Ian & Sylvia – You Were On My Mind

"You Were on My Mind" was written by Sylvia Tyson in 1962 and first recorded on Ian & Sylvia's Northern Journey album in 1964. The song combines sad lyrics with "a jubilant, striding tune," which (according to the liner notes) reveals why folk music is better than popular music.

In 1965, a California pop rock group called We Five released the song as single that reached number three on the Billboard charts. Ian & Sylvia then re-recorded the song with their country-rock band, Great Speckled Bird, and the single reached number four on the Canadian charts in 1972. Many other artists have covered the song, including Paul Anka and Serena Ryder.

Click below for:

• the original Ian & Sylvia version
• the We Five version
• the Paul Anka version
• the Great Speckled Bird version
• the Barry McGuire version
• the Serena Ryder version

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Personnel

• Ian & Sylvia – Four Strong Winds (song)
• Ian Tyson – Cowboyography (album)