"Little Wing" is played using the unique chord/melody guitar style that Hendrix developed during his early career stints in rhythm and blues bands. In this style, the guitar sounds as though it is playing two parts. This is done by simultaneously playing multiple complementary notes, often parts of chords, and then changing a note within the chord to create a melodic effect. Other songs played in this style include "Life Without You" by Stevie Ray Vaughan, "Catch The Rainbow" by Rainbow, "When A Blind Man Cries" by Deep Purple "The Boy From Seattle" by Steve Vai, "Yellow Ledbetter" by Pearl Jam, and "Under the Bridge" by Red Hot Chili Peppers. The unusual flanging sound of the lead guitar part is a result of the Doppler effect which is created using a rotating speaker cabinet, or Leslie speaker.
Little Wing
Hendrix Jimi Lyrics
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With a circus mind
That's running wild
Butterflies and zebras and moonbeams
And fairly tales
That's all she ever thinks about
When I'm sad she comes to me
With a thousand smiles
She gives to me free
It's alright, she says
It's alright
Take anything you want from me
Anything
Fly on, little wing
The lyrics to Jimi Hendrix's Little Wing are a poetic description of the magical and mystical qualities of love. The woman in the song is portrayed as having a "circus mind" that is "running wild" with thoughts of butterflies, zebras, moonbeams, and fairy tales. She is lost in a world of dreams and imagination, detached from reality, and floating among the clouds. The singer of the song is comforted by her presence in his life. Even when he is sad, she comes to him with "a thousand smiles" and gives herself freely to him. The chorus of the song reassures him that everything is alright and he can take anything he wants from her. The last line of the song encourages her to "fly on, little wing," suggesting that he wants her to continue to soar in her own world of wonder and fantasy.
There is something deeply touching and romantic about the imagery in Little Wing. Hendrix's lyrics capture the essence of true love, which is not about possession or control, but about allowing the other person to be themselves and supporting them in their dreams and aspirations. The woman in the song is not asked to change or conform to any expectations, but to continue to be who she is and "ride the wind." This is a rare and beautiful sentiment that speaks to the unconditional nature of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Well she's walking through the clouds
She's in a dream-like state, drifting through the sky.
With a circus mind
Her mind is imaginative, whimsical, and playful, like a circus.
That's running wild
Her imagination is free and unrestrained, wandering wherever it wants.
Butterflies and zebras and moonbeams
Her thoughts are filled with fanciful and beautiful things, like insects, animals, and celestial bodies.
And fairy tales
Her mind is full of stories that transport her to other worlds of fantasy and wonder.
That's all she ever thinks about
She's consumed by her imagination, unable to focus on anything else.
Riding the wind
She's free and unencumbered, carried along by the whims of her imagination.
When I'm sad she comes to me
In times of sadness or need, she appears in his thoughts, offering comfort and support.
With a thousand smiles
She's generous with her kindness, granting him an abundance of positive energy.
She gives to me free
Her love and support come without any cost or expectation of return.
It's alright, she says
She reassures him that everything will be okay, regardless of the circumstances.
Take anything you want from me
She offers all that she has, without hesitation or reservation.
Anything
She's completely selfless and giving, willing to offer anything and everything to help.
Fly on, little wing
She encourages him to keep going, to keep exploring and dreaming, like a small bird on the wing.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JIMI HENDRIX
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind