Blackbird
Sarah McLachlan Lyrics
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Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free
Blackbird fly
Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night
Blackbird fly
Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
Sarah McLachlan’s song “Blackbird” first appeared on the soundtrack for the 1997 film “The Apostle.” The song is an interpretation of The Beatles’ 1968 song of the same name from their album “The Beatles (White Album).” McLachlan’s version is stripped down and poignant, with a focus on the metaphorical meaning of the blackbird. The opening line “Blackbird singing in the dead of night” sets a somber tone and implies a sense of loneliness or darkness.
The chorus “Take these broken wings and learn to fly” suggests that the blackbird represents someone who has been hurt or broken, possibly emotionally or mentally, and needs to learn to heal and move on. The lyrics “All your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise” speak to the idea that this person has been waiting for a moment of clarity or opportunity to reclaim their life and find freedom. The repetition of “Blackbird fly/ into the light of the dark black night” reinforces the idea of overcoming darkness and finding light.
Overall, “Blackbird” is a powerful and emotional song that communicates a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
The blackbird is singing during an uneventful time or when nothing is happening, which is symbolic of hope when things are dark.
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
The singer is asking the blackbird to take its broken wings and learn how to rise above and overcome its limitations.
All your life
This line refers to the entirety of the blackbird's existence, which is indicative of the singer's acknowledgement of enduring struggles over a lifetime.
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
This line suggests the blackbird was waiting for this moment of growth and change to occur, which can relate to an individual's transformation or coming into their own.
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
Asking the blackbird to learn to see with its sunken eyes implies taking something negative and making the best of it or finding hope in a seemingly lost situation.
You were only waiting for this moment to be free
This line implies that the blackbird, or individual, was waiting for something to happen to break free from a burdensome or oppressive situation.
Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night
The singer is urging the blackbird to fly towards hope and light, despite being surrounded by darkness.
You were only waiting for this moment to arise (x3)
Repeating this line emphasizes the idea that the individual was waiting for their moment to take flight and overcome their struggles.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jaded Hart
on In The Arms Of The Angels
This will surely make you cry! Everyone can identify with this song! Hear it you won't regret it. And maybe you'll remember!