David Crosby passed away January 18, 2023, just two days ago.

He was a founding member of the Byrds (1964). He is on the far right in that picture, no moustache. 

Later, after he left the band in 1967, he got together with Steven Stills and Graham Nash to form Crosby Stills and Nash in 1968.

I remember listening to their tunes in the early 1970's.

He will be missed.

Hal

Here is the lesson for Southern Cross.
Hal
https://youtu.be/rr2K_mhGbHI

Southern Cross Crosby Stills Nash Cover
This song is fun to play, fun to sing, and just plain fun! Especially if you love boats. 

"Southern Cross" is based on the song "Seven League Boots" by Rick and Michael Curtis. Stills explains, "The Curtis Brothers brought a wonderful song called 'Seven League Boots,' but it drifted around too much. I rewrote a new set of words and added a different chorus, a story about a long boat trip I took after my divorce. It's about using the power of the universe to heal your wounds. Once again, I was given somebody's gem and cut and polished it."

I love the lines

   Got out of town on a boat goin' to Southern islands
   Sailing a reach before a followin' sea
   She was makin' for the trades on the outside
   And the downhill run to Papeete

   Off the wind on this heading lie the Marquesas
   We got eighty feet of the waterline nicely making way

If you've been around sailing very much you will understand that these lines sit well with sailors. "Sailing a reach before a following sea" makes perfect sense. And also, "nicely making way" is comfortable sailing. Whoever crafted these lines knows that this is perfect weather sailing. It sounds like a great day on the water!

The line, "But on a midnight watch I realized why twice you ran away" let's us know that the writer was alone on watch, at night, with lots of time to think. This revelation came during that quite time. It was probably a beautiful evening with maybe even a moon silvering the water as the boat moved along quietly with only the sound of the water on the sides of the hull.

Those are times never to be forgotten. 

I'm thinking about adding the harmonies but they take time. So here you are with just my voice on the melody for the time being. The lesson is coming.

Hal Steads
https://youtu.be/TCduhMNzuLg