[5] The song's lyrics concern a ménage à trois and were largely inspired by the sexual freedom that Crosby enjoyed at his home in Beverly Glen in Los Angeles.
[6] Byrds biographer Johnny Rogan has described the song's subject matter as being perfectly in keeping with the "free love" hippie philosophies of the day.
[6] The song also alludes to author Robert A. Heinlein's science fiction novel Stranger in a Strange Land, with references to "sister lovers" and "water brothers".
[6][9] Following his departure from the Byrds, Crosby gave the song to the band Jefferson Airplane,[10] who included a recording of it on their 1968 album, Crown of Creation.
[12] In addition to the cover by Jefferson Airplane, actress and singer Sally Kellerman recorded the song in 1973 and released it as a single.