Jurado's solo career began during the mid-1990s, releasing lo-fi folk based recordings on his own cassette-only label, Casa Recordings, beginning in 1995.
Jurado often makes use of found-sound and field-recording techniques, and has experimented with different forms of tape recordings. In 2000 he released Postcards and Audio Letters, a collection of found audio letters and fragments that he had found from sources such as thrift store tape players and answering machines. Also released in 2000 was Ghost of David,, Jurado's bleakest and most personal sounding record to date. I Break Chairs, (2002) was produced by long time friend, David Bazan. It was his last album for Sub Pop, and was a much rockier, electric affair. After signing for the Indiana-based label Secretly Canadian, Damien Jurado reverted to his trademark folk ballad-based style, releasing six more albums: Where Shall You Take Me? (2003), On My Way To Absence (2005), And Now That I'm In Your Shadow (2006), Caught in the Trees (2008), Saint Bartlett (2010) and Maraqopa (2012).
Official blog: iamcaughtinthetrees.blogspot.com
Birdcage
Damien Jurado Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's better than the rain
I finally wipe away the clouds
Leave me here and
Maybe I'll be fine
As long as I have you on the right
I'm breaking from my cage
Kill the lights and burn it down
Leave the keys and
Maybe I'll be fine
As long as I have you on the right
The lyrics of "Birdcage" by Damien Jurado is a short but thought-provoking piece about breaking out of one's mental confines. Jurado uses the metaphor of a birdcage to describe the restrictions on his mind and how he hopes to break out of them. He details how he wants to "kill the lights and burn it down" and "leave the keys." Jurado seems to be one of those people who finds it hard to break out of routines and behaviors that may be holding him back. He is looking towards the future and hoping for better days when he is free from the constraints that presently control him.
Jurado describes the hope he has in his relationship with someone he loves, that as long as they are together, he can face the challenges that come with breaking free. The lyrical structure is simple but effective, with the repeated phrase, "Maybe I'll be fine, as long as I have you on the right," serving as the emotional anchor of the song. The underlying emotion is one of hope, with Jurado dreaming of a time when he can fly free, both physically and mentally.
Line by Line Meaning
Now the sun is coming out
After a period of darkness and despair, there is a glimmer of hope and things are looking up.
It's better than the rain
A sunny day is preferable to a rainy one, as it can improve one's mood and outlook on life.
I finally wipe away the clouds
The troubles and worries that were weighing heavily on my mind are starting to dissipate, and I can see things clearly now.
Leave me here and
I am content to stay in this place of calm and clarity, without feeling the need to move or change anything.
Maybe I'll be fine
Even though there may be challenges and struggles ahead, I have faith that I can overcome them and emerge stronger than ever.
As long as I have you on the right
With the support and companionship of someone trustworthy and dependable, I can face any obstacle or hardship that comes my way.
So much easier to get out
Once I have broken free from the confines of my own doubts and fears, it is much easier to move forward and pursue my dreams.
I'm breaking from my cage
I am no longer confined or trapped by my own anxieties and insecurities, and I am ready to spread my wings and fly.
Kill the lights and burn it down
I am ready to let go of the past and all the negativity that surrounded me, and to start fresh with a clean slate.
Leave the keys and
I am leaving behind all the things that held me back, and taking only what I need to move forward into the future.
Maybe I'll be fine
Despite the uncertainty and unknowns that lie ahead, I have the courage and resilience to face them and come out the other side stronger and wiser.
As long as I have you on the right
With someone who supports and believes in me by my side, I know that I can tackle any challenge or opportunity that comes my way.
Lyrics © SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB.
Written by: Damien Jurado
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind