Introduction:
“Teach Your Children” is an enduring and profoundly resonant folk-rock anthem by the iconic supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY). This timeless track was officially released in May 1970 as a single from their seminal album, Déjà Vu, which itself hit stores in March 1970. The song quickly became a generational touchstone, embodying the contemplative spirit and social consciousness prevalent during the late 1960s and early 1970s. It firmly belongs to the Country Rock and Folk Rock genres, characterized by its harmonious vocal arrangements, acoustic instrumentation, and a lyrical message that transcends time. “Teach Your Children” is celebrated not only for its musical beauty but also for its powerful and enduring message about intergenerational understanding, the passing of wisdom, and the importance of learning from both the past and the future.
- Year Released: 1970 (May, as a single; March, on album)
- Album: Déjà Vu
- Genre: Country Rock / Folk Rock
The formation of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young was a significant event in rock history. David Crosby, formerly of The Byrds; Stephen Stills, from Buffalo Springfield; and Graham Nash, from The Hollies, initially formed Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN) in 1968, quickly gaining acclaim for their intricate vocal harmonies. The addition of Neil Young, also from Buffalo Springfield, in 1969, transformed the trio into a quartet, adding a raw, electric edge to their already sophisticated sound. Their performance at the legendary Woodstock festival in August 1969, though only their second live gig as a foursome, cemented their status as a musical force. The anticipation for their first album as CSNY was immense, with over two million pre-orders for Déjà Vu even before its release.
“Teach Your Children” was written by Graham Nash in 1968, during his time with The Hollies. Although The Hollies never officially recorded a studio version of the song, Nash brought it with him to his new supergroup. The recording for Déjà Vu took place between July 1969 and January 1970 at Wally Heider’s studios in San Francisco and Hollywood. The production of the album was a collaborative effort by all four members of the band. A notable contribution to “Teach Your Children” came from an unexpected source: Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead played the distinctive pedal steel guitar on the track. Garcia, who was teaching himself the instrument at the time for his work with the New Riders of the Purple Sage, reportedly recorded several takes and spliced them together to create the final backing and solo. His involvement was part of a reciprocal agreement where CSNY would help the Grateful Dead improve their vocal harmonies for their upcoming albums, Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty.
The lyrical inspiration for “Teach Your Children” is deeply personal and reflective. Graham Nash has stated that the song’s message was partly influenced by a famous 1962 photograph by Diane Arbus, “Child with Toy Hand Grenade in Central Park,” which depicted a child with an intense, almost angry expression holding a toy weapon. This image prompted Nash to contemplate the societal messages imparted to children, particularly concerning war and violence. The song’s gentle melody and harmonious vocals belie its profound message, which encourages both older and younger generations to learn from each other. It speaks to the responsibility of parents to guide their children (“Teach your children well / Their father’s fault was not their own”) while also urging the youth to understand the struggles and wisdom of their elders (“And feed them on your dreams / The one they pick, the one you’ll know”). This dual perspective on learning and growth makes the song universally relatable and timeless.
Genre of Music:
“Teach Your Children” is a quintessential example of Country Rock and Folk Rock, genres that flourished in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
- Country Rock: The song features a distinct country sensibility, particularly evident in the prominent pedal steel guitar, the acoustic guitar arrangements, and its relaxed, almost pastoral feel. This blend of rock energy with country instrumentation and lyrical themes was a hallmark of the genre.
- Folk Rock: Rooted in the folk tradition of storytelling and acoustic instrumentation, the song incorporates the electric elements and polished production of rock music. Its focus on social commentary and intergenerational dialogue aligns perfectly with the folk revival’s emphasis on meaningful lyrics.
- Singer-Songwriter: As a composition by Graham Nash, performed by a group of highly acclaimed singer-songwriters, the song showcases the individual artistic voices and lyrical depth characteristic of this genre.
Achievements:
“Teach Your Children” achieved significant commercial success and critical acclaim, solidifying its place as one of CSNY’s most iconic and enduring songs:
- Commercial Chart Performance: The single performed strongly, peaking at No. 16 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1970. It also reached No. 8 on the RPM Top Singles chart in Canada, No. 7 in the Netherlands, and No. 11 in Australia. Its presence on the U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary chart at No. 28 further demonstrated its broad appeal across different radio formats.
- Contribution to a Landmark Album: As a key track on Déjà Vu, “Teach Your Children” contributed significantly to the album’s monumental success. Déjà Vu topped the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart for one week and has been certified 7x Platinum by the RIAA, selling over 8 million copies in the United States. It remains the highest-selling album for each individual member of the supergroup. Rolling Stone magazine ranked Déjà Vu at No. 148 on its 2003 list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” (and No. 220 on the 2020 edition), underscoring its enduring critical importance.
- Cultural Anthem: Beyond its chart success, “Teach Your Children” became a powerful and widely embraced anthem of its era. Its message of peace, understanding, and the importance of learning from both past mistakes and future generations resonated deeply with a generation grappling with social and political upheaval. It was performed at a San Francisco rally against the Vietnam War shortly after its recording, even before the album’s official release, highlighting its immediate cultural relevance.
- Enduring Legacy and Influence: The song’s timeless message and beautiful harmonies have ensured its lasting legacy. It is consistently featured in compilations, documentaries, and popular culture references (e.g., The Wonder Years, The Office). Its influence can be heard in countless folk and country-rock artists who followed. In 1994, Crosby, Stills & Nash re-recorded the song with country artists Suzy Bogguss, Alison Krauss, and Kathy Mattea for the Red Hot + Country album, benefiting AIDS awareness, further demonstrating its adaptability and continued relevance.
- Jerry Garcia’s Contribution: The inclusion of Jerry Garcia’s distinctive pedal steel guitar work on the track is a notable achievement, adding a unique sonic texture and creating a memorable collaboration between two iconic acts of the era.