The Seedling
Bonnie Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I go out back to look up at her
Smiling unluckily at my red fur
And into my own I meld my nose
My full-sized child is fully unclothed

Birdies say I got no children, birdies never know
In my hidden life I've made a seedling grow
When it is cold I shelter her in
The wazimy warmth of the monkey skin
And into my own I fold my head
My full-sized child with full-sized spread

Birdies say I got no children, birdies never know
In my hidden life I've made a seedling grow

Hawks and doves and power fists
Black hand gripping our kid's wrists
Lanterns and arrows and little monk fish
They grant my every child wish

And birdies say I got no children, birdies never know
In my hidden life I've made a seedling grow
Birdies say I got no children, birdies never know
In my hidden life I've made a seedling grow
(Birdies say I got no children, birdies never know)
(In my hidden life I've made a seedling grow)




(Birdies say I got no children, birdies never know)
(In my hidden life I've made a seedling grow)

Overall Meaning

The Seedling by Bonnie Prince Billy is a beautifully written song that delves into the complexity of parenthood and the lengths a parent would go to protect their child. In the first verse, the singer goes outside to look up at "her," possibly referring to the moon or the stars. The singer is smiling, but unluckily, he is wearing his red fur - this could be a metaphor for feeling vulnerable or naked. He melds his nose into his own, indicating that he is taking in all the scents and sensations around him. The singer then mentions that his "full-sized child is fully unclothed," implying that he feels a sense of protectiveness over this child.


The second verse is particularly poignant, as the singer talks about how he shelters his child during cold weather. The monkey skin mentioned could represent a primal, protective instinct. Once again, the singer melds his head into his own, indicating a deep sense of connection with his child. The last two verses talk about the dangers that his child may face in the outside world, but the singer is comforted by the fact that his child will always be protected by him. The birdies who claim he has no children are misguided, and in his hidden life, he has made a seedling grow.


The song could be interpreted in different ways, but the overall theme of the protective nature of a parent resonates throughout. The imagery used is poetic and evocative, emphasizing the depth of the emotions being conveyed.


Line by Line Meaning

I go out back to look up at her
I go out into nature to admire and observe the growth of my child


Smiling unluckily at my red fur
Despite my appearance and circumstances, I still find joy in my life and my child


And into my own I meld my nose
I bond with my child by embracing and nurturing their unique qualities, just as I do for myself


My full-sized child is fully unclothed
My child is raw and vulnerable, but also has the potential to grow and thrive


Birdies say I got no children, birdies never know
Despite the opinions of others, I know the truth about my hidden life and the growth of my child


In my hidden life I've made a seedling grow
I have quietly and persistently nurtured the growth of my child and my own life, despite any challenges or setbacks


When it is cold I shelter her in
When times are tough, I protect and care for my child no matter what


The wazimy warmth of the monkey skin
I provide warmth and comfort to my child using whatever resources I have available


And into my own I fold my head
I show my child that I am always there to support and guide them, just as I do for myself


My full-sized child with full-sized spread
My child is growing and expanding, and I am proud to watch them flourish


Hawks and doves and power fists
In a world full of conflict and turmoil, I protect and defend my child against any threats


Black hand gripping our kid's wrists
I am aware of the dangers that my child faces, and I will do anything to keep them safe


Lanterns and arrows and little monk fish
I use my resourcefulness and creativity to provide for my child, even in difficult circumstances


They grant my every child wish
Despite any limitations, I work to provide for my child and make their dreams come true




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

@sevenseconds8652

Amazing! Thank you!!!

@jaybobcarson

such an astounding visual for this astounding track..thanks for posting the HD version!!!!

@goldeeswagga

I saw this video about 13 (?) years ago, super late at night on a channel that no longer exists. Unfortunately the details (name of song, artist) did not appear at the end, so I had no way to look it up. I have been searching for this video ever since and today I finally found it. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

@cheapypeepy9150

I also saw it super late (early?) On a TV music block when I was 12. I was simultaneously mesmerized and creeped out. Interesting findings it 16 years later

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