Murder Of Birds
Jesca Hoop Lyrics

I'm not a bird
The singer is not literally a bird

I'm a murder of birds
The singer embodies a group of birds, suggesting a complex and unpredictable nature

Shifting my shape
The singer's nature can change or transform

When your tongue finds the words
The artist's behavior may be influenced by what others say

Like I hate you when I
The artist's feelings can be complicated and contradictory

Love you the most
The singer has strong affection for someone

This shape of a snake
The singer takes the form of a snake, suggesting danger, deception, or protection

In a defensive coil
The artist is ready to defend themselves if needed

Same retracted lips
The artist is similar to a foolish girl who acts mean but is actually in love

Of the one foolish girl
The artist refers to themselves and possibly others who have acted mean but are in love

Says she hates you when she
The foolish girl acts mean when she

Loves you the most
The foolish girl is actually in love with the person she is acting mean towards

And I’ve got demons when I need 'em
The singer has internal struggles or weaknesses that can arise

Don't ask to see them they're not supposed to be used against
The singer wants to protect themselves by not revealing their weaknesses to others

You oh
The singer may be addressing someone who they have affection for or trust

Can we build a safe house
The artist wants to create a safe space for themselves and someone else

Far from the bitter bride
The artist wants to avoid negative influences or conflicts

And we'll make a home with a brown recluse
The singer wants to make a home with someone who may have a dangerous or harmful nature

And the cobra locked outside
The singer wants to keep dangerous influences or conflicts from entering the safe space they are creating

To the spider we'll give a web
The artist wants to provide resources or support to those who may have a negative or harmful nature

To the cobra a lullaby
The artist wants to use kind or soothing influences to calm those who may be dangerous

And keeping the demons happy
The artist wants to balance their own internal struggles or weaknesses with the well-being of others

You make free for me to fly
The singer associates freedom and independence with the safe space they are creating

And the shape of home baked bread
The artist references a familiar or comforting aspect of home

And the girl in a turned down bed
The singer references a vulnerable or intimate aspect of home

And a wick of twisted thread
The singer references the process of creating light or warmth in a home

From the loving words you said
The singer references the influence of affectionate or supportive language on a home environment

Birds
The lyrics return to the theme of embodying a group of birds, suggesting that the artist's nature is multifaceted and complex

And I think I’m alone
The artist feels isolated or disconnected

In desire for grace
The singer longs for a sense of elegance or serenity

Fire only shimmered
The singer is disappointed that their hopes or desires have not been realized

And I’m no longer safe
The artist feels vulnerable or exposed