Teach Your Children

Crosby, Stills, and Nash's song 'Teach Your Children' is a poignant reflection on the cyclical nature of wisdom and love between generations. The lyrics emphasize the importance of having a personal code or set of values to live by, suggesting that this is essential for personal growth and self-actualization. The line 'the past is just a goodbye' implies that while history shapes us, it should not confine us, encouraging a forward-looking perspective.

The song's chorus, 'Teach your children well,' underscores the responsibility of parents to guide their children through life, imparting dreams and values. The phrase 'their father's hell did slowly go by' hints at the struggles and hardships faced by previous generations, suggesting that these experiences should serve as lessons rather than burdens. The advice to 'feed them on your dreams' highlights the importance of nurturing children's aspirations, allowing them to choose their own paths.

Interestingly, the song also flips the traditional dynamic by urging the younger generation to 'teach your parents well.' This reciprocal relationship suggests that wisdom and learning are not one-way streets; both generations have much to offer each other. The repeated refrain 'don't you ever ask them why, if they told you, you would cry' serves as a reminder of the deep, often unspoken emotional bonds that tie families together. It suggests that some truths are too painful to articulate, yet the love and understanding between generations can transcend these unspoken sorrows.

Overall, 'Teach Your Children' is a timeless anthem that speaks to the enduring power of love, understanding, and mutual respect between generations. It calls for a world where both young and old contribute to a shared vision of a better future, grounded in empathy and shared dreams.