BIRDIE
Father John Misty Lyrics

In the song "Birdie" by Father John Misty, the lyrics explore themes of freedom, societal aspirations, and the complexities of human existence. The opening lines, "Take off, little winged creature, It's nothing but teens in ravines, And antics on concrete down here," suggest a yearning for escape from the mundane and superficial aspects of human existence. The "teens in ravines" and "antics on concrete" represent the trivial and trivializing nature of everyday life.

As the song continues, the lyrics ponder the idea of freedom and its portrayal in songs. The line "Are you really as free as all the great songs would have me believe?" questions whether the freedom experienced by the bird is truly attainable for humans. The singer goes on to suggest that Birdie will someday envy them because they have knowledge and understanding that goes beyond the allure of apparent freedom.

The next verse shifts the focus to the aspirations and visions of society. The lines "Some dream of a world written in lines of code, I hope they engineer out politics, romance, and edifice, Two outta three ain't bad" speak to a desire for a technologically advanced society where political, romantic, and institutional complexities are somehow eliminated. The singer expresses skepticism about these aspirations, implying that eliminating some of these elements may be possible, but not without consequences or sacrifices.

The song then contemplates a world governed by business and commerce, where merger and acquisition replace violence and nation states. The line "Take off, little winged creature, It's nothing but falling debris, strollers, and babies down here" juxtaposes the beauty and freedom of the bird with the chaotic and mundane realities of human existence. The singer expresses a desire to be part of this alternate society where business laws prevail, seemingly seeing it as a more desirable system to live in.

The final verse delves into the complexities of human existence and the desire for a society without gender or race. The lyrics suggest that a global culture devoid of these distinctions would be a step towards the end of human struggles. However, a poignant line highlights the presence of an invisible division: "There's just one tiny line, You're either born behind, Or you're free to peek inside." This line suggests that despite efforts to eliminate divisions, there will always be an invisible line separating those born into certain circumstances and those who have the privilege to look beyond.

The closing lines of the song express a longing for a day when humanity's deepest concerns and worries will be understood and resolved. The lyrics "Oh, that day can't come soon enough, It'll be so glorious, When they finally find out what's bugging us" convey a sense of hope for a future where the complexities and burdens of human existence are understood and resolved.

In summary, "Birdie" by Father John Misty invites contemplation on the nature of freedom, societal aspirations, and the complexities of human existence. The song touches on themes such as escape, the impact of technology, idealized societies, and the desire for a world free from divisions. With thoughtful and poetic lyrics, the song encourages listeners to reflect on the limitations and possibilities of the human experience.