The Byrds - Set You Free This Time

There is always a danger with rock music from sixties that it can be covered with a patina of chauvinism (particularly anything with David Crosby). This concern looms over many of the songs by the Byrds. I find myself wondering how many woman were bedded using the sentiments in these songs.

This song could fall easily into the same trap and there is a chance it does. I've never spoken to Mr. Clark or any other Byrd about it. Even trying to find lyrics here that do not sound like the singer is playing victim to a heartless woman was pretty tricky (who really ends a relationship by setting a woman free).

But, lyrics are not the song.

Listening to the song as a whole I hear sincere regret in Mr. Clark's voice as he sings about a relationship that did not work. Listening to the performance it really sounds like the he really wanted this relationship to work and somewhere deep inside he still wants it to work. He is going to end the relationship, and she is going to leave, but he is going to be stuck with the confusion and pain that it did not work out.

Different than many breakup songs, I feel that the singer here knows that he is at least part of the reason why it did not work because it has happened before this way and it most likely will happen again. Maybe the root of the emotion I hear in this song is the singer's sadness that he may never find someone to love and be with.

Lyrics of Note (As I heard them):

With all the ones that went before and
memories that always seem to
Tear me from my mind