I Like Birds
Eels Lyrics

In "I Like Birds," Eels, an alternative rock band, delivers a quirky and insightful critique of contemporary society. The opening line sets the tone for the rest of the song: "I can't look at the rocket launch, the trophy wives of the astronauts, and I won't listen to their words." The lyrics suggest that the attention and admiration that these wealthy, privileged people receive for their feats are misguided; instead, Eels "likes birds." The reference to birds becomes a symbol of the beauty and simplicity that the band finds in nature. They reject the materialistic and consuming lifestyle of the wealthy and find contentment in observing birds.

Eels continues with the lyrics: "I don't care for walkin' downtown, Crazy auto-car gonna mow me down, Look at all the people like cows in a herd." In this verse, Eels critiques modern society's overload of technology and the disconnectedness that results from it. They suggest that people have become like "cows in a herd," simply going through the motions of life without any real understanding of what is around them. Eels sees this as a negative aspect of contemporary society, and they find comfort in their love of birds.

The final verse reinforces this message, with the band singing: "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." Again, Eels critiques the mundane, triviality of consumerism and exposes the negativity that arises from it- the “mean little people," which is further evidence of the disconnection in contemporary society. Eels encourages individuality instead of following the herd and celebrating the peaceful and graceful qualities of birds.