Following the release of two critically acclaimed EP’s in 2008 and a relentless touring schedule, Brett devoted most of 2009 to the making of his first full length album, Man of Few Words, released in the Spring of 2010. The album, recorded at Arbor Ridge Studios with producer/ collaborator Jeff Crawford, is a sprawling collection of finely honed pop tunes that made several "best of lists" for 2010 in addition to being featured by Paste Magazine and NPR's All Songs Considered/ Second Stage.
In addition to the success Brett has experienced with his own work, he also been involved in various local live and recorded projects, including live performances of Big Star's Third in Chapel Hill, NC, NYC, SXSW 2012, and upcoming performances in The UK and Spain.
Brett is currently recording a collection of new songs at Arbor Ridge.
Wish
Brett Harris Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like a bird up in the blue
I'd sail with skill to your windowsill
And wait patiently for you
I'd show you around the sleepy old town
And be back before anyone stirred
Then I'd sing soft and low all the songs that you know
Me and you should be like old shoes
Never more than a step apart
Above our chins we'd wear broken-in grins
Cultivated by happy hearts
And oh! When we dance all the joy and romance
Would still wow the onlooking eyes
'Cause though we're old leather
We're much better together
Why should they be so suprised?
I wish that I was able to fly
I wish that I was able to fly see
Brett Harris's song, "Wish," is a beautiful and whimsical love song that speaks of the desire to have the ability to fly like a bird. It is a desire to be able to sail through the blue skies and land at the windowsill of a loved one, patiently waiting for them. In the song, the singer wishes to explore the beauty of their sleepy old town by showing their loved one all the hidden gems that are tucked away. They would sing sweet and low, all the songs that their loved one knows, in a voice that is so melodic that it enchants and mesmerizes them.
The song then goes on to talk about how the two individuals should be like old shoes, always together, never separated. They would wear broken-in grins, indicative of happy hearts. Even if they were old and leather, they would still dance with joy and romance when together, captivating the onlookers' eyes. By the end of the song, it is clear that the singer wishes to fly not just to be free but to be with the person they love most.
Line by Line Meaning
I wish that I was able to fly
I yearn to be unhindered by gravity and able to soar through the air
Like a bird up in the blue
I desire the freedom that birds experience as they fly through the sky
I'd sail with skill to your windowsill
If I could fly, I would expertly glide to your windowsill
And wait patiently for you
As I perch outside your window, I would eagerly wait for a chance to spend time with you
I'd show you around the sleepy old town
I would be happy to take you on a tour of the quiet town we call home
And be back before anyone stirred
We could enjoy our adventure without anyone noticing our absence
Then I'd sing soft and low all the songs that you know
Using my gentle voice, I would serenade you with all your favorite tunes
Sweeter than you ever heard
I would infuse the songs with my deep affection for you, making them even more beautiful than before
Me and you should be like old shoes
We should be as comfortable with each other as a pair of well-worn shoes
Never more than a step apart
Our close bond should ensure that we are never far from each other's side
Above our chins we'd wear broken-in grins
Our contentment would be visible as we sport relaxed and happy expressions
Cultivated by happy hearts
Our joy would be the result of the love we share for each other
And oh! When we dance all the joy and romance
Our feelings of delight and devotion would be magnified when we sway together to music
Would still wow the onlooking eyes
Even though we are older, our evident love and happiness would be impressive to those who observe us
'Cause though we're old leather
Despite our age, and the wear and tear of life, we remain strong and functional
We're much better together
Our relationship complements and enhances both of our lives; we are stronger as a unit than as individuals
Why should they be so surprised?
Others may not expect to see such love and vitality in 'older' people, but we know that it is still possible
I wish that I was able to fly
Through it all, my longing to be free to fly and to be with you remains
I wish that I was able to fly see
My wish to fly, and to be with you while doing so, is core to my desire for a simple, happy life
Writer(s): Brett Harris
Contributed by Alex P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.