The group was formed in 2007 by husband and wife Andrea and Pete Connolly who released 2 critically acclaimed EPs. Grayson Currin praised “Woodgrain Heart” as “complementary voices wrapping together in rustic contentment and comfort, like a happy pair making music because that’s how love makes them feel.” Josh joined the group on cello during the recording of the band’s first full length record “Starmaker” in 2009, expanding the narrative to describe tales of coming of age while still remaining intensely personal. Upon its release, “Starmaker” was picked by the Independent Weekly as the “Album of the Month.”
BIRDS and ARROWS released it’s second full length record “We’re Gonna Run” in May of 2011 and was considered “the best moment of the band’s career, a promise that they’ve got real range.” - Grayson Currin of Independent Weekly
Frank Stasio NPR/WUNC State of Things said this: “The honeymoon sweetness of their earlier work has been replaced with a maturity anddepth appropriate for musicians whose lives and work are gaining seriousness and acclaim.”
With multiple east coast and mid-west tours under their belts, the band is now working on completing their third album “Coyotes” which embraces the original folk spirit of Birds and Arrows combined with confident and experienced songwriting. These new songs embody Birds and Arrows best effort as a band to date.
ORION
Birds and Arrows Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shore lines and rip tides that swallow
A sunset so violent, It's too hard to take in
And like the sharks leave their teeth, to wash on beach
We will leave a piece of our lives on this shore line tonight
Orion
Orion
I want to understand, the deep bond between animal and man
Sweet Medicine, teacher and keeper of Cheyenne
And the east will flood the west, a killing moon pulls the tide
And you will ride for your lives, from the hunter in the sky
Orion
Orion
Run Cheyenne
Run Cheyenne
Run
In the first verse, the singer describes their journey as they walk against the wind, following shorelines and rip tides that seem ominous and dangerous. They are witness to a violent sunset that overwhelms them with its intensity. The mention of sharks leaving their teeth to wash up on the beach suggests that just like these powerful creatures leave evidence of their presence, the singer and their companions will leave a piece of their lives behind as they pass through this place.
The repeated mention of "Orion" serves as a focal point for the singer's thoughts and emotions. It could symbolize a sense of direction or guidance, as Orion is a constellation associated with navigation. It could also represent a longing for something greater or a connection to the universe.
Moving into the second verse, the singer expresses a desire to understand the strong bond between animals and humans. Specifically, they mention the Cheyenne tribe, invoking the idea of the "Sweet Medicine" - a concept in Native American spirituality that refers to the interconnectedness of all living beings and the earth. The mention of the east flooding the west and a killing moon pulling the tide suggests a sense of imminent danger or conflict.
The final lines of the song call out to "Cheyenne" to run for their lives, implying that they are being hunted by someone or something in the sky. This moment conveys a sense of urgency and fear for their survival. The repetition of "Orion" once again reinforces the idea that this constellation holds some significance or power in the lives of the singer and the Cheyenne people.
Overall, the lyrics of "Orion" touch on themes of nature's power, the interconnectedness of all things, and the struggle for survival. It's a song that captures a sense of awe, fear, and the search for meaning in a vast and unpredictable world.
Line by Line Meaning
Walking against the wind I follow
I'm facing challenges head-on as I pursue my path
Shore lines and rip tides that swallow
Navigating treacherous waters and unpredictable circumstances
A sunset so violent, It's too hard to take in
A breathtaking and overwhelming sight that leaves me speechless
And like the sharks leave their teeth, to wash on beach
Leaving behind remnants or traces of our existence
We will leave a piece of our lives on this shore line tonight
Our experiences will shape and impact this place we're in
Orion
Symbolizing strength, guidance, and determination
I want to understand, the deep bond between animal and man
Yearning to comprehend the profound connection between humans and animals
Sweet Medicine, teacher and keeper of Cheyenne
Acknowledging the spiritual and healing role of animals in Cheyenne culture
And the east will flood the west, a killing moon pulls the tide
Nature's forces unleash chaos and danger, symbolized by the moon's influence
And you will ride for your lives, from the hunter in the sky
Facing imminent danger and running for survival from a celestial threat
Run Cheyenne
Urging the Cheyenne people to flee and seek refuge
Run Cheyenne
Reiterating the need to escape and protect themselves
Run
Emphasizing the urgency and imperative to run for safety
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid, RIFF CITY SOUNDS, LLC
Written by: ANDREA MORGAN CONNOLLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MrStihlman
Heard this for the first time in a Starbucks. This is a great song. What a voice. Share this with this friends.