
Released in 1982, “Wasted On The Way” is a soft rock song by Crosby, Stills & Nash written by Graham Nash. It was released as a single from their album Daylight Again and became one of their biggest hits.
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The song has a melancholic tone and talks about lost time and missed opportunities. The song’s lyrics are open to interpretation, but there are some clear themes that seem to emerge.
The Story Behind The Song
Graham Nash wrote “Wasted On The Way” after he had dinner with David Crosby and Stephen Stills. The three of them had not seen each other in a while, and Nash was struck by how they had wasted so much time fighting with each other instead of making music together. He later said, “I always thought that if the three of us could sing together, it would never suck! I wanted it so badly.”
After the dinner, Nash went home and wrote the song in just a few minutes. He later said that the song poured out of him, and he didn’t even think about the lyrics as he wrote them.
The Lyrics
The song’s lyrics are deceptively simple and pack a powerful emotional punch. Here are the opening lines:
“So you know I’m coming home soon
Coming back to your tender heart
And you know I’m the one who loves you
But I’m still waiting on the start”
Many people interpret these lyrics as being about a lost relationship, with the singer regretting the time he’s wasted and hoping for another chance.
The Meaning
While the song’s lyrics seem to be about a lost relationship, Nash has said that the song is really about the relationships between him, Crosby, and Stills. They had achieved great success in the 1960s but then fell out with each other and went their separate ways. By the time they reunited in the 1980s, they had wasted so much time that they could never get back.
The song is a bittersweet reflection on time and the way we can’t help but waste it. It’s a reminder to cherish the moments we have and not take them for granted.
The Music
The music of “Wasted On The Way” is gentle and melancholic. The song features acoustic guitars, a piano, and the trademark harmonies of Crosby, Stills & Nash. The chorus has a soaring melody that is both uplifting and poignant.
The song’s melody perfectly complements the lyrics, creating a mood of regret and longing. It’s a beautiful piece of music that has stood the test of time.
The Legacy
“Wasted On The Way” remains one of Crosby, Stills & Nash’s most beloved songs. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Linda Ronstadt and Rumer.
The song’s message of regret and lost time is universal, and it continues to resonate with listeners today. It’s a reminder to live in the moment and to appreciate the people we love before it’s too late.
The Lyrics of Wasted On The Way
So you know I’m coming home soon
Coming back to your tender heart
And you know I’m the one who loves you
But I’m still waiting on the start
We’ve been towing such a long time
Looking out for a sign in the night
But the lover that you are turnin’ out your light
Hey, babe, we both had dry spells
Hard times in the driving rain
But we had each other, that was all that mattered
We had each other, that was all
And time goes by
So slowly and time can do so much
Are you still mine?
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
Loneliness is such a sad affair
And I can hardly wait to be with you again
What to say to make you come again?
Come back to me again
And play your sad guitar
We wasted so much time
And we’re still so far apart
I won’t give up on you, babe
You gotta know that you’re in my heart
Although I’m miles away
And we’re both on the same page
I’m gonna wait ’til you return
So I can tell you what I’ve learned
We’ve been together a long time
You get the message, I know we’ve been through it all
But I won’t hesitate
If you ever come around, I swear
I won’t hesitate
If you ever come around, I swear
I won’t hesitate
If you ever come around, I swear
I won’t hesitate
If you ever come around, I swear
I won’t hesitate
If you ever come around, I swear
I won’t hesitate
FAQs
What inspired Graham Nash to write “Wasted On The Way?”
Graham Nash was inspired to write “Wasted On The Way” after having dinner with David Crosby and Stephen Stills. He regretted the time they had wasted fighting with each other instead of making music together.
What are the main themes of “Wasted On The Way”?
The main themes of “Wasted On The Way” are lost time, missed opportunities, regret, and longing. The song is a poignant reflection on the relationships between Crosby, Stills & Nash and the time they lost because of their conflicts.
What instruments are used in “Wasted On The Way”?
“Wasted On The Way” features acoustic guitars, a piano, and the trademark harmonies of Crosby, Stills & Nash. The song’s music is gentle and melancholic, perfectly complementing the lyrics.
What is the legacy of “Wasted On The Way”?
“Wasted On The Way” remains one of Crosby, Stills & Nash’s most beloved songs. It has been covered by numerous artists and its message of regret and lost time continues to resonate with audiences.
What do the lyrics of “Wasted On The Way” mean?
The lyrics of “Wasted On The Way” are open to interpretation, but they seem to be about a lost relationship and the singer’s regret over the time he’s wasted. Graham Nash has said that the song is really about the relationships between him, Crosby, and Stills and the time they wasted fighting with each other.
What is the mood of “Wasted On The Way”?
The mood of “Wasted On The Way” is melancholic and regretful. The song’s lyrics and music create a bittersweet mood, reminding us of lost time and missed opportunities.
What album is “Wasted On The Way” from?
“Wasted On The Way” is from Crosby, Stills & Nash’s album Daylight Again, which was released in 1982. The album features some of their biggest hits, including “Southern Cross” and “Delta.”
Who has covered “Wasted On The Way”?
“Wasted On The Way” has been covered by numerous artists, including Linda Ronstadt, Rumer, and Barnaby Bright. The song’s message of regret and lost time has resonated with many musicians and their audiences.
What is the message of “Wasted On The Way”?
The message of “Wasted On The Way” is to live in the moment and appreciate the people we love. The song is a reminder of the time we can’t get back and the importance of making the most of our lives.
What is the style of “Wasted On The Way”?
“Wasted On The Way” is a soft rock song with gentle music and powerful lyrics. The song’s style perfectly reflects its theme of regret and longing.
Who wrote “Wasted On The Way”?
“Wasted On The Way” was written by Graham Nash, one of the founding members of Crosby, Stills & Nash. Nash wrote the song after a dinner with David Crosby and Stephen Stills, reflecting on the lost time they had because of their conflicts.
What is the meaning of the chorus of “Wasted On The Way”?
The chorus of “Wasted On The Way” is about the passage of time and the singer’s longing for the person he loves. The soaring melody and poignant lyrics create a mood of regret and lost opportunities.
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