Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing

Album: Buffalo Springfield (1966)
Charted: 110
Play Video
  • Hey who's that stomping all over my face?
    Where's that silhouette I'm trying to trace?
    Who's putting sponge in the bells I once rung?
    And taking my gypsy before she's begun?
    To singing the meaning of what's in my mind
    Before I can take home what's rightfully mine
    Joinin' and listenin' and talkin' in rhymes
    Stoppin' the feeling to wait for the times
    Who's saying baby that don't mean a thing
    'Cause nowadays Clancy can't even sing

    And who's all hung-up on that happiness thing?
    Who's trying to tune all the bells that he rings?
    And who's in the corner and down on the floor?
    With pencil and paper just counting the score?
    And who's trying to act like he just in between?
    The night isn't black, it can only be screened
    Don't bother looking you're too blind to see
    Who's coming on like he wanted to be
    Who's saying baby, that don't mean a thing
    'Cause nowadays Clancy can't even sing

    And who's coming home on the old ninety five?
    Who's got the feeling to keep him alive
    Though havin' it, sharin' it ain't quite the same
    It ain't no gold nugget you can't lay a claim
    Who's seeing eyes through the crack in the floor
    There it is baby don't you worry no more
    Who should be sleepin' but is writing this song
    Wishin' and a-hopin' he weren't so damned wrong
    Who's saying baby, that don't mean a thing
    'Cause nowadays Clancy can't even sing
    Who's saying baby that don't mean a thing
    'Cause nowadays Clancy can't even sing Writer/s: Neil Young
    Publisher: Hipgnosis Songs Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 3

  • Alan Mackenzie from TorontoClancy Smith still lives in Winnipeg and still has MS. He has long been a devoted Libertarian and is a very bright, funny guy. He has wonderful stories and an encyclopedic knowledge of things historical, philosophical and economic.
  • Adam from West Palm Beach, FlDewey Martin was their drummer...
  • Reg from Kemptville, On, -I've been quite amazed by this song. As a teen I grew to love progressive rock. This song is not 'progressive rock' but it is as complex as many prog songs.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Eagles Lyrics Quiz

Eagles Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

Lots of life lessons in these Eagles lyrics - can you match them to the correct song?

Shawn Mullins

Shawn MullinsSongwriter Interviews

"Lullaby" singer Shawn Mullins on "Beautiful Wreck," beating the Devil, and his writing credit on the Zac Brown Band song "Toes."

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.

Taylor Dayne

Taylor DayneSongwriter Interviews

Taylor talks about "The Machine" - the hits, the videos and Clive Davis.

Sarah Brightman

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.