Eliza Gilkyson (born in Los Angeles, California, in 1950) is an American fo… Read Full Bio ↴Eliza Gilkyson (born in Los Angeles, California, in 1950) is an American folk musician based in Austin, Texas. She has been recording and performing her unique blend of folk, country, and other genres since the late 1970s. She is the daughter of the late Terry Gilkyson, an accomplished songwriter noted for music he composed for Disney. She is the sister of Tony Gilkyson, who played with the Los Angeles-based bands Lone Justice and X. She has collaborated with both during the course of her career.

She received much critical acclaim for her 2005 release, Paradise Hotel, which contains songs that strike a chord with listeners in light of recent events. "Requiem" honors Hurricane Katrina and tsunami victims with hopeful pleas to the Virgin Mary, while "Man of God" is a bitter, unapologetic denouncement of President George W. Bush and his administration.

"The actions of this regime do not follow the teachings of Christ, what I call real Christianity," Gilkyson said in August 2005. "I just don't appreciate the religious right acting like I don't love God and my country just because I'm not in their corner. I'm mad and I want other people to be mad about this too."

In 2008, her album Beautiful World came out, again on Red House Records. The songs vary from pop to folk and points in-between, with songs ranging from intimate ballads to rallying cries against the imperialist machine. She recently collaborated on a new album entitled Red Horse with two of her Red House Records label-mates John Gorka and Lucy Kaplansky.

In 2011, she came out with Roses at the End of Time. Recorded at her home with the help of her son and co-producer Cisco Ryder, Gilkyson took a longer time in the studio and came out with a more eclectic and personal album. She continues to tour about 150 dates per year in the United States and overseas.
www.elizagilkyson.com

Rare Bird
Eliza Gilkyson Lyrics

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Rare bird, I know your loneliness
Born into a crowded nest and given away
Solitaire girl, your voice crying in the wilderness
Where suffering brings holiness
At least that's what they say

Rare bird, I wish you good company
Rare bird I know your sorrow

It rings a little hollow with every passing day

It's not fair girl
They want a piece of all of you
To form a line and follow you
And every word that you say

Rare bird, I wish you sanctuary
With your razor wire and pitfalls
My way of climbing walls
And finding where the china dolls are hidden

Words can be misunderstood
But my intentions all were good
There's nothing here not worth forgiving

I'm not the kind to hover near
Or stand in line to catch your ear
But I just want to get things clear between us
I know how to disappear
And leave by the back door dear
Make sure that no one here has seen us

Rare bird, I don't want you to go down
Here on the poor side of town
There's nothing left to say
Just this prayer girl
We'll go on from here unbound
Meet again on higher ground
Some uncloudy day

Rare bird, just a little prayer from me
Rare bird [Repeat: x8]

Overall Meaning

The song "Rare Bird" by Eliza Gilkyson is a beautiful ode to the resilience and loneliness of someone who stands out from the crowd. The lyrics describe a rare bird, born into a crowded nest but given away, crying out in the wilderness. Despite the suffering that comes with being different, the song suggests that this rare bird's solitude can bring a certain holiness or spiritual quality that others may not understand. The chorus expresses the wish for good company and sanctuary for this rare bird, acknowledging the sorrow that comes with standing out and the pressure to constantly perform for others.

The song seems to be a message of support and understanding for someone who doesn't fit in with the mainstream, who might feel pressured to be everything to everyone, and who needs a break from the expectations of others. The references to razor wire and pitfalls suggest that there may be dangers and traps that come with being different, but also a way of climbing walls and finding hidden truths that can't be accessed in the safety of the flock. The song avoids being too preachy or overly sentimental, instead offering a simple prayer for the rare bird to find solace and eventually move beyond the limitations of the current situation.

Line by Line Meaning

Rare bird, I know your loneliness
I understand the isolation you feel as someone who is unique and special.

Born into a crowded nest and given away
Despite being surrounded by others, you were taken from the group and made to stand out on your own.

Solitaire girl, your voice crying in the wilderness
You sing out into the world, hoping to find others who can relate to your unique perspective.

Where suffering brings holiness
The pain and difficulties you face have the power to make you stronger and more resilient in the face of adversity.

At least that's what they say
People may try to offer words of encouragement and wisdom, but ultimately the burden you carry is yours alone.

Rare bird, I wish you good company
I hope that you can find others who appreciate and value the qualities that make you special.

Rare bird I know your sorrow
I am aware of the sadness and pain that you carry with you.

It rings a little hollow with every passing day
As time goes on, the words and support of others may start to feel less meaningful, and your struggle can become more daunting.

It's not fair girl
The expectations and demands placed on you can be overwhelming and unjust.

They want a piece of all of you
Others may try to take advantage of your unique nature for their own benefit or gain.

To form a line and follow you
People may seek to exploit or follow you merely because of your differences, rather than truly appreciating you as an individual.

And every word that you say
Your words and actions may be distorted or misinterpreted by those who don't truly understand you.

Rare bird, I wish you sanctuary
I hope that you can find a safe and secure place to rest and recharge.

With your razor wire and pitfalls
You have put up barriers to protect yourself from others, but these defenses can also create their own set of problems and dangers.

My way of climbing walls
I have my own methods for overcoming obstacles and navigating difficult situations.

And finding where the china dolls are hidden
I will search for and appreciate the hidden and delicate aspects of your personality and soul.

Words can be misunderstood
Communication is difficult and subject to misinterpretation, and it can be especially challenging for someone like you who has a unique perspective.

But my intentions all were good
Even if my words or actions don't always come across as intended, I have your best interests at heart.

There's nothing here not worth forgiving
No matter what misunderstandings or conflicts may arise, I believe that every aspect of who you are is valuable and worthy of forgiveness and understanding.

I'm not the kind to hover near
I will give you space and independence rather than smothering you with attention or intrusive questioning.

Or stand in line to catch your ear
I won't compete with others to try to gain your attention or favor.

But I just want to get things clear between us
I hope to establish a clear and honest understanding between us, without any hidden assumptions or miscommunications.

I know how to disappear
If ever you need me to back off and give you space, I will respect your boundaries and let you be.

And leave by the back door dear
I won't make a scene or draw attention to myself if I need to make a subtle and graceful exit from our interactions.

Make sure that no one here has seen us
If you prefer to keep our interactions private, I will do my best to honor your wishes and avoid drawing attention to ourselves.

Rare bird, I don't want you to go down
I hope that you can persevere through whatever challenges you face, and keep your head held high.

Here on the poor side of town
In a world that can be cruel and merciless, I recognize that you face additional difficulties as someone who is different or unique.

There's nothing left to say
Words can only do so much to comfort or console you in times of struggle or suffering.

Just this prayer girl
All I can offer you now is a heartfelt wish for your safety and well-being.

We'll go on from here unbound
Despite any obstacles or setbacks, I believe that you have the strength and resilience to continue moving forward.

Meet again on higher ground
In time, I hope that we can both overcome our struggles and flourish in a place of greater understanding and harmony.

Some uncloudy day
Perhaps someday we will both find a brighter and more peaceful future, free from the troubles of today.

Rare bird, just a little prayer from me
This is my humble prayer for your safety, comfort, and well-being, in the face of whatever challenges may come your way.

Rare bird [Repeat: x8]
This refrain highlights the unique and rare qualities that define you, and emphasizes the depth of my respect and admiration for those qualities.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

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