Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young take their grievances to the grave
I was running an errand yesterday afternoon when the song “Wooden Ships” was played on the car radio. The classic song from the first Crosby, Stills and Nash album got me thinking about the band and their relationship.
I've been in a strange head space this week so my first thought was I was surprised that all of them, plus Neil Young were still alive. Then, I wondered if they would take their grievances with Crosby to the grave?
The timing turned out to be more than a little eerie because a few hours later the story broke that David Crosby had died.
The answer to my question is yes because it's now too late to make amends. It's now too late for forgiveness. And I don't get it!
I know the history of the group. I know all about the constant fighting and the constant making up. Graham Nash has always been considered the peacemaker and voice of reason in the band. But, when you read some of the things he’s said about Crosby in recent years, you had to know that some horrendous things must have been done to make it a permanent break.
Still, how do you not reach out and try to extend an olive branch when you know your friend of six decades is dying? It was common knowledge that Crosby had significant health problems. Between a liver transplant for hepatitis C, diabetes and a few heart attacks, we all knew he was living on borrowed time. Crosby even acknowledged his own mortality. If the public knew this, I'm sure his colleagues knew it and more. And yet nothing. Even in the statements immediately after his death, the sentiment seemed to be more about the music than the friendship. Sad! Damn sad!
Well, kids, there's a lesson to be learned in this. Take a look at your own life. Evaluate your own relationships. If something is wrong or missing with the people who are important to you, do something about it. Reach out by a call, a text, an email…anything! Do something before it's too late.
Don't end up like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Don't take it to the grave.