After a few years of numerous live stints in Sweden and Norway and several non-official EP releases Ane Brun gained her own fan-base and her first official album - Spending Time with Morgan was released at the end of May, 2003 in Scandinavia, and in various European countries in the fall of 2003. The album was released via Ane's own label "DetErMine Records" ("ThoseAreMine Records") that Ane co-owns with Swedish musician Ellekari Larsson and her band The Tiny, and licensed to V2 Music.
A temporary dive released in 2005 built on the first album's success, and is full of songs reflecting on the events following Ane's breakthrough. The fight song records what a struggle it has been, while My lover will go is a haunting tale of woe. One song, Song No.6, features Ane's good friend, Canadian Ron Sexsmith.
In terms of later works, Duets was released in 2005, Changing of the Seasons and Sketches in 2008, and It All Starts with One in 2011 - the first of her Albums to chart outside of Norway / Sweden. A compilation album Songs 2003-2013 was released in 2013.
Ane started her musical career fairly late. It wasn't until she had turned 21 that she took her family's old acoustic guitar to Oslo where she then lived. She quickly found a new best friend in the instrument and for the next two three years she taught herself songs by favourites acts Ani DiFranco, Joni Mitchell, Ben Harper, Nick Drake etc. In the process she began to develop her own style of playing the guitar. In 1998 when on vacation in Spain she brought her instrument (now affectionately named "Morgan") - and her first official live appearances were actually during this trip when she took to the streets in both Barcelona and San Sebastian playing to anyone who would listen, though few would listen.
After this corner had been turned she returned to Norway but now moving to Bergen and things definitely started to happen musically. She started composing her own material and for a while she joined the Norwegian band Damsels in Distress. In 2000 Ane moved to Stockholm and started really venturing out on her own, set on the idea of making a living of performing live with her music.
Since then Ane has been constantly on the road playing everything from the smallest venue to the leading festivals - either solo or with full band (drums, bass, piano electrical and lap-steel guitar). She now lives in Stockholm, Sweden.
She recently collaborated with Koop, an indie swing-funky band, singing in Koop Island Blues, the opening track for the band's last release "Koop Islands"
Such A Common Bird
Ane Brun Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A beauty and a beast
Both hunter and hunted
Soft tounge and sharp teeth
As I drink from storm puddles
Help me figure this out
Help me figure you in
Help me figure you in
Help me figure this out
Help me figure you in
I have seen angels
They were sleeping in gutters
They were standing in bank lines
They were jumping from towers
They were calling like seagulls
But nobody heard
Such a beautiful message
From such a common bird
We want freedom for ourselves
But we can´t give it to each other
We want peace between nations
Yet we battle with our lovers
We´re blinded by billboards
And trying to get ahead
We´re choking on ambitions
And the words left unsaid.
I am a lone wolf
A beauty and a beast
Both hunter and hunted
Soft tounge and sharp teeth
As I drink from storm puddles
Help me figure this out
Help me figure you in
You´re a shadow to me
That I echo when I sing
Help me figure you out
Help me figure you in
The song “Such A Common Bird” by Ane Brun is a reflection on the complexities that exist within the self and the world at large. The first stanza describes the singer as a “lone wolf,” a metaphor for someone who is both fiercely independent and also isolated. The beauty and beast imagery present in the same line paints a picture of duality, perhaps suggesting that the singer is both gentle and fierce in equal parts. This is reinforced by the line, “both hunter and hunted,” which could be interpreted as referring to the way in which we are all simultaneously subject to forces beyond our control, but also possess a measure of agency in our lives. The singer’s request for help in figuring things out is repeated throughout the song and may be seen as a call for clarity and understanding.
In the second verse, the singer speaks of encountering angels in unexpected places like gutters, bank lines, and atop tall buildings. These angels, despite their divine nature and beauty, are ignored by those around them, highlighting the way in which society often fails to recognize and value those who are marginalized. The following lines touch on the themes of freedom and peace, suggesting that we often fail to extend these qualities to others even as we seek them for ourselves. The final lines of the song underscore the importance of communication and understanding, as the singer continues to grapple with both themselves and the people they encounter.
Overall, “Such A Common Bird” is a deeply introspective song that explores the complexities of the human experience. Through the use of metaphors and vivid imagery, Ane Brun invites us to consider our own internal struggles and the myriad challenges that come with living in a flawed and often-unjust world.
Line by Line Meaning
I am a lone wolf
I am independent and prefer to be alone most of the time.
A beauty and a beast
I have both good and bad traits, just like everyone else.
Both hunter and hunted
I am both a seeker and a target in life, depending on the situation.
Soft tongue and sharp teeth
I have a tendency to be charming, but I can also be fierce and critical when necessary.
As I drink from storm puddles
I find beauty in the ordinary, even in something as simple as drinking water from a dirty puddle.
Help me figure this out
I need help understanding something about myself or my situation.
Help me figure you in
I need help understanding how you fit into my life or my understanding of myself.
I have seen angels
I have witnessed amazing and inexplicable moments in life.
They were sleeping in gutters
Even people who are typically considered 'low' or 'worthless' can have great value and potential.
They were standing in bank lines
Even people who are typically considered 'high' or 'wealthy' face difficulties and challenges in life.
They were jumping from towers
People can experience intense emotional struggles and crises that can lead them to desperate actions.
They were calling like seagulls
Even when people reach out or cry for help, it is not always heard or responded to.
But nobody heard
Despite their beauty and value, some people's messages and cries for help go unheard and unnoticed.
Such a beautiful message
Even the most overlooked and disregarded individuals can have important and beautiful things to offer.
From such a common bird
Even those who are considered 'ordinary' can have something unique and special to contribute.
We want freedom for ourselves
We desire to have personal autonomy and control over our own lives.
But we can´t give it to each other
We struggle to allow others the same freedom and respect that we seek for ourselves.
We want peace between nations
We desire to see less conflict and violence between different groups of people.
Yet we battle with our lovers
We struggle to find harmony in our closest relationships with family members or romantic partners.
We´re blinded by billboards
We are often distracted and influenced by external messages that promote consumerism and materialism.
And trying to get ahead
We are often driven by ambition to succeed or achieve status in society.
We´re choking on ambitions
Our desires for success or recognition can become overwhelming or suffocating.
And the words left unsaid
Many times, we fail to communicate our true feelings or thoughts, which can lead to misunderstandings or conflict.
You´re a shadow to me
I see you as an influence or presence in my life, even when you aren't physically present.
That I echo when I sing
Your impact on my life is reflected in my own actions, thoughts, and creative expression.
Help me figure you out
I need help understanding your motivations, thoughts, or feelings.
Help me figure you in
I need help understanding how you fit into my life or my understanding of the world.
Contributed by Leo I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.