Wasn't Born To Follow

The Byrds' song 'Wasn't Born To Follow' is a poetic exploration of the desire for freedom and the rejection of societal norms. The lyrics paint vivid imagery of a journey through nature, symbolizing a quest for personal enlightenment and spiritual fulfillment. The opening lines describe a fantastical landscape where 'the diamond crest is flowing' and 'trees have leaves of prisms,' suggesting a world beyond the mundane, filled with beauty and mystery. This setting represents the singer's longing to escape the constraints of conventional life and seek a deeper, more meaningful existence.

The song continues with the singer waiting by a 'legendary fountain,' a metaphor for a place of wisdom and self-discovery. The reflection in the 'clear and jewelled waters' symbolizes self-awareness and the recognition of one's true self. The mention of being led to a 'chasm where the rivers of our vision flow into one another' suggests a merging of perspectives and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. This journey is not just physical but also spiritual, as the singer seeks to transcend ordinary experiences and connect with something greater.

In the final verse, the singer expresses a willingness to face the ultimate sacrifice, 'to die beneath the white cascading waters,' indicating a readiness to let go of the ego and embrace a higher state of being. The mention of a woman who 'may beg, she may plead, she may argue with her logic' represents the societal pressures and rational arguments that often try to dissuade individuals from following their true path. However, the singer remains resolute, knowing that the lessons learned from such pressures 'really have no value' in the end. The declaration 'I wasn't born to follow' is a powerful affirmation of individuality and the courage to pursue one's own destiny, regardless of societal expectations.