Blackbird
Brad Mehldau Lyrics


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Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free.

Blackbird fly
Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.

Blackbird fly
Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise




You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise.

Overall Meaning

The song "Blackbird" by Brad Mehldau features poignant lyrics that invite deep interpretation. The opening line, "Blackbird singing in the dead of night," creates a contrast between the peacefulness of birdsong and the darkness of the night. The blackbird itself is often associated with death, symbolizing a transition or change that is dark and difficult.


The chorus consists of the lines "Blackbird fly / Blackbird fly / Into the light of the dark black night." This juxtaposition of light and dark creates a sense of duality, indicating that there are opposing forces at work. The concept of flying toward the light can be interpreted in a number of ways, from a metaphor for death to a symbol of hope and redemption.


Line by Line Meaning

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
A blackbird is singing at night, which is generally a symbol of somberness and despair.


Take these broken wings and learn to fly
The singer is telling the blackbird to take his broken wings and learn how to fly, which suggests that he's offering advice and support to someone who has hit rock bottom and needs a fresh start.


All your life
The singer is referring to the blackbird's entire life and everything that has led up to this moment.


You were only waiting for this moment to arise
The artist is telling the blackbird that he's been waiting for this moment his entire life and everything that has led up to this moment has led to this point.


Blackbird fly
The artist is urging the blackbird to fly away from his current situation and towards something new.


Into the light of the dark black night
The singer is urging the blackbird to move towards a brighter future, even if it means leaving behind the darkness of his current situation.


Blackbird singing in the dead of night
The singer repeats the opening line to remind the blackbird that he still has hope and a chance to start anew.


You were only waiting for this moment to arise
The artist repeats the final line to emphasize that everything that has happened in the blackbird's life has led to this moment and he has the power to turn things around.


You were only waiting for this moment to arise
The closing line is repeated to drive home the point that the blackbird has been waiting his whole life for this opportunity to arise and it's up to him to take it.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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