Sparrow
Garfunkel Lyrics
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Who's traveled far and cries for rest?
"Not I," said the oak tree
"I won't share my branches
With no sparrow's nest
And my blanket of leaves
Won't warm her cold breast"
And who will speak a kindly word?
"Not I," said the swan
"The entire idea is utterly absurd
I'd be laughed at and scorned
If the other swans heard"
And who will take pity in his heart
And who will feed a starving sparrow?
"Not I," said the golden wheat
"I would if I could but I cannot, I know
I need all my grain to prosper and grow"
Who will love a little sparrow?
Will no one write her eulogy?
"I will," said the Earth
"For all I've created returns unto me
From dust were ye made and dust ye shall be"
In Garfunkel's song "Sparrow", the lyrics describe a little sparrow who is tired from traveling and seeking a place to rest. The song poses the question of who will love and care for this small bird, but unfortunately, the response from the other animals and entities is one of cold refusal. The oak tree refuses to share its branches, the swan finds the idea absurd and worries about being laughed at, and the golden wheat refuses to spare any grain as it needs everything to grow. Ultimately, it is the Earth itself that speaks up, stating that it will care for the sparrow by allowing it to return to nature.
The lyrics in "Sparrow" can be interpreted as a commentary on human nature and our tendency to turn away from those in need or refuse to offer assistance. The song suggests that in a world where even nature can be unkind, it is important to show compassion and empathy towards others. The final verse, where the Earth offers to care for the sparrow, suggests that even if we humans fail, nature itself can provide comfort and solace.
Line by Line Meaning
Who will love a little sparrow?
Asking who would care for and love a small and seemingly insignificant bird such as the sparrow.
Who's traveled far and cries for rest?
Identifying the struggles of the sparrow's journey and the need for a peaceful resting place.
"Not I," said the oak tree
The oak tree refuses to help the sparrow by denying her access to its branches and leaves.
"I won't share my branches
With no sparrow's nest
And my blanket of leaves
Won't warm her cold breast"
The oak tree is uncompromising and will not even provide shelter or warmth to the sparrow.
Who will love a little sparrow
And who will speak a kindly word?
Posing the same question as before regarding who will show any form of compassion or care for the sparrow's well-being.
"Not I," said the swan
"The entire idea is utterly absurd
I'd be laughed at and scorned
If the other swans heard"
The swan feels that showing kindness towards the sparrow would go against societal norms and lead to ridicule and rejection from others.
And who will take pity in his heart
And who will feed a starving sparrow?
Once again emphasizing the desperation of the sparrow's need for aid and asking who will show even a shred of mercy towards her.
"Not I," said the golden wheat
"I would if I could but I cannot, I know
I need all my grain to prosper and grow"
The golden wheat acknowledges the sparrow's need for nourishment, but justifies its lack of action by prioritizing its own growth and survival.
Who will love a little sparrow?
Will no one write her eulogy?
Returning to the same initial question as before, with the added notion of whether anyone will remember the sparrow after her passing.
"I will," said the Earth
"For all I've created returns unto me
From dust were ye made and dust ye shall be"
The Earth recognizes and embraces the cycle of life and death, and takes responsibility for the fate of all living beings, including the sparrow.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Paul Simon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@cammieksandi
Who will love a little sparrow?
Who's traveled far and cries for rest
"Not I", said the oak tree
"I won't share my branches with no sparrow's nest
And my blanket of leaves won't warm her cold breast"
Who will love a little sparrow?
And who will speak a kindly word
"Not I", said the swan
"The entire idea is utterly absurd
I'd be laughed at and scorned if the other swans heard"
Who will take pity in his heart?
And who will feed a starving sparrow?
"Not I", said the golden wheat
"I would if I could but I cannot I know
I need all my grain to prosper and grow"
Who will love a little sparrow?
Will no one write her eulogy?
"I will," said the earth
"For all I've created returns unto me
From dust were ye made and dust ye shall be"
Read more: Simon And Garfunkel - Sparrow Lyrics | MetroLyrics
Read more: Simon And Garfunkel - Sparrow Lyrics | MetroLyrics
@mariyaphilipova
"Кой ще обича малкият Врабец?
Кой е пътувал на далеч и плаче за почивка?
"Не мога", каза Дъбът.
"Аз няма да споделя клоните си с
гнездо на Врабец.
Моето одеало от листа няма да топли
неговата студена гръд. "
Кой ще обича малкият Врабец
и кой ще говори любезно с него?
"Не мога", каза Лебедът.
"Тази идея е напълно абсурдна.
Ще ми се присмиват и ще ме презират
другите лебеди, само ако чуят. "
Кой ще пожали в сърцето си,
и кой ще нахрани гладуващият Врабец?
"Не мога", заяви Златната пшеница.
"Ако можех, щях да го направя, но не мога.
Имам нужда от всичките си жита за да раста. "
Кой ще обича малкият Врабец?
Някой ще напише ли възхвала за него?
"Аз искам," каза Земята.
"Всичко, което съм създала се връща при мен.
От прах бяхте направени и на прах ще станете. ""
Paul Simon
@RQ_play
This song can make me cry again and again.
Paul is such a gifted artist!
@cristianelizondo8575
Underrated song tbh....
@reneg.1620
True!!
@ericlweatherhog
Agreed. It has depth…
@fadisoueidi4127
Paul wrote so many good songs that speak to those of us with fragile souls. Wonderful song
@elisepentz1063
Never thought of my soul as fragile, but it's an apt description.
@MissAPierce
This song made me cry when I was seven years old. Sometimes it still does.
@timgoodson9029
+Alexandra Pierce I was 14 when I bought this album and it had the same effect on me
@jayvinchi5777
:'(
@thesuprisedbitch4077
triggers the water works for me too