, LowPhreak!
*ding* "Going UP"
Everybody in my elevator loves this elevating classic song... we be dancing like happy hippies... love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll... hope you are having a blast right this minute, LowPhreak!
I've been reading this of late. it came out early this year. Pick it up if you can...It's PHENOMENAL!
iloveradio wrote:
Yeah but no. The song is about flying to London (eight miles high) and dealing with the British press and fans. I've heard that yes, the song didn't get much airplay when it was first released because people thought it was about getting high...Gene Clark (who wrote much of the song) and David Crosby both now admit that the song was partly influenced by drug use.
I remember when this song was censored because of drug reference. Of course I was in central Illinois at the time which wasn't exactly drug friendly. There are some songs you are required to give a 10, this is one.
Yeah but no. The song is about flying to London (eight miles high) and dealing with the British press and fans. I've heard that yes, the song didn't get much airplay when it was first released because people thought it was about getting high...Gene Clark (who wrote much of the song) and David Crosby both now admit that the song was partly influenced by drug use.
I remember when this song was censored because of drug reference. Of course I was in central Illinois at the time which wasn't exactly drug friendly. There are some songs you are required to give a 10, this is one.
Some may be interested in a forthcoming effort from Canadian band Skydiggers, interpreting this and other Gene Clark songs. Produced by Cowboy Junkies' Michael Timmins. Out in May, 8 Miles High available now. https://skydiggers.com/skydiggers-announce-here-without-you-the-songs-of-gene-clark/
And now for the modern version.....
Eight miles high, emitting large amounts of carbon......
Eight miles high, emitting large amounts of carbon......
perfect time to play this song while the young folks are at work contributing to my social security and me baking "
enriched butter" cookies
enriched butter" cookiesNot long after Crosby's 70th birthday, I saw him & Nash in concert. The overall show was excellent! One of my favorite moments was right at the start, as Crosby & Nash took the stage with their band, an electric guitar hanging from Crosby's neck, his silver mane glowing in the spotlights. "Might as well get this one out of the way...." he said, and launched into the opening chords of Eight Miles High. The band picked up his energy and off they went, soaring through the auditorium. It may as well have been 1967 again. A wonderful moment!
Amazing, to think this came out in '66! Totally lit up the music scene, too, with that wild jamming on the 12-string, and killer harmonies!
OHMish wrote:
It is a pretty sloppy recording overall (especially the lead guitar) - probably somewhat deliberate, but that's always been part of its appeal to me. One of the few tunes of theirs that I can still listen to.
The guitar is almost terrible.. ALMOST!
It is a pretty sloppy recording overall (especially the lead guitar) - probably somewhat deliberate, but that's always been part of its appeal to me. One of the few tunes of theirs that I can still listen to.
Lazarus wrote:
*ding* "Going UP"
Everybody in my alien space craft loves this elevating song...
*ding* "Going UP"
11!
McGuinn and Crosby shredding....
Had to go find out... Like private planes, like London... Hard not to like London. Lived there for a while. Now, I'd be hard pressed to afford Tea or Coffee... Recently listed as Most Expensive... Course, there is more than London... altho that too has changed with their immigration policies. Another subject, another forum, another time.
Really liked the 12 string.... and always the harmonies
I remembered it in '65...but that was when regions released music at different times...
Now it's all timed for the Grammies and the bump that a nomination receives in sales, play, etc.
kingart wrote:
Funny, I did the exact same thing!
Had to bump 8 > 9. Simply because.
Funny, I did the exact same thing!
Quite simply sublime.
Had to bump 8 > 9. Simply because.
The waaaaaay back machine - in high school then!Everybody in my alien space craft loves this elevating song...
My calculation: Beautiful melody....+ great lyrics + guitar extraordinaire = 10
seems he was ok on a flying carpet (with a small cup of transcendant tea) cool old tune
helgigermany wrote:
...... what he said
Great band, great song!
...... what he said
From the AllMusicGuide bio:
the Byrds suffered a major loss right after "Eight Miles High" with the departure of Gene Clark, their primary songwriter and, along with McGuinn, chief lead vocalist. The reason for his resignation, ironically, was fear of flying . . .
Gotta love it.
the Byrds suffered a major loss right after "Eight Miles High" with the departure of Gene Clark, their primary songwriter and, along with McGuinn, chief lead vocalist. The reason for his resignation, ironically, was fear of flying . . .
