It’s no secret that the landscape of Birds of Tokyo’s home of Western Australia; a desert-like state so vast and unforgiving that to provide it with a soundtrack requires a higher level of grandeur and majesty one would ever dare associate with the ‘pop’ music tag.
But, down to its bones, pop music is what Birds of Tokyo write… they just layer those bones in muscle, and give the beast a heart.
Beautifully expressive in its texture, yet thick and rich in its deceptive simplicity; Birds Of Tokyo’s music is universal and incredibly humanistic. In what could be described as the blink of an eye, the band have struck a nerve in their homeland, giving way to an unprecedented rise to popularity, but it is in their blossoming international recognition can be seen the band’s true strength and ability to connect with people.
Wild At Heart
Birds of Tokyo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So how about another taste
Or would you like to remind me why we're here
As I walk to the water to cleanse off the blood on my hands
The weight of this crime leaves a stain in the sand
I hope new tides come to wash me clean for good
You know that I fought with many and I won for some
We wear our bruises like watermarks
The life and the death of the wild at heart
This empty bottle, this busted hand
Highlights mistakes of a broken man
He won't speak up, no he won't come out of his hole
We were led to believe that the language of love was god
So few were forgiven
I'll lead a march to the wall
And we'll pull it down
So we can rebuild it
I fought with many and I won for some
We stared at ourselves to our breaking point
We wear our bruises like watermarks
The life and the death of the wild at heart
When was the moment it all fell apart
With no sign of warning, no raised alarm
We still wear our bruises, we shows our scars
Forever the wild at heart
You know that I fought with many and I won for some
We started at ourselves 'til our breaking point
We wear our bruises like watermarks
The life and the death of the wild at heart
When was the moment it all fell apart
With no sign of warning, no raised alarm
We still wear our bruises, we shows our scars
Forever the wild at heart
The lyrics of Birds of Tokyo's song "Wild At Heart" share a story of a person who is reflecting on their life and the events that led them to where they are now. The song is about the cost of being wild at heart, and losing yourself in the moment. The verse "You've got your motive, you set the scene, so how about another taste" implies that the singer is being tempted by someone, and is questioning why they are in this situation. The following lines "As I walk to the water to cleanse off the blood on my hands, The weight of this crime leaves a stain in the sand" indicates that they have committed a crime and are struggling with the consequences. The chorus "We wear our bruises like watermarks, The life and the death of the wild at heart" shows the scars they have attained as a result of being themselves.
The second verse describes someone else who is broken and not willing to confront their issues. The line "We were led to believe that the language of love was god, So few were forgiven" implies that love can be a powerful force, but it is not enough for everyone to fully embrace it. In the final chorus, "Forever the wild at heart" shows that the person speaking has accepted who they are now as part of their identity, and will always live their life to the fullest, even if they have to endure the pain that comes with it.
Line by Line Meaning
You've got your motive, you set the scene
You have your reasons for doing what you're doing, and you've created the perfect environment for it.
So how about another taste
Let's repeat what we did and see if it works again.
Or would you like to remind me why we're here
Can you explain again why we're doing this?
As I walk to the water to cleanse off the blood on my hands
I'm trying to wash away the guilt of what I've done.
The weight of this crime leaves a stain in the sand
The consequences of my actions are evident and will remain forever.
I hope new tides come to wash me clean for good
I hope that time will heal my wounds and make me forget what I've done.
We stared at ourselves 'til our breaking point
We pushed ourselves to the limit, and we could go no further.
We wear our bruises like watermarks
The scars of our past define who we are and the choices we make.
The life and the death of the wild at heart
The essence of our being is to be free and passionate, no matter the cost.
This empty bottle, this busted hand
I'm a broken man who seeks solace in alcohol and violence.
Highlights mistakes of a broken man
My failures and flaws are always visible, no matter how hard I try to hide them.
He won't speak up, no he won't come out of his hole
I refuse to face the consequences of my actions and prefer to hide from them.
We were led to believe that the language of love was god
We thought that love would save us from everything and that it was a universal truth.
So few were forgiven
But in the end, forgiveness is hard to come by, and many sins are unforgivable.
I'll lead a march to the wall
I will take charge and lead the effort to tear down the barriers that limit us.
And we'll pull it down
Together, we will overthrow the rules that keep us captive and regain our freedom.
So we can rebuild it
And start anew, creating a better world for ourselves and others.
When was the moment it all fell apart
At what point did our dreams and hopes shatter, and our reality crumble?
With no sign of warning, no raised alarm
It happened suddenly, unexpectedly, and we were unprepared for it.
Forever the wild at heart
Nevertheless, we remain true to ourselves, free-spirited, and passionate, no matter what.
Lyrics © MUSHROOM MUSIC PTY LTD
Written by: ANTHONY JOHN T JACKSON, IAN LEWIS KENNY, ADAM JOHN SPARK, ADAM PETER WESTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@iankenny7693
Thanks for supporting us everyone, really appreciate it!
@iankenny7693
Ian Kenny most people are nice...
@thelegendgamer33
I absolutely LOVE your band. Jesus its good! I just came out of QCS today (HSC in NSW) and I have to say your songs kept me sane. Thankyou so much and I love everything you've done. I wasn't a big fan of Anchor at first but now I love it!!
@JaydenB2081
You guys are seriously one of the best Aussie bands of all time yet your so underrated
@nilesbrennan112
I am a metal head from long ago, your sound has altered the genre of music I choose to listen to. What a voice......WOW, I commend you on your versatility! Wild at heart strikes a chord with me. Loving your alter ego with the likes of Karnivool also. Proud to be an Australian......you all inspire me to be a better person. Keep up the insanely great work! All the best in your future endeavours!
@earthisarealm5393
+Ian Kenny I really wish you guys would play in the U.S.!!! I was living in Perth in 2009-2010. I discovered you guys just weeks before I had to leave Australia and had the chance to see you guys 2 days before I left back home to the U.S. Was sooo amazing and ever since I have waited for the opportunity to see you all again. There just isnt music this good and of the caliber you deliver it live here in the states. Please visit!
@ISetYourFaceOnFire
this deserves to have a million views..but at the same time, I'm glad it doesn't, because half of those viewers wouldn't be worthy of hearing such a masterpiece.
@michaelmchugh1982
2018 and still loving this song!
@RAAGNR
I still get goosebumps every time I listen to this.
@charon000
I love this song. The melody sticks in my head for agers. One of my favourites for 2010