Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - Compass Lyrics






I have wasted ten years in a blind-fold,
Ten-fold more than I've invested now in sight.
I have traveled beveled mirrors in a fly crawl,
Losing the reflection of a fight.

But like a compass seeking north, (seeking north).
There lives in me a still, sure, spirit part.
Clouds of doubt are cut asunder (clouds of doubt).
By the lightning and the thunder
Shining from the compass of my heart (shining from my heart).

I have flown the frantic flight of the bat-wing
And only known the dark because of that
I have seized death's door-handle
Like a fish out of the water
Waiting for the mercy of the cat.

But like a compass seeking north, (seeking north).
There lives in me a still, sure, spirit part.
Clouds of doubt are cut asunder (clouds of doubt).
By the lightning and the thunder
Shining from the compass of my heart (shining from my heart).





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Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Compass Comments
  1. G.... M....

    Bought this album on its release, took it back to shop and got a refund on grounds it was not the real CSN&Y. and all these years later, i have to agree with Catharsis below, this is the only song that cuts it, the rest of this album is just terrible.

    G.... M....

    Agree, but just lately This Old House is starting to grow on me a little. Finally.

  2. C.... ....

    The one song that really works from AD.

    I can do w/o the corn-ball train whistle effects but I’ve read no songs from this poorly-produced album became live staples: can’t believe this one hasn’t been performed.

    In a live setting far from studio trickery and over-icing effects this would enchant an audience I suspect.

    C.... ....

    I actually think the harmonica works really well here. Makes me think of DC in a prison cell, contemplating what his life had become.

    C.... ....

    They played it at the Bridge Benefit I was at back in what, 1989 or so? Was awesome.

  3. B.... C....

    David Crosby is one hell of a thought provoking singer-songwriter.

    B.... C....

    He wrote this during his 8 month prison term when he got popped for illegal drugs & fire arm possession. Understanding the road he was on and how he got there really underscores the punch of this song. And yes, he is a gifted singer-songwriter!

  4. A.... U....

    Bought this album in 1989 in East Germany in an "Intershop" for DM 4.99. Could not believe anything that time - not what broadcasted in my country about the communication between Gorbatchev and Reagan, not was told about Chernobyl, not what was written about AIDS. Lived in a poor house, which all of our dreams could not make a better place. "I have wasted ten years in a blindfold." Yes, I did. Started to understand, that those musicians in America are real humans, facing the same shit. This song is part of what I am.

  5. S.... P....

    Why have I never heard this song before? I'm glad I came here!

    S.... P....

    Look up "Out of the Darkness" From a Crosby/Nash album from 1976...

  6. P.... R....

    Very haunting

  7. C.... C....

    Damn good song. One of their very best.