Gotta love it.
bronorb wrote:
Oops, sorry, just looked back and I said the same thing in 2005.
You know you're getting old when you start repeating yourself.
Worst guitar solo, EVER.
Oops, sorry, just looked back and I said the same thing in 2005.
You know you're getting old when you start repeating yourself.
Worst guitar solo, EVER.
Some of the best harmony in Rock ever.
I'm making an educated guess at the context: I think this reference may be the quip the Beatles (Lennon) made about them being more popular than Jesus Christ. This sparked outrage -- until it was pointed out that more Beatle albums were flying from record stores than Bibles from bookshops. Likewise, the title Eight Miles High caused an uproar by seeming to condone drugs, but instead referred to the only-slightly exaggerated altitude of the band's touring airplane. Two instances of words from a band's lips that were misconstrued by bias. The Byrds kind of copied the Fabs.
cactus wrote:
sorry the Byrds copied the Beatles
Uh, yeah, riiiight. And the Beatles never copied anybody.
cactus wrote:
sorry the Byrds copied the Beatles
Uh, yeah, riiiight. And the Beatles never copied anybody.
gets a WTF? from me
Great band, great song!
The guitar is almost terrible.. ALMOST!
Kottke does a nice version too.
Man, I was just sitting here with my fellow dudes and dudettes snipping buds and leaves and we all love this song.
treatment_bound wrote:
Everyone suffering with me in my cube here at work just "lifted off" and are now floating up near the light fixtures...
That sounds supernatural! Everybody in my church loves this elevating song...
Everyone suffering with me in my cube here at work just "lifted off" and are now floating up near the light fixtures...
That sounds supernatural! Everybody in my church loves this elevating song...
cactus wrote:
sorry the Byrds copied the Beatles
Uh, yeah, riiiight. And the Beatles never copied anybody.
sorry the Byrds copied the Beatles
Uh, yeah, riiiight. And the Beatles never copied anybody.
First time I've heard this classic on RP. Thanks, Bill!
(former member) wrote:
Everybody in my hotel room loves this song...
Everyone suffering with me in my cube here at work just "lifted off" and are now floating up near the light fixtures...
Everybody in my hotel room loves this song...
Everyone suffering with me in my cube here at work just "lifted off" and are now floating up near the light fixtures...
right now.
Wow! This one ain't never gettin' old!
cactus wrote:
sorry the Byrds copied the Beatles
Now we're cookin'!
rez wrote:
Yeah, well some people are still listening to Mozart's 40th symphony as well. Music's not like food - it doesn't go off as it ages.
A great deal of music "goes off" as it ages - (especially many tunes by The Byrds) - not this tune so much, though. Anyhow, it doesn't mean that one should not listen to it, but Roger McGuinn is not Mozart.
Yeah, well some people are still listening to Mozart's 40th symphony as well. Music's not like food - it doesn't go off as it ages.
A great deal of music "goes off" as it ages - (especially many tunes by The Byrds) - not this tune so much, though. Anyhow, it doesn't mean that one should not listen to it, but Roger McGuinn is not Mozart.
God, what a great song! Perfect for today! Bluebird, almost-winter skies in Oregon. I'm eight miles high...
I've seen Roger McGuinn in concert in the last ten years and this period piece is reminiscent of how in some quarters the light continues, yet, on my playlist it's the Roxy Music version that still receves extended plays.
Carl wrote:
Agreed.
This has aged well for me. 
Agreed.
The Byrds influenced the Beatles. That is a claim to fame.
I love watching snow-covered mountain ranges from airplanes. ;-)
12 string psychedilia, and perfect harmonies...timeless.
This has aged well for me.
sirdroseph wrote:
What a maroon!
What a maroon!
jimbaca wrote:
One of the first.
Psychedelia at it's absolute finest!
One of the first.
Eight Miles High rates a 9 from me. 
rascal420 wrote:
Saw them do it in LA with Stipe singing.
Husker Du did a great version of this
Saw them do it in LA with Stipe singing.
Psychedelia at it's absolute finest!
Anybody seem my grinder?
Here is the correct cover art and it came out in '66 first as a single and then included on this '66 LP, not in '80
Still pure delight.