In 1999, Delmhorst released a live album with The Vinal Avenue String Band, consisting of herself, Sean Staples, and Ry Cavanaugh.
Delmhorst is married to Jeffrey Foucault. In 2003, Delmhorst, Foucault, and Peter Mulvey released an album entitled Redbird.
Delmhorst's more recent albums include Strange Conversation (2006), Shotgun Singer (2008), and Cars (2011).
Hummingbird
Kris Delmhorst Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're the only one who's never seen
The way I can light up in shades of gold and green
I'm just a little firefly, I want to shine for you but I'm too shy
So when you come around I hide my light
But when you go away I shine for you all night
All night, all night, when I shine for you all night
Out there in the sun, I'd open up for anyone
You're the only one who closes me
Because I want to be the brightest thing you've ever seen
I'm just a little dandelion, I want to blossom but I'm scared of trying
I hide my head when you come into the room
When you go away I come right into bloom
And I can't look down, because I'm way too high
I can't look up, into your eyes
Well I never was afraid to sing out loud
In front of anybody, any crowd
You make me lose my nerve
Feel like something more than I could ever deserve
I'm just a little hummingbird, I want to sing but I can't find the words
So when you come around I just go still
But after you move on, when I know you're gone
I sing for you the way I always will
I will, I will, the way I always will
I will, I will, the way I always will
I will, I will, the way I always will
The way I always will
You know I always will
The song "Hummingbird" by Kris Delmhorst expresses the feeling of being vulnerable and shy around someone who you want to impress. The lyrics use different metaphors to describe this feeling, comparing the singer to a firefly, a dandelion, and a hummingbird. The song starts with the singer saying that they won't even make a spark in the dark, indicating their lack of confidence. The only person who has seen their true potential is the one that they are hiding from. The singer wishes to shine bright like a firefly but is too shy to do so when the object of their affection is around. They only reveal their true potential when the person is gone.
In the second verse, the singer describes themselves as a dandelion, wanting to blossom but too scared to try. This time, the person they are hiding from is the only one who can close them. They want to be the brightest thing their love interest has ever seen, but they are too scared to reveal themselves. The singer can't look into the eyes of the one they want to impress because they feel overwhelmed by their presence. They compare themselves to a hummingbird who can't find the words to sing in front of the person they want to impress.
Overall, the song "Hummingbird" is a beautiful interpretation of how it feels to be in love but can't express oneself clearly. The use of metaphors throughout the song creates vivid imagery and helps to illustrate the intensity of the singer's emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
Here in the dark, I won't even make a spark
I feel insecure and nervous, and am afraid to reveal my light to you.
You're the only one who's never seen
You are the only one I cannot be myself around.
The way I can light up in shades of gold and green
I have many qualities that I could show you, if I could overcome my shyness.
I'm just a little firefly, I want to shine for you but I'm too shy
I am small and quiet, but I want to show off my talents to you.
So when you come around I hide my light
I am too anxious to show you my true self when you are near.
But when you go away I shine for you all night
I feel more comfortable expressing myself when you aren't present.
Out there in the sun, I'd open up for anyone
I am more confident in my abilities when I am alone.
You're the only one who closes me
I feel like I need to hide myself from you because of how much you mean to me.
Because I want to be the brightest thing you've ever seen
I am afraid that if you see all of me, you won't find me impressive.
I'm just a little dandelion, I want to blossom but I'm scared of trying
I have potential, but I am afraid to take risks because I don't want to disappoint you.
I hide my head when you come into the room
I don't want you to see me struggle with my insecurities.
When you go away I come right into bloom
When you aren't nearby, I feel more confident and free to express myself.
And I can't look down, because I'm way too high
I am overwhelmed by my feelings for you.
I can't look up, into your eyes
I am too nervous to make eye contact with you.
Well I never was afraid to sing out loud
I used to be more confident in expressing myself.
In front of anybody, any crowd
I used to not be as affected by the opinions of others.
You make me lose my nerve
My feelings for you make me feel more anxious and nervous than usual.
Feel like something more than I could ever deserve
I feel like I don't deserve your attention and affection.
I'm just a little hummingbird, I want to sing but I can't find the words
I have many things I want to express to you, but I can't find the right way to say them.
So when you come around I just go still
I feel paralyzed by my nerves when you are near.
But after you move on, when I know you're gone
I am more comfortable expressing myself when you aren't around.
I sing for you the way I always will
Despite my fears and insecurities, I will always express myself to you in the way that I can.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Leon Russell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
modalus
this is beautiful and agree with paganmaestro's observations about the sensual feelings this song powerfully evokes. Kris Delmhorst is the biggest musical surprise for me. Until only recently I had never heard of her. truly one of the most moving pieces of musical poetry i have listened to. i love it....
gail swanson
This is one of my alltime favorite songs, and I am so happy to have found Kris's music, she is amazing.
ogenmatic
My favorite Kris Delmhorst song with a very tastefully done video/stills. Nice transitions! What a voice...
Sarah Deramo
LOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVEEEE this song. Kris, I want to give you a gigantic BEAR HUG for creating such beauty. This song is perfection. Thank you.
ogenmatic
Kris Delmhorst on the "tube"! And one of my favs ta boot. Awesome vocal range and depth.
Poco mudder
An absolutely beautiful song
MStellarium
This so is so beautiful and true... words can't describe its sweetnees.
Derek Jeter
It is really sad that an artist like Kris Delmhorst somehow flies under the radar while Britney Spears can fall out of bed, put it on youtube and it will get a million views by noon the next day...Life truly is unfair.
moon dingo
beautiful, thanx so much! ;)*