"Helplessly Hoping" | ||||
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Single by Crosby, Stills, and Nash | ||||
from the album Crosby, Stills & Nash | ||||
A-side | "Marrakesh Express" | |||
Released | June 1969 | |||
Recorded | December 1968 | |||
Studio | Wally Heider's Studio 3 | |||
Genre | Folk rock | |||
Label | Atlantic | |||
Songwriter(s) | Stephen Stills | |||
Producer(s) | Paul Rothchild | |||
Crosby, Stills, and Nash singles chronology | ||||
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"Helplessly Hoping" is a 1969 song by the American folk rock group Crosby, Stills, and Nash written by Stephen Stills, and using both alliteration and wordplay in its lyrics. They recorded the song at Wally Heider's Studio 3, Hollywood in December 1968 during their first recording session as a group, with producer Paul Rothchild.[1][2] The song was first released by Atlantic Records on Crosby, Stills, and Nash's eponymous debut album on May 29, 1969.[3] In June 1969, they released it as the B-side of their debut single "Marrakesh Express".[4][2]
The song is about two lovers who don't know what to do in a psychological setting. Alliteration is used throughout the song; "Helplessly Hoping", "Wordlessly Watching", and "Stand by the Stairway".
Wordplay is also employed — the chorus contains number words with dual meanings:
They are One Person,
They are Two Alone,
They are Three Together,
They are Four Each Other.
The play on three of the Chorus lines would go:
They are Too Alone,
They are Free Together,
They are For Each Other.