Wake up, wake up, little sparrow
Don't make your home out in the snow
Don't make your home out in the snow

Little bird, oh don't you know?
Your friends flew south many months ago
Your friends flew south many months ago

You're just a baby, you cannot fly
Your wings won't spread up against the sky
Your wings won't spread up against the sky

Wake up, wake up, little sparrow
Don't make your home out in the snow
Don't make your home out in the snow
Don't make your home out in the snow

Overall Meaning

In Devendra Banhart's song "Wake Up Little Sparrow," he speaks to a young, vulnerable bird who has yet to learn the ways of the world. The repeated "Wake up, wake up" calls to the sparrow suggest that the bird is unaware of the danger around it and needs to be warned. Banhart advises the sparrow not to make its home in the snow, which is a death trap for the bird. He also reminds the sparrow that its companions have flown south for the winter, and that it should do the same to avoid a lonely and dangerous existence.

The lyrics carry a message that can be applied to life in general. It suggests that one should be aware of their surroundings and danger, and that getting caught up in one's comfort zone or familiarity can lead to disaster. The lyrics also bring to mind the significance of companionship, for without our loved ones, we may be left vulnerable in a world where danger lurks around every corner.

Line by Line Meaning

Wake up, wake up, little sparrow
The singer is urging the little sparrow to wake up from its slumber.

Don't make your home out in the snow
The singer is cautioning the sparrow against trying to make its home in the snow.

Don't make your home out in the snow
This line is repeated to emphasize the importance of the previous line.

Little bird, oh don't you know?
The artist is addressing the sparrow affectionately and with concern.

Your friends flew south many months ago
The artist is informing the sparrow that its companions have already migrated south for the winter.

Your friends flew south many months ago
This line is repeated to underscore the loneliness of the sparrow.

You're just a baby, you cannot fly
The singer is explaining to the sparrow that it is still young and unable to fly due to its underdeveloped wings.

Your wings won't spread up against the sky
The artist is reiterating that the sparrow's wings are unready for flight.

Wake up, wake up, little sparrow
This line is repeated as a gentle reminder to the sparrow to wake up and heed the warning.

Don't make your home out in the snow
The artist is once again cautioning the sparrow against trying to make its home in the snow.

Don't make your home out in the snow
This line is repeated as a final warning to the sparrow to seek shelter elsewhere.

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Thais Nicols

on Mi Negrita

10y

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