Teach Your Children

The song "Teach Your Children" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young is a heartfelt message about the reciprocal relationship between parents and children, emphasizing the importance of understanding and learning from each other. The lyrics suggest that individuals, regardless of age, carry their own experiences and perspectives that shape their understanding of the world. The song opens with an appeal to those 'on the road' to live by a personal code of ethics and to embrace their identity, acknowledging that the past is behind them.

The chorus, 'Teach your children well,' is a call to parents to educate their children not just with knowledge but also with their own life experiences ('their father's hell'). It encourages parents to share their dreams and aspirations with their children, as these will be the guiding principles by which they are known. Conversely, the song also implores the younger generation to 'teach your parents well,' recognizing that children also have their own struggles ('their children's hell') and dreams that parents should strive to understand and support.

The refrain 'Don't you ever ask them why, if they told you, you would cry' suggests a deep emotional connection and the sometimes painful nature of truth. It implies that there are aspects of each generation's experiences that are difficult to confront, but despite this, there is an underlying bond of love. The song ultimately calls for mutual respect, empathy, and open communication between generations, fostering a cycle of learning and understanding that transcends age.