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Curlew's Call
Trey Anastasio Lyrics


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The message that I get from spring
Is that a change can surely bring
A break from sullen winter skies
I listen and await replies

The message of the summer sun
Is that my life is sailing by
And though from you I need a word
It seems that you might not have heard
And now I hear the words of fall
In each departing curlew's call

Their message brings me to your door
I guess I'll wait a little more

The message of the winter sun
Is that the day is nearly done
I try to call you yet again
But strangely silent you remain

The message that I get from spring
Is that a change can surely bring
A break from sullen winter skies

Overall Meaning

In Trey Anastasio's "Curlew's Call," the lyrics are a reflection on seasons of change and the messages they bring. Spring brings hope of change and emergence from the darkness of winter. Summer brings the realization that life is moving forward, but the connection and communication with others may be difficult. Fall brings the sound of departing curlews, signaling the need to journey to someone else's door. Winter brings the realization that the day is almost over and the attempt to reach out to someone who chooses to remain silent.


The underlying theme of the song revolves around communication and connection, and the barriers that can prevent them. The curlew's call serves a symbol of communication, but as the seasons progress and the call becomes faint, it symbolizes the fading communication between two people. The repeating message of seasonal change and the curlew's call invokes a sense of longing and waiting to connect with someone who may be out of reach.


Overall, the song explores the complexities of relationships and the difficulty in communicating with others. The message of the changing seasons and the curlew's call serve as a reminder to remain hopeful and patient in waiting for a response from someone who may be distant.


Line by Line Meaning

The message that I get from spring
Spring gives me a message


Is that a change can surely bring
Change can bring something new and positive


A break from sullen winter skies
It can break the cold, gloomy winter days


I listen and await replies
I listen to the message and wait for answers


The message of the summer sun
Summer has a message to convey


Is that my life is sailing by
Life is moving fast and time is passing by


And though from you I need a word
I am waiting for your words


It seems that you might not have heard
But it appears that you may not be listening


And now I hear the words of fall
Now the autumn season talks to me


In each departing curlew's call
I hear the message in the sound of the departing bird


Their message brings me to your door
The message leads me to you


I guess I'll wait a little more
So I'll wait some more


The message of the winter sun
A message also comes from the winter sun


Is that the day is nearly done
The day is nearly over and darkness is approaching


I try to call you yet again
I make another effort to call you


But strangely silent you remain
But there's no answer from you, which is unusual




Contributed by Colton G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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