Sweet Judy Blue Eyes: The Story Behind the Classic Song

Released in 1969, 'Suite: Judy Blue Eyes' by Crosby, Stills & Nash (and sometimes Young) is a harmonious epic that has become one of the most beloved songs in rock music. But what's behind its creation? In fact, Stephen Stills, one of the songwriters, was actually in the studio when he recorded the original demo of the song. During an interview with NPR in 2007, Stills revealed that Judy Collins, his girlfriend at the time, told him 'not to stay all night.' The relationship ended soon after, and it's clear from the lyrics of the song that this breakup was a painful one.

Years later, Collins herself wrote about their relationship in her memoir, titled 'Sweet Judy Blue Eyes' (via Amazon). This album marks an important milestone, as it was released eight years ago today. Composed by Stills, the song is a beautiful tribute to his ex-girlfriend and features intricate harmonies that showcase the vocal talents of all four band members.

Stills wrote about Collins in his song, which references her time in therapy with a controversial therapist. The line 'Will you come see me Thursdays and Saturdays?' refers to her standing appointment, as documented in one of Collins' books, 'Singing Lessons.' After completing the song, Stills played it for Collins, who was touched by its beauty. In an interview with The Guardian, she recalled: 'Both of them cried.'

The song touches obliquely on the facts of this breakup and even references Collins' time in therapy with a controversial therapist, with the line 'Will you come see me Thursdays and Saturdays?' referring to her standing appointment, per one of Collins' books, 'Singing Lessons.'

In an interview with The Guardian, Collins revealed that their relationship mostly fell apart because of distance. Stills also struggled to get the music to fit together, but ultimately 'it poured out of me over many months and filled several notebooks.' He started writing the song as a long narrative poem about his relationship with Judy.

Both Stills and Collins, who are still friends today, have acknowledged that Collins is the inspiration behind the 1969 song (per The Guardian). So, what's the Spanish part of Suite: Judy Blue Eyes? Unfortunately, there isn't one. At the time Stephen Stills wrote 'Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,' his passionate relationship to the blue-eyes singer Judy Collins was falling apart.

As for what they're saying at the end of the song, it's a poignant moment that captures the pain and longing of their breakup. And as for who the song was written about? That would be Judy Collins herself.

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