"Wooden Ships" was written at the height of the Vietnam War, a time of great tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, nuclear-armed rivals in the Cold War. It has been likened to Tom Lehrer's "We Will All Go Together When We Go" and Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction," in that it describes the consequences of an apocalyptic nuclear war.[2] According to the liner notes, the writers "imagined ourselves as the few survivors, escaping on a boat to create a new civilization."[4] This represents one of Kantner's recurring themes, to which he would return again in the 1970 concept album Blows Against the Empire.[5] The words of the song depict the horrors confronting the survivors of a nuclear holocaust in which the two sides have annihilated each other. A man from one side stumbles upon a man (or woman, as in Jefferson Airplane's version) from the other side and asks him/her, "Can you tell me, please, who won?" The question is left unanswered. To stay alive, they share "purple berries", as a result of which they "haven't got sick once". The lyrics beg "silver people on the shoreline," described by David Crosby as "guys in radiation suits," to "let us be."[2] As the wooden ships, devoid of metal that would become radioactive from neutron activation, are carrying the survivors away from the shores, radiation poisoning kills those who have not made it aboard. That grim tableau is described thus:

Steven Stills, Graham Nash, and David Crosby were all excellent vocalists and could harmonize better than anyone else during that time. This song showcases each of their vocals, and Steven Stills excellent guitar work.

The album cover photo was taken on a sofa in front of house that was torn down the next day. They were driving by and stopped to take a quick picture not knowing it would end up as a cover photo.

One of CSN’s best overall songs, instrumentals and harmonies!

The vocal harmonies with C.S.N. is considered one of the best all time. That is why they came together because they sounded so good together.

Masterfully sung by three icons.

“We are leaving You don’t need us” As eloquent a finger to a society gone mad as any poet ever flipped. ❤️

If you smile at me, I will understand 'Cause that is something Everybody everywhere does in the same language I can see by your coat, my friend You're from the other side There's just one thing I got to know Can you tell me please, who won? Say, can I have some of your purple berries? Yes, I've been eating them for six or seven weeks now Haven't got sick once Probably keep us both alive

The Great Steven Stills on a Gibson ES 335 Guitar, like the one on my wall.

Brilliant Stills is one of the finest guitarists ever

This was always one of my faves by them.

Like your style! glad to see 60's and 70's music appreciated!

"Wooden Ships" - Words David Crobsy/Music Steven Stills If you smile at me, I will understand 'Cause that is something Everybody everywhere does in the same language I can see by your coat, my friend You're from the other side There's just one thing I got to know Can you tell me please, who won? Say, can I have some of your purple berries? Yes, I've been eating them for six or seven weeks now Haven't got sick once Probably keep us both alive Wooden ships on the water, very free and easy Easy, you know the way it's supposed to be Silver people on the shoreline, let us be Talkin' 'bout very free and easy Horror grips us as we watch you die All we can do is echo your anguished cries Stare as all human feelings die We are leaving, you don't need us Go, take your sister then, by the hand Lead her away from this foreign land Far away, where we might laugh again We are leaving, you don't need us And it's a fair wind blowin' warm Out of the south over my shoulder I guess I'll set a course and go

Excellent reaction! probably similar to most people upon first hearing the song back in the day. You described it well, pointing out the atmospheric groove and intricate layers weaving in and out throughout the song. These multi talented guys were at the top of their game in every way, from songwriting, vocals and musical skills. My appreciation of this piece grows each time I listen to it.

The first time I listen to your channel you did a very good job I like that you don’t interrupt the music I like how you make it about the music and not about you

It's about post nuclear attack. No, I don't think he knew who won, due to the death and devastation. The berries were counter acting the harm of chemicals. One of my favorite, despite the lack of Young. I love your reactions. You seem very genuine! Thanks for this! David Crosby was a captain, and often referred to being the captain of ships or boats.

I know these guys got their start in the middle 8 60s. They have recorded numerous protest songs and to me this sounds like it is relating to how it would feel to have been in Vietnam at that time.

