Musical influences include Antonio Carlos Jobim and Keith Jarrett.
I Like Men
Carol Welsman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The trophy wives of the astronauts
And I won't listen to their words
'Cause I like birds
I don't care for walking downtown
Crazy auto-car gonna mow me down
Look at all the people like cows in a herd
Well, I like birds
I've got a feeder for you to perch on
I can't stand in line at the store
The mean little people are such a bore
But it's alright if you act like a turd
'Cause I like birds
If you're small and on a search
I've got a feeder for you to perch on
The lyrics of Carol Welsman's song "I Like Men" reveal a woman who values solitude and the simplicity of nature over the chaos of urban life. She expresses her disdain for the ostentatious displays of power and wealth, exemplified in the trophy wives of astronauts, and the mundane routines of the working class, as symbolized by the people walking downtown. The two scenarios represent the extremes of societal expectations - either material success or conformity.
However, the singer remains indifferent to these societal norms and instead finds comfort in the company of birds. The repetition of the line "I like birds" serves two purposes - it consolidates the singer's affinity towards nature and separates her from the rest of society. Birds represent freedom, beauty, and simplicity. They are also elusive creatures that require patience and dedication to observe, unlike the superficial displays of wealth and power that are widespread in society.
The singer offers a sense of inclusivity by inviting the small and vulnerable, like the birds, to seek refuge in her space. In contrast, she finds the "mean little people" in the store to be a bore, suggesting that the complexity and chaos of urban life have left no room for empathy or kindness. Thus, the lyrics of "I Like Men" reveal a woman who values the simple pleasures of life and rejects the societal expectations of wealth and conformity.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't look at the rocket launch
I am so repulsed by the sight of a spacecraft taking off
The trophy wives of the astronauts
I am not interested in the glamorous wives of the astronauts
And I won't listen to their words
I choose not to pay attention to what they say
'Cause I like birds
Because I feel more connected and fascinated by birds
I don't care for walking downtown
I don't enjoy walking in the city center
Crazy auto-car gonna mow me down
I am scared of getting hit by a car that drives itself
Look at all the people like cows in a herd
I see pedestrians as mindless, passive animals moving in groups
Well, I like birds
But I feel a deep kinship with birds who are free to fly and move in unpredictable ways
If you're small and on a search
If you're a bird or a creature in search of food, shelter or safety
I've got a feeder for you to perch on
I have prepared a place where you can rest and find nourishment
I can't stand in line at the store
I find the experience of queuing at the shop unbearable
The mean little people are such a bore
The unpleasant and petty behavior of some humans annoys me
But it's alright if you act like a turd
However, I don't care if you behave badly or foolishly around me
'Cause I like birds
As I find myself drawn to birds, I am able to remain indifferent to rude people
If you're small and on a search
Again, if you're a bird or creature looking for something
I've got a feeder for you to perch on
I can offer you some help and support along your journey
Contributed by Lila N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.