I Come And Stand At Every Door

The Byrds · Complete Album Collection [2011]

I come and stand at every door

But no one hears my silent prayer

I knock and yet remain unseen

For I am dead, for I am dead...

I'm only seven although I died

In Hiroshima, long ago

I'm seven now as I was then

When children die they do not grow...

My hair was scorched by swirling flame

My eyes grew dim, my eyes grew blind

Death came and turned my bones to dust

And that was scattered by the wind...

I need no fruit, I need no rice,

I need no sweets, no even bread.

I ask for nothing for myself

For I am dead, for I am dead...

All that I ask is that for peace

You fight today, you fight today...

So that the children of this world,

May live and grow and laugh and play...

I Come And Stand At Every Door

Released on The Byrds' 2011 Complete Album Collection, 'I Come And Stand At Every Door' stands as a poignant song in the group's folk-rock repertoire. The track exemplifies the band's ability to blend acoustic storytelling with the harmonies that defined their transition from rock to folk. Written by Roger McGuinn, the song reflects the era's focus on social commentary and personal introspection, characteristic of the mid-1960s folk-rock movement. Its melodic structure and McGuinn's signature Rickenbacker guitar work create a timeless atmosphere that complements the band's broader discography, including works like 'Mr. Tambourine Man' and 'The Times They Are A Changin'. As a standalone recording, it captures the essence of Byrd-era folk-rock, offering a reflective listen that honors the band's legacy in American music history.