“Helplessly Hoping” is a song written by Stephen Stills and recorded by Crosby, Stills and Nash. It was released on their eponymous debut album in 1969 (which, sadly, I don’t own, but I have a copy of So Far, so that’ll have to do).
Stills wrote the song after a bad breakup with singer/songwriter Judy Collins.
While it’s a downtempo song and lyrically melancholy, it’s one of my favorites by the group. Partly because it’s an excellent showcase of their vocal talents, but also because of Stills’ lyrics. He opted to use alliteration in the lyrics, along with a bit of wordplay.
In the chorus, for example, the numbers have a dual meaning. Not only are they signifying the connections made in a relationship, but also the number of voices joining in as the lines progress.
Give it a listen and let me know what you think in the comments.
Songwriting credits to Stephen Stills.
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 1 person
They are 2 alone
They are 3 together
They are 4 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 1 person
They are 2 alone
They are 3 together
They are 4 for each other
RB
Great song, Richard. Brings back memories. I do wish we could go back in time with the knowledge we have now.
So glad you enjoyed hearing it again, MM. That would be nice, wouldn’t it? And perhaps a bit dangerous. 🙂
The world would be my oyster that’s for sure. 😄
I haven’t heard this tune in ages. I have a worn-out copy of the LP somewhere that I now need to find again.
That’s fantastic, Swabby. Hope you can find it and give it another listen.
Can’t say I’ve ever really listened to this track. Thanks for bringing it alive Richard.
Thank you, Sheree. 🙂
“Only to trip at the sound of good bye”.
That is so poetic! They don’t make lyrics, and songs, like this anymore!
It could be fun to ask ChatGPT to “translate” these lyrics into something more Gen Z like 🤭
LOL! I imagine that would end up being nothing but a string of emoji! 🤣
Glad to know you enjoyed the song, Andrea. 🙂
Great choice, Richard.
Thanks, Pat! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