The Fish era is often categorized as neo-progressive. They originally started as "Silmarillion" (from Tolkien's book) with heavy influences from classic Genesis but went on to develop their own distinctive sound. The band was formed in 1979 by Mick Pointer (drums), Steve Rothery (guitar), Doug 'Rastus' Irvine (bass), and others, soon adding vocalist Fish (real name Derek W. Dick), Diz Minitt (bass), and Brian Jelliman. By the time of their first album, 1983's Script for a Jester's Tear, the bass position had been taken over by Pete Trewavas and keyboards by Mark Kelly.
The studio albums Fugazi (1984), Misplaced Childhood (1985), and Clutching at Straws (1987), as well as the 1984 live album Real to Reel all sold respectably, and the band scored a hit single in Britain with Kayleigh in 1985.
When Fish left the band in 1988 after four albums he was replaced by Steve Hogarth. A former member of The Europeans and some-time collaborator with The The and Julian Cope, Hogarth brought a new energy to the band.
Across a further ten albums, Hogarth – along with existing members Rothery, Kelly, Trewavas, and Mosley – have reinvigorated and constantly redefined Marillion’s sound. They forged into new musical territories with a succession of inventive, emotional albums, displaying little regard to the vagaries of hit charts or radio playlists.
After the release of 1999’s marillion.com the band freed themselves from record company pressure once and for all by launching their own record label, the Intact imprint.
Thanks to their pioneering embrace of the Internet through their website http://marillion.com, Marillion have developed a unique and intimate relationship with their fans. From sponsoring entire tours of the USA to funding the recording of recent albums, Marillion’s global fan-base is unique in its affection and dedication. As a result, such passionate, wholesale support has allowed Marillion to step outside of the conventional music industry and find their own path.
In 2001 Anoraknophobia saw Marillion take the groundbreaking step of asking fans to pre-order an album 12 months before release. An amazing 12,000 people signed up, helping to finance the recording. The band once again took pre-orders for the 2004 release Marbles, but this time the money was channelled into a campaign fund to promote its launch. The success of singles Don't Hurt Yourself and You're Gone – the latter making it all the way to number 7 – vindicated the band's independent strategy.
Their 2007 album Somewhere Else reached number 24 in the UK album chart with their most recent single Thankyou Whoever You Are hitting the UK singles chart at number 15. The band shows no signs of fading away after more than 25 years of activity.
Their 15th album, "Happiness is the road", was physically released in October 2008 but was originally available exclusively from the band's website. It was released with little promotion and a deluxe pre-order package was made available as with Marbles. 'Happiness is the Road' is the second studio double album of a long career (2004's Marbles was the other). A UK and European tour followed the album's release, and the band is taking special effort to record every show in the "Happiness on the Road" tour, making the recordings available from the band's website.
Blackbird
Marillion Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting
For this moment to arise
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
For this moment to be free
Blackbird fly
Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night
Blackbird fly
Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting
For this moment to arise
You were only waiting
For this moment to arise
The lyrics of Marillion's "Blackbird" have a powerful and uplifting message about freedom and self-discovery. The song speaks directly to those who feel trapped in their lives, with broken wings and sunken eyes. The singer of the song is called upon to take control of their life, to learn to fly and to see what is around them. The moment has arrived for them to be free and to embrace the journey that lies ahead.
The blackbird in the song is a symbol of hope and resilience. The bird sings in the dead of night, a time when most creatures are silent and still. This represents the possibility of finding light and hope in the darkest moments. The blackbird urges the listener to dive into the unknown, into the dark black night, and to fly towards the light. The song is an anthem for those who are ready to break free from their limitations and to soar towards new horizons.
Overall, "Blackbird" is a song about transformation, growth, and the possibility of change. It encourages listeners to embrace life's challenges as opportunities to learn, to grow stronger, and to ultimately achieve freedom and self-actualization.
Line by Line Meaning
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
The singer is acknowledging the blackbird singing in the darkness, possibly seeing something of himself in it.
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
The singer offers advice to the blackbird, telling it to take its broken wings and learn to fly, i.e., overcome obstacles and rise above them.
All your life
The singer emphasizes that the blackbird has been struggling and waiting all its life.
You were only waiting
The singer repeats that the blackbird's entire life has been a waiting period, for something that it may have found.
For this moment to arise
The singer suggests that the blackbird has been waiting for this (unknown) moment to arise, which may represent a significant change or opportunity for growth.
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
The singer offers further advice to the blackbird, telling it to look at things differently and learn to see things in a new light.
For this moment to be free
The same sentiment as above, but emphasizing a desire for freedom and release from the blackbird's struggles.
Blackbird fly
The singer is urging the blackbird to fly, to take off and soar towards new possibilities and new horizons.
Into the light of the dark black night
The singer describes the blackbird's destination as a 'light' found in the midst of darkness, representing hope and possibility in seemingly impossible situations.
You were only waiting
The singer repeats again that the blackbird has been waiting for something, perhaps still unsure of what that something is.
For this moment to arise
The same sentiment as before, reinforcing the idea of the blackbird's anticipation for something significant to come into its life.
Contributed by Caleb K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ambient Joe
H's voice is perfect for this
Ambient Joe
4 years later and I still hate the "come on Steven" guy.
Kirmetz Movie Workshop
Great!
Nicky Tejero
Yes, Fredo. It's Pete Trewavas playing
fredo gumbo
Is this Pete playing the guitar here?