Great harmonies love these guys.

Have you reacted to “Southern Cross” yet? If not, that would be a great song to do. It’s one of my favorites by Crosby, Stills & Nash.

JM... I have suggested this song to several reactors and many have done it. NOBODY has come close to your very insightful, intelligent comprehensive analysis like you did. That My Friend is why I am a happy Patreon and supporter of your efforts to create excellent content. As I have said many times.... Too Cool.

The line about horror gripping us is about as potent as it gets.

Thank you so much!! Google the MEANING!!!!! SOOO COOL♥️🎶✝️

I think it was back in May that I suggested this legendary song that we all related too back then. Thanks for doing it. I knew it would get that response from you. I have seen this performed Live three times and the crowd loves it each time. Three legendary artist from three legendary bands became one of histories most iconic legendary bands.

There isn't a bad track on the whole album!

The Jefferson Airplane do a great version of this song. Paul Kantner was a cowriter who was left off the credits on the CS&N version tp avoid a lawsuit from his estranged manager.

Do yourself a favor and listen to the version of this song as done by Jefferson Airplane. Paul Kantner co-wrote this with some members of CS&N while sailing on Steven's boat. Marty, Grace and Paul's vocals, and their arrangement give it a decidedly darker edge.

Give Steven Stills a listen "BlueBird" and " For What It's Worth" in Buffalo Springfield.

From Alexander the Great, the historic Greek leader: He wanted to give no other option for his soldiers; However, they were highly motivated because there was no other course, no other option. Alexander the Great burned his boats upon arrival on the shores of Persia. By burning his boats, Alexander committed his men to victory over the Persians who greatly outnumbered the Macedonians. If you want to burn your bridges, there is no other option. At times in this world, there is so much stive and war happening we just want to step off, on the other side to peace. The world is even more crazier then when the song came out, and now that craziness is trying to set root where we live. We can dream of getting away from it all, but the world's problems are still there and need to be fixed. Sometimes though, we think, we cannot fix stupid.

A little bit of cosmic hippie blues from CSN is always a good listen. Such a unique band.. They have a truckload of great music. In all of their incarnations. The Stills - Young Band album, Long May You Run gets overlooked Imo. It has some excellent tunes on it.

thanks for that great analysis, new song to me but your words made it all the more interesting and also.... how timeless music is, what great minds have lived, what examples we can take, to step back for a moment and look at what is going on in the world presently

CSN ❤❤❤❤❤ beautiful music!! Love CSN!!

In your journey listening to songs suggested you have never heard there will be some that you will easily forget and never care to listen to again, this will not be one of those songs. You will always remember this song and the massage it has.

Insane talent.

Have you checked out "Ste Judy Blue Eyes" By CSN & Y? By the way! If you look at the back cover of this album You'll see Neil Young inside the screen door. He was all over this album when they recorded it. Thanks

They're talking about the Vietnam war -being drafted scary as hell - even President Nixon treated the soldiers like the enemy

The "silver people" are the invaders coming in wearing radiation proof outfits due to the aftermath of the nuclear strike.

You listened to the wrong wooden ships. The version by jefferson airplane blows this out of the water ( pun intended ). The airplanes wooden ships is one of the greatest rock and roll songs of all time!

Well Done!!!

Highly recommended monsters by James Blunt if you haven’t reacted!

After they drop the big one and you get past the shit, survivors just want to get to peace!

2 soldiers from opposing sides in aftermath of nuclear war.

What did you think of the lyrics?

Jimi Hendrix's top 3 band !

It's a banger

SO DEEP.... CHECK IT OUT!!

❤✌️👍

Cool as fuck😊

suite judy blue eyes

The only military group I can think of that had anything close to silver uniforms and had wooden ships was the Confederacy, though their uniforms were gray. And they were starving, so they probably would resort to eating berries, if they could find them.

Nobody wins in war😓

CSN was a better group before Neil Young than after they invited him to join, Young didn't like Crosby because Young was straight edge and Crosby loved the spike in his arm