Ward was previously with the band Rodriguez, which included bassist Kyle Field (of Little Wings fame) and drummer Mike Funk. They recorded and released on cassette Box Plots and Cash Crops and then the album Swing Like a Metronome in 2000. Duet for Guitars #2 was released on Howe Gelb's Ow Om record label. Ward's 2001 album, End of Amnesia, was released by Future Farmer Records, and his subsequent albums have been released on Merge Records. A collection of live recordings, Live Music & the Voices of Strangers, was a self-released disc that was sold at his shows. His next album, Transfiguration of Vincent, was released in 2003, followed by Transistor Radio in 2005. A year later, Post War was released.
In 2006, he contributed a song to, and helped produce, the John Fahey tribute album, I Am the Resurrection. He also contributed the song "Transfiguration #1" from Transfiguration of Vincent to the Brushfire Records soundtrack for A Brokedown Melody, a Jack Johnson surfing film.
His album, Hold Time, was released in 2009. The album A Wasteland Companion followed in 2012. The album title alludes to T.S. Eliot's 1922 modernist poem, The Waste Land. In 2016, he released More Rain. On June 8, 2018, M. Ward released What a Wonderful Industry.
Side Projects
In 2008 M. Ward combined forces with Zooey Deschanel and became She & Him. They have released two albums so far, Volume One in 2008 and Volume Two in 2010. He is also one fourth of the folk supergroup, Monsters of Folk, alongside Jim James from My Morning Jacket, and Conor Oberst & Mike Mogis from Bright Eyes. Their self-titled release, Monsters of Folk, was released in 2009.
* Official website
I'll Be Yr Bird
M. Ward Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm not the first hit when you got it bad.
I'm not your second, I'm not your third,
I'll be your bird.
I'm not your Chesnutt,
I'm not your Mould,
I'm not your DJ on late night radio,
I'll be your bird.
Then when there's no one to care, I could protect like I've always been there,
I'll become your bear.
I'll sing statistics, & hide the truth,
I'll tell your dad anything you want me to,
I'll hide your locket under the dirt,
I'll be your bird.
The lyrics to M. Ward's song "I'll Be Yr Bird" speak to the singer's willingness to play any role his partner needs him to in order to support and care for them. The repeated phrase "I'll be your bird" serves as a mantra of sorts, reinforcing the singer's commitment to being there for their loved one. The first verse sets up the contrast between the singer and other potential love interests, emphasizing that while he may not be the flashiest or most exciting option, he is steadfast and reliable. The second verse takes this idea further, laying out a series of hypothetical situations in which the singer would be there to provide comfort and assistance.
The final lines of the song, with the singer offering to "sing statistics" and "hide the truth," show a willingness to go to great lengths to support his partner, even if it means sacrificing his own honesty or vulnerability. The image of hiding a locket under the dirt is particularly poignant, as it suggests a willingness to protect and cherish something precious for his loved one, even if it means keeping it hidden away.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not the tiger, he never had,
I am not like the tiger that you used to have in your life, I am not that important to you.
I'm not the first hit when you got it bad.
I am not the first choice when you are going through a tough time.
I'm not your second, I'm not your third,
I am not even your second or third option.
I'll be your bird.
However, I am willing to be your loyal companion who always sticks around.
I'm not your Chesnutt,
I am not like the musician Vic Chesnutt who you might listen to.
I'm not your Mould,
I am not like the musician Bob Mould who you might listen to.
I'm not your DJ on late night radio,
I am not like the DJ who you might listen to on late night radio.
I'll be the first one to ask where you were,
I will always be curious and concerned about your whereabouts.
I'll be your bird.
I will provide you with comfort and company whenever you need it.
Then when there's no one to care, I could protect like I've always been there,
If you find yourself alone and uncared for, I will be there to protect you and make you feel loved.
I'll become your bear.
In those tough times, I will transform into someone who is strong and protective like a bear.
I'll sing statistics, & hide the truth,
If you need me to, I am willing to tell you pleasant lies instead of uncomfortable truths.
I'll tell your dad anything you want me to,
I will keep your secrets and tell your dad whatever you want me to say.
I'll hide your locket under the dirt,
I will keep your precious memories safe and hidden from the world.
I'll be your bird.
Through it all, I will remain your loyal companion who always sticks around.
Contributed by Aaliyah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.