They broke up in 2003 mainly because of the want to pursue other opportunities. Dan Lumley officially retired from music at that time as well. Mass still remains in Squirtgun. In 2008, Jesse began a new band called Classics of Love.
Blackbirds Vs. Crows
Common Rider Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Then come waves they just can't crest
Once their in the air it's a search for the kill,
Thinking "if I don't do it someone else will",
Till the war mandates fulfilled.
Chorus:
Woah can you see
They look to be the same breed
But they can't stop fighting
Flying in the night under enemy sights,
Looking for targets in a blind firefight-
What's at the end of the road?
-for blackbirds vs. crows
Lets go down to the shipyard
Pick though the hulks for awhile
See if we can find some kings and queens
Down there in the discard pile
They let their foes prevail, they let their battlements break
Children learn to keep your finger on the trigger
Stay ready to make that big mistake
Chorus
I think there's got to be more to this life
Than kill or be killed
Chorus
The song "Blackbirds v crows" by Common Rider discusses the never-ending struggle for power and control. The lyrics talk about birds, specifically blackbirds and crows, and use them as a metaphor for war and conflict. The first verse describes stormbirds drifting on a pool at rest, appearing peaceful, but once they're in the air, it's a search for the kill with the thought that if they don't do it, someone else will. This exemplifies the idea that in war, each side believes they are fighting for a just cause and that their actions are necessary to achieve victory. The chorus emphasizes the irony of the situation, with both sides being of the same breed (humans) but continuing to fight nonetheless, even under enemy sights in a blind firefight. The question "what's at the end of the road?" poses a rhetorical question, for the end of the road is not victory, but rather death and destruction.
The second verse takes the metaphor further by talking about going down to the shipyard and looking for kings and queens in the discard pile - a rather poetic way of describing the relics of war. The lyric "they let their foes prevail, they let their battlements break" suggests that a more noble gesture would have been to let the enemy have the upper hand, and it is only the human desire for power and control that prevents this. The final line, "children learn to keep your finger on the trigger, stay ready to make that big mistake," is a powerful statement, highlighting the danger of generations growing up in an environment of war, where being ready to kill is a way of life. Ultimately, the songwriter suggests that there should be more to life than kill or be killed.
Overall, "Blackbirds v crows" is a poignant reflection on the futility of war and the never-ending cycle of violence. It is a reminder to humanity that we must strive for peace, understanding, and compassion if we are ever to break this destructive cycle.
Line by Line Meaning
Stormbirds drifting on a pool at rest
Birds floating calmly on the water's surface.
Then come waves they just can't crest
But when the waves come, they struggle to stay afloat.
Once they're in the air it's a search for the kill,
Once they take flight, they're on the hunt for prey.
Thinking 'if I don't do it someone else will',
Knowing that if they don't make the kill, another predator will.
Till the war mandates fulfilled.
Continuing to hunt until their hunger is satisfied.
Woah can you see
Asking if someone else can see.
Can you see them flying
Can you see the birds in flight?
They look to be the same breed
Although they appear to be similar in species.
But they can't stop fighting
They cannot resist the urge to battle.
Flying in the night under enemy sights,
Taking flight in darkness while being observed by the opposition.
Looking for targets in a blind firefight-
Searching and attacking without a clear target or strategy.
What's at the end of the road?
What is the ultimate outcome of this conflict?
-for blackbirds vs. crows
Expressing that this is a comparison between blackbirds and crows.
Lets go down to the shipyard
Suggesting to go to the shipyard.
Pick though the hulks for awhile
Sifting through the wreckage for a period of time.
See if we can find some kings and queens
Searching for valuable items among the wreckage.
Down there in the discard pile
Among the debris and discarded items.
They let their foes prevail, they let their battlements break
Acknowledging that one side may lose to their opponent.
Children learn to keep your finger on the trigger
Implying that children must be prepared to defend themselves.
Stay ready to make that big mistake
Being cautious of the potential danger and consequences of actions.
I think there's got to be more to this life
Believing that life has more meaning than just violence and conflict.
Than kill or be killed
Rejecting the notion that survival of the fittest is the only way to live.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JESSE MICHAELS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind