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4 + 20

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Wikipedia article


"'4 + 20'" is a song by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, written by Stephen Stills, originally released on the band's 1970 album 'Dj Vu'.. It was performed by Stephen Stills on solo acoustic guitar.

The song describes the inner torments and reflections of a man on his past, present and future. In the CSN boxed set, Stills explained: "It's about an 84-year-old poverty stricken man who started and finished with nothing."

Stills recorded the song in one take and planned to use it on his upcoming debut solo album, but when his bandmates heard it, they implored him to use it on the 'Dj Vu' album. He planned to have bandmates David Crosby and Graham Nash sing harmony parts, but they refused. "They told me they wouldn't touch it," said Stills. "So it always stood alone." On the highly-collaborative 'Dj Vu' album, "4 + 20" stands out as the only song which was both written and performed solo by one member of the band, justified by Crosby who recalled "We just said, 'It's too damn good, we're not touching it.'"

Personnel



* Stephen Stills lead vocals, guitar

References





Category:1970 songs

Category:Songs written by Stephen Stills

Category:Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young songs

Category:Songs about old age

Category:Songs about poverty

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