Canary
Liz Phair Lyrics


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I learn my name
I write with a number two pencil
I work up to my potential
I earn my name
I come when called
I jump when you circle the cherry
I sing like a good canary
I come when called
I come, that's all

Send it up on fire
Death before dawn
Send it up on fire
Death before dawn

I clean the house
I put all your books in an order
I make up a colorful border
I clean my mouth
'Cause froth comes out

Send it up on fire
Death before dawn




Send it up on fire
Death before dawn

Overall Meaning

In Liz Phair's song "Canary," the singer describes herself as a canary in a coal mine, singing and coming when called. The opening lines suggest a sense of conformity and following the rules: "I learn my name, I write with a number two pencil, I work up to my potential, I earn my name." The line "I earn my name" implies that the singer has worked hard and achieved something, but it's unclear what that might be. She's obedient, jumping when called and singing "like a good canary."


However, the chorus suggests a desire for self-destruction: "Send it up on fire, death before dawn." The singer seems to be seeking an escape from her conformist life, but it's not clear whether she's seeking literal death or a more symbolic sort of death. This ambiguity is underscored by the final lines of the song: "I clean my mouth, 'cause froth comes out." This suggests that the singer is holding something within her that she can't express in words--something that might be dangerous or subversive.


In this song, Phair uses the metaphor of a canary in a coal mine to explore themes of conformity, self-expression, and danger. The canary is a symbol of warning, a harbinger of danger that can be seen before it's too late. By casting herself as a canary, the singer is suggesting that she sees something dangerous coming--perhaps a threat to her own identity or sense of self. The chorus suggests that this danger is so great that it might be preferable to die than to continue living as she is.


Line by Line Meaning

I learn my name
I discover my own identity


I write with a number two pencil
I take a traditional approach to expressing myself


I work up to my potential
I strive to reach my full capability


I earn my name
I establish my reputation through my actions


I come when called
I obediently respond to external demands


I jump when you circle the cherry
I eagerly comply with a request or desire that seems attractive


I sing like a good canary
I perform well and enjoy pleasing others


I come, that's all
I am easily satisfied and require minimal attention


Send it up on fire
Destroy it completely


Death before dawn
I'd rather face death than endure any more suffering


I clean the house
I take care of the domestic sphere


I put all your books in an order
I create an organized environment for you to live in


I make up a colorful border
I add decorative touches to enhance the aesthetics of our surroundings


I clean my mouth
I try to control what comes out of my mouth


'Cause froth comes out
Because sometimes I say things impulsively or without thinking




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PHAIR

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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