On The Beach

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On The Beach lyrics by Neil Young

Analysis of "On The Beach" lyrics by Neil Young

[Note: This is one of a series of articles which provide an explanation of the meaning of Neil Young's classic album "On The Beach". While the interpretation of lyrics presented here is composed of several viewpoints, there is little consensus on the exact meaning of Neil's songs. The themes and symbolism of Young's songwriting provide a rich tapestry on which to project various meanings and analysis. ]

"On The Beach" has long been hailed as a masterpiece. The album's infamous "blues trilogy" comprising of "Revolution Blues", "Vampire Blues", and "Ambulance Blues" have provided rich fodder for analysis and commentary. The "blues trilogy" is considered by many fans some of Neil's richest and most metaphorical work.

From Ian MacDonald's outstanding and definitive analysis in New Musical Express "You're All Just Pissing In the Wind" :

From Ian MacDonald's OTB review: "You're All Just Pissing In the Wind" commenting on 'Ambulance Blues':

From uncut62 on Ian MacDonald's analysis :

From A City Waiting for the Sunrise - Toronto in Song and Sound:

The song "Motion Pictures" was dedicated to Neil's girlfriend Carrie Snodgress who was an Oscar nominated actress. The liner notes of "On The Beach" for "Motion Pictures" say: "For Carrie".

Lyrics of "Motion Pictures" clearly reference Carrie and Young's love for her:

(More on Carrie Snodgress and the songs Neil wrote about her and their film appearance together in "Journey Through The Past".)

On the lyrics of REVOLUTION BLUES , John Blakeney writes:


On The Beach lyrics by Neil Young


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