Bird Alone
Abbey Lincoln & Stan Getz Lyrics
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Flying through a clouded sky
Sending mournful soulful sounds
Soaring over troubled grounds
Bird alone with no mate
Turning corners tempting fate
Flying circles in the air
Are you on your way somewhere
You're a sight of glory
Flying way up there so high
Wonder what's your story
Bird alone flying low
Over where the grasses grow
Swingin' low then out of sight
You'll be singing in the night
The lyrics to Abbey Lincoln and Stan Getz's song "Bird Alone" depict a lonely bird flying through the sky, with no mate and no clear destination. The bird's mournful and soulful sounds resonate through the clouds as it soars over troubled grounds. While it's unclear why the bird is flying alone and where it's headed, the lyrics suggest that it's taking risks, turning corners, and tempting fate by flying circles in the air. The bird is a sight of glory as it glides and soars on the wind, but its story remains a mystery.
The lyrics also suggest that the bird is in a state of transition, flying high one moment and low the next. It swings low over where the grasses grow before disappearing into the night, still singing. This imagery suggests that the bird is both rooted in the earth and connected to the sky, representing the duality of life and the human experience of navigating change and uncertainty.
Overall, "Bird Alone" is a poignant and thoughtful exploration of loneliness, risk-taking, and the mysteries of life. The lyrics encourage listeners to reflect on their own journeys and the challenges and questions that they confront along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Bird alone flying high
The bird is flying alone up high in the sky.
Flying through a clouded sky
Bird is flying through clouds in the sky
Sending mournful soulful sounds
Bird is making melancholic and emotional sounds
Soaring over troubled grounds
Bird is flying over problematic places
Bird alone with no mate
The bird is alone without any partner
Turning corners tempting fate
The bird is taking risks by turning around the corners
Flying circles in the air
Bird is making circles in the sky while flying
Are you on your way somewhere
Wondering if the bird is traveling somewhere
Gliding soaring on the wind
Bird is gliding through the sky with the wind's help
You're a sight of glory
The bird is a splendid sight to behold
Flying way up there so high
Bird is flying really high up in the sky
Wonder what's your story
Curiosity about the bird's life story
Bird alone flying low
The bird is now flying closer to the ground
Over where the grasses grow
Bird is flying low above a field with grass
Swingin' low then out of sight
Bird is flying low and swinging before disappearing
You'll be singing in the night
The bird will be singing at night.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARK ISHAM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@slip9090
This whole album is stellar. Sometimes everything clicks, this is one of those times.
@bobbutta6196
fantastic singer... angelic in her approach!!... i love "Bird Alone"... im a jazz pianist... ive accomp one or two singers from balto/wash area sing this tune... they both good singers... Abbey truly owns this song!!!
@soulbrotha63
Dearest Abby, You were a mesmerizing force on stage. There was always complete silence when you sang because no one wanted to miss your soaring, inventive phrasing and silky husky voice. Bird Alone was my favorite song by you and I thank you for enriching my life with your uniqueness. R.I.P.
@joywilder9092
You've said it all right here, brotha!
@jameshill9795
I had the high honor of attending both of Abby's performances at Jazz Alley in Seattle, hearing two impassioned and stunningly emotive versions of Bird Alone. I will never forget that night. Got to have a drink with Abby and her band that night as well. We have truly lost a great, enriching soul.
@kaceyeasterwood162
❤
@billbarnesjazz
The timbre of Abbey's voice is exquisite- and a perfect pairing with Stan's dulcet, euphonious tones and phrasing.
@jameshill9795
So well said!
@jonathanbacher2298
When you tryna flex your music knowledge while being deep lmaoo
@bobblues1158
The whole package!! Everything necessary to put beauty into the listener´s
heart.