About the song
“Wasn’t Born to Follow” is a song with a rich history and significant impact, first recorded by The Byrds in 1968 for their album The Notorious Byrd Brothers. The song was crafted by the talented songwriting duo Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Goffin wrote the lyrics, while King composed the music, combining their skills to create a track that has resonated with listeners for decades.
The Byrds’ rendition of “Wasn’t Born to Follow” gained additional attention when it was featured in the iconic 1969 film Easy Rider. This exposure helped the song reach a wider audience and cemented its place in the folk-rock genre. In 1969, it was released as a single in the UK and Germany, further extending its popularity.
The song’s message of independence and resistance to conformity has made it a timeless anthem. Its theme of staying true to oneself and rejecting societal pressures speaks to a broad audience, making it a favorite for many generations. Over the years, “Wasn’t Born to Follow” has been covered by various artists, including Carole King’s own band, The City, as well as the Monkees, the Lemon Pipers, Dusty Springfield, and Carole King herself in her solo career.
The Byrds’ version of the song remains a cherished classic, celebrated for its meaningful lyrics and engaging melody. Its enduring appeal continues to inspire and connect with audiences, affirming its place as a significant piece in the folk-rock music landscape.
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Lyrics
No I’d rather go and journey
Where the diamond crescent’s glowing
And run across the valley
Beneath the sacred mountain
And wander through the forest
Where the trees have leaves of prisms
And break the light in colors
That no one know the names of
And when it’s time I’ll go and lay
Beside the legendary fountain
‘Till I see her form reflected
In its clear and jewelled waters
And if you think I’m ready
You may lead me to the chasm
Where the rivers of our visions
Flow into one another
I will want to dive beneath the white cascading waters
She may beg, she may plead, she may argue with her logic
And mention all the things I’ll lose
That really have no value in the end she will surely know
I wasn’t born to follow