I confess to having been a little bamboozled when I saw that the prompt for this week’s Song Lyric Sunday called for a song from a ‘Super Band’. That’s not an expression I’m familiar with. However, a little exploration showed that it’s an alternative (American?) description of what would be more commonly described over here as a ‘Supergroup’ – in other words, a new combination of artistes already known and respected in their own right.

My first thought was the very short-lived Blind Faith, which comprised Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker from Cream, Steve Winwood from Traffic and Ric Grech of Family (and later Traffic). However, Blind Faith passed in the blink of an eye, so I turned to my second (and following very closely behind) thought: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

It could be argued that ‘just’ CS&N was itself a supergroup, being made up of established names from The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield and The Hollies respectively. To my mind, however, what really took them up another level to true supergroup status was the addition of Neil Young.

I knew that I’m on the right lines with CSN&Y as a Super Band because Jim himself has chosen one of their songs as his personal contribution this week, albeit one written by Stephen Stills. Given my particular affection for Neil Young, however, it’s only natural that I chose one of his songs.

This version is from the live double album ‘4 Way Street’ released in 1971 and which was rarely off my turntable back in the day.

Hello, cowgirl in the sand (Hello, cowgirl in the sand)
Is this place at your command?
Can I stay here for a while?
Can I see your sweet, sweet smile?

Old enough now to change your name
When so many love you, is it the same?
It’s the woman in you that makes you want to play this game

Hello, ruby in the dust (Hello, ruby in the dust)
Has your band begun to rust?
After all the sin we’ve had
I was hoping that we’d turn bad

Old enough now to change your name
When so many love you, is it the same?
It’s the woman in you that makes you want to play this game

Hello, woman of my dreams (Hello, woman of my dreams)
Is this not the way it seems?
Purple words on a grey background
To be a woman and to be turned down

Old enough now to change your name
When so many love you, is it the same?
It’s the woman in you that makes you want to play this game

Written by Neil Young

Song Lyric Sunday14 September 2025