Byrds, The - I Knew I'd Want You Lyrics

The start of this song is similar to Nights in White Satin.

This is REAL music.... not today's crap

Great tune!

I’ve studied this masterpiece for over half a century. I’ve dissected the vocal parts note by note, and figured out each instrument’s part—not to try to duplicate it, but rather as an exercise in self-education. Yet, even with all of that understanding, none of the mystery, the awe, and the majesty is gone. The whole is still much greater than the sum of its parts.

Gene wrote a superb song, but there’s way more to this than just the melody, chords, and lyrics. The instrumentation, the arrangement, the vocal harmony (especially the way Crosby characteristically turns his harmony part into its own powerful melody in certain parts), the exquisite mix, and the overall production values—everything works together in a way that few recorded songs ever achieve.

This is a timeless classic. I was already hooked for life the first time I heard the Byrds’ _Mr. Tambourine Man_ on the radio, but when the album came out and I heard _I Knew I’d Want You_ — as well as _Here Without You_ , _It’s No Use_ and _Feel A Whole Lot Better_ — I knew the Byrds represented something completely different. Their music has been a constant source of comfort, joy, and inspiration ever since then.

I won’t make idiotic comparative statements that use purely subjective terms like “the best” or “better than”. There’s no need to take anything away from or deprecate anyone else in order to affirm the Byrds’ excellence. It’s enough to simply say that they have no equal. 😎

Memories of the old folk music days.

Beautiful 💜💜💜

Wunderschöner Song. Diese Melodie und dazu die einzigartigen Stimmen befördern mich regelmäßig in eine andere Welt.

Three words to describe this song: Quintessential Gene Clark.

Gene-ius!

Moody blues used this as part of KIWS

If by “used” you mean “ripped off,” then yes, the Moody Blues used this song when they recorded Nights in White Satin.

Erinnerungen kehren zurück...

Great, great song from a fantastic debut album. Four early Gene classics included. Yes, this and "Mr Tambourine Man" had McGuinn on 12-string backed by Wrecking Crew but the rest of the album was the Byrds themselves, despite detractors who, having learned of the Crew, now believe they did every Los Angeles record that ever appeared. Check Hillman's fluffed bass on "Spanish Harlem Incident"! Better still, listen to the Journals box of rehearsals and out-takes that appeared in 1994.....

Gorgeous song...always loved.

very nice... would love to think someone felt this way about me at some point in time.

I,m sure they have precious sweetness of beauty goodness peace to you miss Mary wholesome ness love brother Andrew Jr.

One of my all-time favorite Byrd songs

man this is beauuuuuuutiful I love this gem of a tune just beauuuuuuutiful it has a moody blues nights in white satin vibe too it which really truly makes it even more beauuuuuuutiful as it sounds peace everybody.

I can certainly say that again and again well as always peace everyone.

great lyrics brings back a lot of memories

Incredible harmony. David Crosby taking the beautiful high part.

Did Gene Clark even write a bad song? The man just had a incredible way with words and melody.

Dude had so much talent. Unfortunate, though.

a brilliant writer and such simple and beautiful lyrics.

In my opinion NO!

Amazing !

Off all the Byrd's songs I love, this one is my favorite. Flip side of Mr. Tamborine Man - but this is the one I played more often. Thanks Gene - RIP
Daniel Léo Simpson
Composer
San Francisco

Its near the top among a select few of the Byrds,,the talent and production,engineering of this spot on,, I play a little bass and I just discovered this gem again,,simple ,Fun bass line.Great Song!

definitely one of the Byrds' most beautiful songs !!

You Know!!

man as a young songwriter gene clark is a huge influence on me shame he died so young but his legacy lives on this song is older than my parents

Leon Russell played electric piano on this track, as did other members of the coterie of LA studio musicians known as "The Wrecking Crew" (check out the terrific documentary of the same name). But the jangling12-string and ethereal vocal blend are pure Byrds. Gene Clark truly was a gifted songwriter.

@ JoeRailfan - I agree with everything you wrote except the adjective “infamous”. Look it up; it simply doesn’t apply to the Wrecking Crew. Ubiquitous, illustrious, renowned, inestimable, redoubtable, and maybe even notorious (in a good way)...all those apply. But infamous? I don’t see how.

I guess what I’m saying is that, notwithstanding the fact that everyone is entitled to his own opinion, anyone who holds the Wrecking Crew in low esteem musically probably doesn’t know much about music.

That certainly doesn’t appear to be the case with you, so I’m guessing you actually meant to say something other than “infamous”...or you define it very differently from any usage I’ve ever seen. 😎

@Vito Tuxedo You're right, that was a poor word choice. Edited.

If only I could play it for her

Wow, those three voices just blended together wonderfully.

Superb Gene Clark written love song that was the B side of the "Mr. Tambourine Man" single. The dreamy melody and warm harmonies really make this composition a winner.

+Glenn Weaver A b side??? Heads n shoulders above the shite out now in the mainstream. Proud to be born in the 60s.

+Kelly14UK  Correct you are.

Thanks. We hate war. Music is my high.@Glenn Weaver

"I meet so many people I feel I don't know.  But I felt so close to you, when you said hello." This is such a beautiful love song.

This is awesome...can't believe I never heard it.

+Highland804 It was the flip side of the Mr Tambourine man single;The Byrds wanted to release this as the A side until Dylan gave them this. The rest they say,is history !!

dang! what a fantastic song! i'm just discovering the byrds, tho' i been listenin' to them since they were fresh on am radio

The first record I ever bought was "Mr. Tambourine Man" - but this one was on the flip side - and I came to love this more than the A-side

BRILLIANT!!!

so well arranged,awesome Love song!Yes a gem!

♥Gene♥

@oliveronions68 I like the early material the best!

This is the Byrds i know and love!!!

actually its the Wrecking Crew lol

happy birthday david crosby

Such a gem!

I think too many people ignore the early albums by The Byrds. They end up missing Gene Clark gems like this one.