Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – Teach Your Children

About the Song

“Teach Your Children” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young is a timeless anthem of love, wisdom, and the generational connection between parents and their children. Released in 1970 on their Déjà Vu album, this song carries a simple yet profound message: the importance of guiding the younger generation while learning from the experiences of the past. Written by Graham Nash, the song’s warm acoustic sound, rich harmonies, and heartfelt lyrics have made it an enduring classic, not only in the world of folk rock but also in the broader cultural landscape.

The song opens with gentle acoustic guitar strumming, immediately setting a reflective and soothing tone. The harmonies of David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, and Neil Young come together beautifully, creating a sound that feels both intimate and expansive, like a conversation that spans generations. Their voices, each distinct yet perfectly blended, add emotional depth to the song’s message, making it feel less like a lecture and more like a loving piece of advice.

Lyrically, “Teach Your Children” encourages parents to pass on their values and lessons to their children, while also reminding children to be patient and understanding of their parents’ imperfections. The opening lines, “You, who are on the road, must have a code that you can live by,” set the stage for the song’s central theme: the idea that each generation must find its own moral compass, but with the guidance and support of those who came before them. The chorus, “Teach your children well, their father’s hell did slowly go by,” speaks to the pain and struggles of the older generation, encouraging them to share their wisdom to help the younger generation avoid the same mistakes.

But Nash also includes a powerful message for the younger generation: “And you, of tender years, can’t know the fears that your elders grew by.” This line reflects the idea that understanding goes both ways—children may not fully comprehend the sacrifices and struggles their parents have endured, but they too have something to teach their parents about hope, change, and the future.

One of the key elements that makes “Teach Your Children” so powerful is its universality. The themes of love, understanding, and mutual respect between generations are timeless and resonate with listeners across all walks of life. Whether you’re a parent, a child, or somewhere in between, the song’s message is one that everyone can relate to at some point in their life. It’s a gentle reminder that, despite our differences, we all have something to teach and something to learn.

Musically, the song’s simplicity is one of its strengths. The acoustic guitars and steel guitar, played by Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead, add a warm, country-tinged feel to the folk-rock arrangement. The song doesn’t rely on flashy instrumentation or complex arrangements; instead, it allows the harmonies and lyrics to take center stage. This restraint is what gives the song its emotional weight, allowing the listener to focus on the heartfelt message.

Over the years, “Teach Your Children” has become more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone. It has been used in various contexts, from political movements to personal reflections, and its message of love, respect, and intergenerational learning continues to resonate. It’s a song that speaks to the idea that while we may not have all the answers, we have the ability to learn from each other, and that’s what truly matters.

For fans of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, “Teach Your Children” remains a highlight in their catalog, showcasing not only their signature harmonies but also their ability to craft songs with deep emotional and social meaning. It’s a track that feels as relevant today as it did over 50 years ago, reminding us all of the importance of connection, empathy, and passing on the lessons that shape who we are.

Video

Lyrics: Teach Your Children

You, who are on the road
Must have a code
That you can live by
And so become yourself
Because the past is just a goodbye

Teach your children well
Their father’s hell
Did slowly go by
And feed them on your dreams
The one they pick’s
The one you’ll know by

Don’t you ever ask them, “Why?”
If they told you, you would cry
So, just look at them and sigh
And know they love you

And you of tender years (Can you hear and do you care)
Can’t know the fears (And can you see)
That your elders grew by (We must be free)
And so please help (To teach your children)
Them with your youth (What you believe in)
They seek the truth (Make a world)
Before they can die (That we can live in)

Teach your parents well
Their children’s hell
Will slowly go by
And feed them on your dreams
The one they pick’s
The one you’ll know by

Don’t you ever ask them, “Why?”
If they told you, you would cry
So, just look at them and sigh
And know they love you