Blackbird
Jordan Rakei Lyrics


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Where there was one before, mmm
now there are many,
What are they waiting for,
food I have not to need.

I can't eat, I can't sleep,
because I know the'll be watching me.
Yellow eyes that see right through,
I don't know what I'm supposed to do,
For these blackbirds,
in my garden,

oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh ohoh ohoh ohohohoho.




blackbirds in my garden,
oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh ohoh ohoh ohohohoho.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Jordan Rakei's song "Blackbird" speak about the singer's fear and unease as they notice the presence of many blackbirds in their garden, where there was only one before. The first two lines could refer to the idea that one's small problems or concerns can grow and multiply into something bigger and more overwhelming. The blackbirds could represent a symbol of darkness or bad omens. The line "food I have not to need" may indicate that the singer has nothing to offer these dark forces that are drawn to them, and they cannot understand why they are being targeted.


The next lines shift the focus to the singer's growing anxiety and fear. They cannot eat or sleep as they feel that they are being watched by the blackbirds, whose "yellow eyes that see right through" them. This line could imply that the blackbirds are not only a presence in the physical world but are also symbolic of something greater, such as one's inner demons or fears. The singer is unsure of what they are meant to do or how to protect themselves against these dark forces. The repetition of the phrase "oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh ohoh ohoh ohohohoho" at the end of each stanza can be seen as an expression of the singer's desperation and fear as they try to fathom what the blackbirds represent and how to deal with them.


Line by Line Meaning

Where there was one before, mmm
There used to be only one blackbird in the garden, but now there are multiple.


now there are many,
The population of blackbirds has increased.


What are they waiting for,
Jordan is questioning the blackbirds' purpose for being in his garden.


food I have not to need.
Jordan does not have any food that would attract the blackbirds.


I can't eat, I can't sleep,
Jordan is anxious and unable to relax due to the presence of the blackbirds.


because I know the'll be watching me.
Jordan believes the blackbirds are observing him.


Yellow eyes that see right through,
The blackbirds' eyes are described as yellow and perceptive.


I don't know what I'm supposed to do,
Jordan is uncertain of how to act around the blackbirds or what their intentions are.


For these blackbirds,
The focus of the song is on the blackbirds and their impact on Jordan's life.


in my garden,
The blackbirds are specifically located in Jordan's garden.


oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh ohoh ohoh ohohohoho.
This is a repeated refrain in the song that adds emphasis and emotion to the lyrics.


blackbirds in my garden,
The song title and subject is reiterated in the lyrics for emphasis.


oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh ohoh ohoh ohohohoho.
This is another instance of the repeated refrain.




Contributed by Sydney E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@hungrycamel13

Nice touch with the D'Angelo "Lady" riff. 

@philiprose2784

Him and Tom Misch love to do it

@billsavory6746

This guy and Tom Misch are the most exciting musicians making their way through right now in the world...

@finnmaclean5827

FKJ combined with these two make up my favourite artists, pure eargasms

@raphiki1234

your missing loyle carner

@wdls1

😉👍

@delikatus

And vril.

@LixinQin

And Alfa Mist

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@natejacobs3173

Listening to this incredibly talented artist during a pandemic on a night of a full moon Aug 03, 2020. There's light at the end of the tunnel.

@ccmmrrnn

I just got onto him a little over a year ago. Can't believe he's only 21 in this video, already a good enough singer and musician to have an incredible career, yet somehow he's leagues better now. His COLORS show from 2 years ago just slams it in your face how far he's come as a vocalist. Hope that light's getting nearer for you Nathaniel, all the best.

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