Behind The Song: The Mystery of Neil Young’s “Cinnamon Girl”
Episode Release Date: November 1, 2023
Host: Janda Lane
Podcast: Behind The Song by The Drive | Hubbard Radio
Introduction: Unveiling the Enigma
In the November 1, 2023 episode of "Behind The Song", host Janda Lane delves deep into the origins, inspirations, and enduring legacy of Neil Young's iconic track, "Cinnamon Girl". This episode meticulously unpacks the song's creation amidst personal struggles, its musical innovations, and the mysteries surrounding its lyrical muse.
Contextualizing "Cinnamon Girl"
"Cinnamon Girl" serves as the opening track on Neil Young's sophomore solo album, Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere, released in May 1969. This period marked a transitional phase for Young, coming off the dissolution of Buffalo Springfield and concurrently engaging with Crosby, Stills, and Nash.
Christian Lane [00:11]: “Cinnamon Girl is the album opener on Young's second solo release, Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere, released in May of 1969.”
Formation of Crazy Horse: A Natural Harmony
Seeking to overcome dissatisfaction with overdubbing on his self-titled debut, Neil Young enlisted the backing band Crazy Horse. Inspired by the Rockets' performance at the Whiskey a Go Go in West Hollywood, Young recruited Danny Whitten (second guitar and harmony vocals), Billy Talbot (bass), and Ralph Molina (drums).
Lane [00:11]: “He'd seen a band called the Rockets play at the Whiskey a Go Go club in West Hollywood and recruited three players. Danny Whitten on second guitar and harmony vocals, Billy Talbot on bass and Ralph Molina on drums.”
Recording with Crazy Horse allowed Young to capture a more organic, live sound, mitigating his previous issues with overdubbing.
Danny Whitten’s Influence and Tragic Demise
Danny Whitten became a pivotal figure in shaping the album's sound, particularly contributing his high harmonies to "Cinnamon Girl". However, his burgeoning heroin addiction, exacerbated by rheumatoid arthritis, led to his eventual departure from the band and a tragic death in 1972.
Lane [00:11]: “Danny Whitten developed a heroin addiction to combat rheumatoid arthritis and he became completely ruled by the drug...He tragically died that very night after mixing diazepam with alcohol when he was just 29 years old.”
Neil Young later expressed deep remorse over Whitten's death, acknowledging the significant impact Whitten had on both his personal life and musical creativity.
Musical Innovations: The Birth of Grunge Sounds
"Cinnamon Girl" is renowned for its distinctive sound, achieved through Neil Young’s use of double drop D tuning—both the high and low E strings are tuned down to D. This technique, discovered alongside Stephen Stills, introduced a droning grittiness that prefigured the heavy guitar sounds of the grunge movement decades later, earning Young the title "Godfather of Grunge."
Lane [00:11]: “Young tuned his guitar down to double drop D and this was actually something that he and Stephen Stills had discovered together a few years earlier... earning him the nickname the Godfather of Grunge.”
Lyrics and Inspiration: Fever Dreams in Topanga Canyon
The song’s enigmatic lyrics were penned during a feverish bout with the flu, a fact that contributes to their surreal and opaque nature.
Lane [00:11]: “Cinnamon Girl was written while he was in the grips of a bout with the flu, which explains some of its inscrutable lyrics.”
Three tracks—including "Cinnamon Girl," "The River," and "Cowgirls in the Sand"—were composed in a single day under these feverish conditions at Young's home in Topanga Canyon.
Unraveling the Muse: Who is the "Cinnamon Girl"?
Speculation has long surrounded the true inspiration behind "Cinnamon Girl." Initial fan theories linked the song to Pamela Courson, the muse of Jim Morrison, primarily due to her cinnamon red hair. However, Neil Young himself debunked this notion.
Lane [00:11]: “But Young himself has debunked that story.”
Further insights suggest that the song was partially inspired by Gene Ray, a dancer known for her finger cymbals, intertwined with other personal and artistic influences.
In his 1977 compilation liner notes, Young clarified:
Young [00:11]: “I wrote this for a city girl on peeling pavement coming at me through Phil Oaks eyes playing finger cymbals. It was hard to explain to my wife.”
This indicates that while Gene Ray—a prominent figure in the Greenwich Village folk scene and sister of Paul McCartney's guitarist Brian Ray—served as a significant muse, the song also encapsulates broader artistic inspirations and possibly other personal experiences.
Gene Ray and the Folk Scene Connection
Gene Ray, a member of the folk duo Jim and Jean, was closely connected to Neil Young through mutual acquaintances in the Greenwich Village scene, particularly Phil Oakes. Brian Ray, Gene's younger brother and Paul McCartney’s guitarist, affirmed Ray's influence on "Cinnamon Girl."
Lane [00:11]: “Brian Ray, Paul McCartney's guitarist and Gene Ray's younger brother, has said that she was the inspiration for the song...”
Despite Young’s acknowledgment that Gene Ray was a significant inspiration, he noted that the song also incorporated elements from other individuals and abstract concepts.
Lane [00:11]: “But when he was asked in his biography to confirm that Cinnamon Girl was indeed about her specifically, he said that only part of the song was about her and that there's images that have to do with Gene and images that have to do with other people.”
Legacy and Enduring Impact
Though "Cinnamon Girl" peaked modestly at number 55 on the Billboard chart upon its release, its influence is immeasurable. The song has been a staple in Neil Young's live performances for decades and has been covered by a diverse array of artists, including Queen, Radiohead, and Phish. Its amalgamation of high harmonies and heavy guitar riffs not only set the stage for the grunge movement but also solidified Neil Young’s enigmatic presence in rock history.
Lane [00:11]: “Cinnamon Girl has remained a part of Neil Young's live set for decades, and it's been covered by scores of other artists from the who to Radiohead to Phish and many more.”
Conclusion: A Timeless Track with Layers Unveiled
"Cinnamon Girl" stands as a testament to Neil Young’s artistic genius, blending personal tribulations, innovative musical techniques, and enigmatic storytelling. This episode of "Behind The Song" illuminates the multifaceted layers that make "Cinnamon Girl" a timeless classic, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of its creation and lasting legacy.
Lane [00:11]: “There is a peculiar magic in this heavy down tuned song, a daydream set to music by the always enigmatic Neil Young.”
Final Thoughts and Acknowledgments
Host Janda Lane wraps up the episode with gratitude towards contributor Christian Lane and listeners, inviting them to engage with the podcast via TikTok and radio platforms.
Lane [00:11]: “Much more classic rock and roll.”
Notable Quotes:
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Janda [00:00]: “97.1Fm the drive presents the behind the Song podcast, taking you deeper into classic rock's most timeless tunes.”
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Neil Young [1977 Compilation Liner Notes]: “I wrote this for a city girl on peeling pavement coming at me through Phil Oaks eyes playing finger cymbals. It was hard to explain to my wife.”
This comprehensive exploration not only demystifies the layers behind "Cinnamon Girl" but also celebrates the intricate tapestry of personal experiences and musical innovation that Neil Young weaves into his enduring work.