Dawn Chorus
Hazel O 'Connor Lyrics

The lyrics of Hazel O'Connor's song "Dawn Chorus" convey a sense of longing, fear and frustration. The singer is waiting silently for someone, likely a lover, by an opening door. She is worried about their proximity and unsure whether they will understand her emotions. The chorus speaks of a dawn chorus, but asks whether anyone is truly listening. The singer hears and feels things that nobody else seems to, something that carries a sense of dread. In the second verse, the singer takes to the sky, where even the angels fear to fly. Air traffic control has gone mad, and she sings a song that reminds him of a hot balmy night he never had. This speaks to a sense of yearning for connection or closeness that cannot be fulfilled.

One interpretation of this song is that it reflects the universal human struggle to communicate effectively and be truly heard. The attempts to reach out and connect with others can be fraught with fear and uncertainty, often resulting in a sense of frustration and isolation. The imagery of the dawn chorus speaks to the idea of new beginnings and fresh starts, yet the question of whether anyone is truly listening suggests a sense of disillusionment with the idea of hope and renewal.

Interestingly, Hazel O'Connor has said in interviews that this song was inspired by a real-life experience she had with a bird, which was trapped in a house she was staying in. She ended up rescuing the bird and releasing it outside, and the incident stayed with her, inspiring the song. The song was released on her 1980 album "Breaking Glass," which was also the title of a movie in which she starred. The album received widespread critical acclaim and was a commercial success. The song has since been covered by other artists, including British singer-songwriter Kristin Hersh.