She'll hand to you a stick of sandalwood
A little smile and then she'll disappear
Back into a crowd of happy people
Looking like they never came from here

Strange thing, gathering of tribes
Strange thing, gathering of tribes

A Macedonian, a pilot comes
A' laughing at a German jest or joke
A friendly motorcycle angel comes
To sit and talk awhile, and share a smoke

Strange thing, gathering of tribes
Strange thing, gathering of tribes

Pretty little whirling butterfly
All the prettiest girls go dancing by
Caught up in the sound of talking drums
Lost herself out in the wheel of [Incomprehensible]

Strange thing, gathering of tribes
Strange thing, gathering of tribes



Lyrics submitted by annazoff

Tribal Gathering Lyrics as written by Chris Hillman David Crosby

Lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc.

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Tribal Gathering song meanings
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  • 0
    Song Meaning

    That was how it was when a bunch of hippies got together. Strange things, gather in a tribe.

    Sumflowon December 08, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    also when " friendly motorcycle angels" get together - listen to the guitars simulate cycles revving up and busting loose, both in the break and at song's end

    rockboy52on February 24, 2015   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    The Byrds were one of the many bands that played at the Fantasy Fair and Magic Mountain Music Festival (June 10th and 11th, 1967) in Marin County, the bay area's first such music event (the Monterrey Pop Festival was a week later and wasn't in the bay area). David Crosby's lyrics were inspired by the goings on during this festival. The Hells Angels motorcycle club provided informal security at this event. By the way, admission was $2 and other acts included the Doors, Jefferson Airplane, Canned Heat, The Steve Miller Blues Band, and many others.

    alsquaredon July 16, 2019   Link

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