Sparrow & the Wolf
McMorrow James Vincent Lyrics


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Sparrow and wolf lay as still as the blades of the grass
Like worn leather boots, of colour and size that would last
Caught them a lark in a trap, and each held a wing
Then they tore it apart, before that small bird could sing

Confused by the wind, bruised by the size of the rain
She turned in to him, begged for the light to remain
But plans have been made, all the furniture sold
So store up your hate, use it for warmth when you're cold

For I have seen no joy, only danger,
I see no joy, only strangers,
I see no joy, see no joy in this world
Should you, choose to go, please be careful of,
Lonesome roads, men who travel them,
Will not know, will not know of your ways

Still I have, seen no joy, only dangers, I
See no joy, only strangers, I
See no joy, see no joy in this world,
You should choose to go, please remember what




You have learned, from the little bird,
Always dear, always dear to my heart

Overall Meaning

The song “Sparrow & The Wolf” by James Vincent McMorrow discusses the nature of violence and the complexity of interpersonal relationships. The sparrows and wolves are used as a metaphor for the duality of human nature. The line “Sparrow and wolf lay as still as the blades of the grass” opens the song, which describes how a lark was caught in a trap and held by both the sparrow and wolf. They tore the bird apart before it could sing, showing the savagery that exists within living creatures. The lyrics go on to represent the duality of human nature through the idea of joy and dangers. The singer experiences only danger in the world, with no happiness or joy. He warns the person he loves to be careful on her journey and to keep in mind the lessons learned from the little bird that was destroyed.


Furthermore, the song refers to the shifting nature of relationships. The singer of the song has seen only violence, and he foresees nothing but conflict in the future. He warns that men who travel will not understand the ways of the loved one, and they pose a danger to her. The lyric "still I have, seen no joy, only dangers, I see no joy, only strangers," shows how perceptions of people and relationships can shift after experiencing negative emotions or trauma. Despite all the negativity surrounding the singer, the little bird still holds a special place in his heart, representing the good that still exists.


Line by Line Meaning

Sparrow and wolf lay as still as the blades of the grass
The sparrow and wolf were lying down motionlessly like the grass blades


Like worn leather boots, of colour and size that would last
They were as durable as old leather boots in terms of color and size


Caught them a lark in a trap, and each held a wing
They trapped a lark and each of them held one of its wings


Then they tore it apart, before that small bird could sing
They viciously tore the bird apart preventing it from singing


Confused by the wind, bruised by the size of the rain
The bird was perplexed by the wind while getting battered by the heavy rain


She turned in to him, begged for the light to remain
The bird sought refuge from the wolf and implored to retain its life


But plans have been made, all the furniture sold
Despite the bird's pleas, the wolf was determined to kill it, and already disposed of all its possessions


So store up your hate, use it for warmth when you're cold
The wolf advises people to keep their resentments because they can be used to provide comfort when they lack warmth


For I have seen no joy, only danger,
The singer has witnessed only dangers and never happiness


I see no joy, only strangers,
He doesn't experience happiness, only encounters with foreign people


I see no joy, see no joy in this world,
The world does not provide happiness to him


Should you, choose to go, please be careful of,
If people decide to venture away, they must be cautious


Lonesome roads, men who travel them,
The roads can be dangerous for traveling men


Will not know, will not know of your ways
Those on the path won't understand someone else's personality


Still I have, seen no joy, only dangers, I
The singer still perceives threatening situations and never an ounce of felicity


See no joy, only strangers, I
Again, the singer runs into unfamiliar people and unpleasant experiences - no happiness


See no joy, see no joy in this world,
He has entirely lost faith in the world's ability to provide joy


You should choose to go, please remember what
If people decide to leave, they must remember


You have learned, from the little bird,
What they can gather from the sparrow who was tormented and killed.


Always dear, always dear to my heart
The bird's memory will always be precious to him




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

2littleapples

love the concept of this video. The visuals go perfectly with James' haunting lyrics set to such a peppy beat. only 446 views as of right now... I expect that will increase exponentially in a short while. James is brilliant, it won't take long for the world to become aware of his vast talent.

thisNewFoundLand

...the chorus is absolute brilliance; the sentiment seems perfect for this day and age. It is the kind of song that grows deeper with each listen. Congrats on the vid! And thanks to all involved who provided the means for this music to reach our ears and hearts...

Paddy Slattery

This video just picked up a Best Music Video Award last night at the Underground Cinema Awards in Dublin (one of Ireland's most respected festivals that celebrate unique Independent cinema) Thoroughly deserved!

robson9221

James Vincent McMorrow and Jacko Hooper are my pick of the bunch for 2012. So glad this kind of music is beginning to get the kind of exposure it deserves, two very talented young men.

Pet that Dawg

Haven’t heard this for years. Great song

Pablo Maya

I know right. Listened to this in 2010 and it's been 9 years. A wonderful song with wonderful lyrics.

Lyrics On My Wall

Such a nice song! and the video says everything! thank you

Tamlyn Adolph

The love I have for this man's artistry...

Alex Chicharo

I Love this song !!!!

lara74922

BEAUTIFUL!! UTTER JOY to listen to!!!! <3

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