Why (The Byrds song)

"Why" is a song written by David Crosby and Jim McGuinn of The Byrds, and was first released as the B-side of their hit single "Eight Miles High" in March 1966. It later appeared on their third album, Fifth Dimension, released in July of the same year.

Musically, "Why" is a prime example of The Byrds' experimentation with Indian classical music influences, primarily through its use of modal harmony and McGuinn's raga-style guitar solo. The song incorporates elements of drone and repetitive melodic phrases, reminiscent of sitar music. This experimentation aligned with the burgeoning interest in Eastern sounds within the mid-1960s counterculture.

Lyrically, "Why" is a short, somewhat ambiguous song centered around the titular question. The lyrics explore themes of existential questioning and searching for meaning, reflecting the philosophical inclinations that were prevalent in the 1960s music scene. The repetitive nature of the lyrics, coupled with the droning musical arrangement, creates a hypnotic effect.

The song's inclusion as the B-side of "Eight Miles High" exposed it to a wide audience, even though it differed significantly from the A-side's more straightforward rock sound. "Why" has since been recognized as a significant example of The Byrds' psychedelic rock period and their incorporation of non-Western musical elements. Despite its brevity, it remains a notable track in their discography.