White Bird
Joe Hedges Lyrics
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You don't know what you want
You wait around for something good to come
White bird
You follow the sway
The world is a cage
They'd love to lock you inside
But you've traveled so far
To know who you are
You'll fly
Day breaks
The creatures come to create
You catch a fish you let it swim away
Light fades
You're still afraid to go on
You wouldn't let them paint you blue or grey
Day breaks
Light fades
You follow the sway
The world is a cage
They'd love to lock you inside
But you've traveled so far
To know who you are
You'll fly
The fear and the noise become you
What if things don't ever change?
I can't sleep but
I don't care
I don't care
Your wings tear
You follow the sway
The world is a cage
They'd love to lock you inside
But you've traveled so far
To know who you are
You'll fly
You'll fly
You follow the sway
The world is a cage
They'd love to lock you inside
But you've traveled so far
To know who you are
You'll fly
The song "White Bird" by Joe Hedges is an introspective and metaphorical examination of the struggle to find personal identity and freedom in a world that often imposes limitations and expectations on individuals. The title of the song references a white bird, which represents the individual's quest for freedom and self-discovery. The opening lines suggest that the singer is lost or uncertain in their desires and is waiting for something good to come. However, the chorus emphasizes the importance of breaking free from the constraints of the world and following one's own path, even if it means flying alone.
The verses describe the beauty and terror of the natural world, which serves as a metaphor for the internal struggle of the singer. The line "You catch a fish you let it swim away" suggests both the joy and sadness of fleeting experiences and the inevitability of letting go. The repeated phrase "You follow the sway, the world is a cage" conveys the sense of being trapped by societal norms and expectations, but the line "But you've traveled so far to know who you are" offers hope that the singer will find their way to self-acceptance and freedom. The closing lines imply the fear and uncertainty that comes with embracing change and individuality but ultimately affirm the importance of taking that leap of faith and soaring towards personal fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
White bird
This phrase serves as the title and represents freedom.
You don't know what you want
Uncertainty clouds your mind and prevents you from knowing your desires.
You wait around for something good to come
You hope for something positive to happen to direct your path.
White bird
The repeated phrase signifies the pursuit of freedom for oneself.
You follow the sway
You conform to the expectations of others around you, rather than setting your own path.
The world is a cage
Society and its conventions keep you from feeling free and finding purpose.
They'd love to lock you inside
Others aim to trap you and prevent you from breaking free from mediocrity.
But you've traveled so far
Through experience and learning, you have come a long way in finding yourself.
To know who you are
Your journey is about self-discovery and finding your true identity.
You'll fly
Freedom and being true to yourself will allow you to soar.
Day breaks
The start of a new day, a new opportunity to find purpose and meaning.
The creatures come to create
As the world awakens, life and creativity emerge.
You catch a fish you let it swim away
You embrace the impermanent nature of life and let go of temporary pleasures.
Light fades
The end of the day, a reminder of the fleeting nature of life.
You're still afraid to go on
Uncertainty and fear still grip you, and you find it hard to move forward.
You wouldn't let them paint you blue or grey
You refuse to conform to societal norms and reject attempts to force you into a certain mold.
The fear and the noise become you
Anxiety and the chaos of the world consume you, making it hard to find inner peace.
What if things don't ever change?
Doubt and despair creep in, leading to a sense of hopelessness.
I can't sleep but
Insomnia, caused by restlessness and uncertainty.
I don't care
A rebellious, nonchalant attitude towards the expectations of the world.
Your wings tear
Challenges and setbacks hinder your growth and progress.
You follow the sway
You struggle to break free from the status quo and carve your own path.
You'll fly
The repeated phrase reiterates the ultimate goal of achieving freedom and being truly yourself.
Contributed by Colin N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.