Hickory Wind
The Byrds · Complete Album Collection [2011]
In South Carolina, there are many tall pines
I remember the oak tree that we used to climb
But now when I'm lonesome I always pretend
That I'm gettin' the feel of hickory wind
I started out younger, had most everything
All the riches and pleasures, what else can life bring?
But it makes me feel better each time you begin
Callin' me home, hickory wind
It's a hard way to find out that trouble is real
In a far away city, with a far away feel
But it makes me feel better each time you begin
Callin' me home, hickory wind
Keeps callin' me home, hickory wind
I remember the oak tree that we used to climb
But now when I'm lonesome I always pretend
That I'm gettin' the feel of hickory wind
I started out younger, had most everything
All the riches and pleasures, what else can life bring?
But it makes me feel better each time you begin
Callin' me home, hickory wind
It's a hard way to find out that trouble is real
In a far away city, with a far away feel
But it makes me feel better each time you begin
Callin' me home, hickory wind
Keeps callin' me home, hickory wind
Hickory Wind
Released by The Byrds on their 1966 album Complete Album Collection, Hickory Wind stands as a defining example of the group's transition from folk-rock to psychedelic rock. The track features the band's signature jangly Rickenbacker guitars layered with harmonica and organ, creating a swirling soundscape that captures the era's evolving musical landscape. As a key component of their discography, the song reflects the band's deep engagement with the folk tradition while pushing boundaries toward experimental textures. Its enduring appeal lies in its atmospheric quality and the seamless integration of multiple instruments, cementing The Byrds' legacy as pioneers of the 1960s sound.