The Byrds

Released: August 30, 1968

Songwriter: Bob Dylan

Producer: Gary Usher

Nothing was delivered
And I tell this truth to you
Not out of spite or anger
But, simply because it's true
Now you must provide some answers
For what you sell has not been received
And the sooner you come up with them
The sooner you can leave

Nothing is better, nothing is best
Take care of your health and get plenty of rest

Nothing was delivered , and it's up to you to say
Just what you had in mind
When you made everybody pay
Now I hope you won't object to this
Giving back all of what you owe
And the sooner you come up with them
The sooner you can go

Nothing is better, nothing is best
Take care of your health and get plenty of rest

Nothing was delivered
I can't say I sympathize
With what your fate is going to be
Yes, for telling all those lies
No, nothing was delivered
Yes, and someone must explain
That as long as it takes to do this
Then that's how long that you'll remain

Nothing is better, nothing is best
Take care of your health and get plenty of rest

The Byrds /ˈbɜrdz/ were an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1964. The band underwent multiple line-up changes throughout its existence, with frontman Roger McGuinn (known as Jim McGuinn until mid-1967) remaining the sole consistent member, until the group disbanded in 1973. Initially, they pioneered the musical genre of folk rock, melding the influence of the Beatles and other British Invasion bands with contemporary and traditional folk music. As the 1960s progressed, the band was also influential in originating psychedelic rock, raga rock, and country rock.

The band’s signature blend of clear harmony singing and McGuinn’s jangly twelve-string Rickenbacker guitar has continued to be influential on popular music up to the present day. Among the band’s most enduring songs are their cover versions of Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man” and Pete Seeger’s “Turn! Turn! Turn! (to Everything There Is a Season)”, along with the self-penned originals, “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better”, “Eight Miles High”, “So You Want to Be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star”, “Ballad of Easy Rider” and “Chestnut Mare”.

The original five-piece line-up of the Byrds consisted of Jim McGuinn (lead guitar, vocals), Gene Clark (tambourine, vocals), David Crosby (rhythm guitar, vocals), Chris Hillman (bass guitar, vocals), and Michael Clarke (drums). However, this version of the band was relatively short-lived. The Byrds' final album was released in March 1973, with the reunited group disbanding soon afterwards. Several former members of the band went on to successful careers of their own, either as solo artists or as members of such groups as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, the Flying Burrito Brothers and the Desert Rose Band.

more tracks from the album

Sweetheart of the Rodeo

From the album

Sweetheart of the Rodeo (1968)

The Byrds popular songs

Nothing Was DeliveredThe Byrds

The Byrds

Sweetheart of the Rodeo