“Helplessly Hoping” by Crosby, Stills & Nash
Even though there is obviously a discernible narrative flowing throughout “Helplessly Hoping”, it’s also blatantly evident that the song’s writer, Stephen Stills, put a high premium on stylized lyrics. So it isn’t such that the details of what’s going down are abundantly clear.
The featured characters are seemingly in a romantic relationship. And what has been put forth more specifically is that they are on the verge of breaking up, as inspired by what Stills was going through at the time with his real-life lover, fellow professional musician Judy Collins.
Indeed these lyrics, as ambiguous and poetic as they may be, if nothing else do a sound job of conveying that the two main parties involved are having difficulty connecting. However, the chorus also firmly implies that they are in love. So that appears to be the situation we are met with, i.e. two lovers who, in the vocalist’s eyes, should be together. But at the same time – due to their own personal fears or apprehensions it seems – they are unable to take things to the next thing.
When Was “Helplessly Hoping” Released?
On the 29th of May, 1969, Atlantic Records released this classic. It is one of the songs on Crosby, Stills & Nash’s self-titled debut album.
Credits
Stephen Stills, one third of the band, is the only credited writer of the song. The inspiration behind the track was the pending demise of Still’s romantic union with singer Judy Collins.
All three members of the band produced the track.
Notable Appearances of “Helplessly Hoping”
“Helplessly Hoping” has been featured in a ton of movies, including:
- 2018 science fiction psychological horror movie, “Annihilation”.
- 2019 comedy-drama movie, “The Art of Racing in the Rain”.
The song was also featured in the 2020 action-adventure game, “The Last of Us Part II”. The 15th episode of the 4th season of the medical drama series, “New Amsterdam” utilized this song. The episode was aired on 22nd February, 2022.
Notable Covers
Bluegrass band J.D. Crowe & The New South released their version as part of their seventh album, “Straight Ahead” in 1986.
In 2012, Brandi Carlile covered “Helplessly Hoping” live in the Bing Lounge at 101.9 KINK.FM.
Foxes and Fossils performed a cover of this classic in 2013.
On “The Voice” 2021, Girl Named Tom performed their rendition live during the blind auditions.
In 2021, rock band Of Mice & Men covered this track. The cover was included in multiple studio projects of theirs.
How did the story of Judy and Stephen go forth?
Home free had the best cover.. Hands down..I think even better than the original