Mimicking Birds began as the solo project of Portland native Nate Lacy. Nate was joined by Aaron Hanson on drums, Ian Luxton on guitar, Adam Trachsel on bass, and Matthan Minster on keyboards and electric guitar with all members sharing vocal duties. Mimicking Birds’ self-titled album was released in March of 2009 on Isaac Brock’s home studio and was produced by Clay Jones and Isaac Brock.
A constant creator whether wielding pencils, paint, found items, or a guitar Nate Lacy grew up with an ardent interest in creating various facets of art to reflect life and the natural world. Throughout his adolescence he began to expand upon this curiosity aurally and documented it through a number of self-produced and seldom heard bedroom demos. A close friend enamored by the sounds, began sending these songs (unbeknownst to Lacy) to Isaac Brock who was a great source of inspiration to them both growing up. Brock soon contacted Lacy about releasing a record. Shortly after, the self-titled album was released, in what reads as somewhat of a rock fairy tale, Mimicking Birds would then make their national debut on tour with Modest Mouse.
Since then, Mimicking Birds has continued to tour the US in a brave Subaru Outback playing festivals and touring with acts such as Blind Pilot, Deertick, Laura Veirs, Jenny Lewis and sharing stages with Fleet Foxes, Menomena, The Tallest Man on Earth, and Conor Oberst. Mimicking Birds experiments with improvisation and dynamics while rotating personnel in a quest for a living soundscape.
Bloodlines
Mimicking Birds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll clean your window, make you look out and see scenery
I am a stranger, shouldn't talk to myself in times of rearrangement or even in good mental health
And on the other side soon they'll side with their family who hides from all the evil within their own bloodline
But you fly a different kite hovering over their heads so high
I will tie your lasso, can't you make a knot slip?
Cause I am a creature of mixed up energies in times of restraint living in captivity
And on the other side more mountains slide away from their fault lines and taper into new shorelines
Sliding down the timeline, pulling the nerves up through your spine
Veering off to the side sometimes when you lose sight of that line
Guided by the same light holding all of our heads up so high
The lyrics of Mimicking Birds’s “Bloodlines” can be interpreted as the singer pledging to protect and care for their partner, who they describe as a “shadow.” The first stanza describes the singer's willingness to clean their partner's window to help them see the world clearly, regardless of the darkness that might sometimes come with it. The line “I am a stranger, shouldn't talk to myself in times of rearrangement or even in good mental health” suggests that the singer is aware of the potential instability and anxiety of the world, and they pledge to be there to support their partner through it all.
The chorus of the song refers to the conflicting pressures of family loyalty and individuality. The “other side” mentioned in the lyrics refers to those who seek shelter from their family's past within their own “bloodline,” while the singer's partner “flies a different kite” and represents a departure from that tradition. The lyrics suggest that the partner's individuality is a source of strength, as they rise above the others with their unique perspective.
The second stanza continues the theme of support, as the singer pledges to be there for their partner even after they themselves are gone. The singer “ties their lasso” and helps them remember who they are so they can continue to exist even after death. The line “veering off to the side sometimes when you lose sight of that line” suggests that even in times of uncertainty or difficulty, the singer is there to help guide their partner back to stable ground.
Line by Line Meaning
I will protect your shadow even though when it's dark it slips
I will be by your side always and support you even when things get tough
I'll clean your window, make you look out and see scenery
I'll help you gain clarity and perspective in life
I am a stranger, shouldn't talk to myself in times of rearrangement or even in good mental health
I may feel like an outsider, but I understand the importance of self-reflection even in good times
And on the other side soon they'll side with their family who hides from all the evil within their own bloodline
People often side with their family even if they have dark secrets that they hide
But you fly a different kite hovering over their heads so high
You, however, choose to rise above it all and not follow their path
I will tie your lasso, can't you make a knot slip?
I'll help you hold on to what's important and prevent you from losing it
I'll ask your ghost if he can remember me
I'll try to keep your memory alive even after you're gone
Cause I am a creature of mixed up energies in times of restraint living in captivity
I am sometimes unsure of myself and feel trapped in situations that hold me back
And on the other side more mountains slide away from their fault lines and taper into new shorelines
Over time, things can change and evolve in unexpected ways
Sliding down the timeline, pulling the nerves up through your spine
Life can be a rollercoaster with ups and downs that affect us physically and emotionally
Veering off to the side sometimes when you lose sight of that line
It's easy to get off track when you don't have a clear path to follow
Guided by the same light holding all of our heads up so high
But if we stay true to our values and follow a positive path, we can rise above it all with the help of others
Contributed by Austin E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Cheri Elizabeth
I will protect your shadow even though when it's dark it slips
I'll clean your window, make you look out and see scenery
I am a stranger, shouldn't talk to myself in times of rearrangement or even in good mental health
And on the other side soon they'll side with their family who hides from all the evil within their own bloodline
But you fly a different kite hovering over their heads so high
I will tie your lasso, can't you make a knot slip?
I'll ask your ghost if he can remember me
Cause I am a creature of mixed up energies in times of restraint living in captivity
And on the other side more mountains slide away from their fault lines and taper into new shorelines
Sliding down the timeline, pulling the nerves up through your spine
Veering off to the side sometimes when you lose sight of that line
Guided by the same light holding all of our heads up so high
markie boy
whoever is responsible for finding music for shameless is doing their job FANTASTICALLY
this has been proven countless times
Mhfa
The guy is a master in this job! I myself find countless underrated bands and tunes from Shameless US!
Kevin Graham
akintomark they should sell Shameless soundtracks
dinoITA
Couldn't agree more
CGagnon5
they also have letlive in that episode! I lost my shit when I heard it.
Alex Phelan
if you love this song, check out memorabilia
Cheri Elizabeth
I will protect your shadow even though when it's dark it slips
I'll clean your window, make you look out and see scenery
I am a stranger, shouldn't talk to myself in times of rearrangement or even in good mental health
And on the other side soon they'll side with their family who hides from all the evil within their own bloodline
But you fly a different kite hovering over their heads so high
I will tie your lasso, can't you make a knot slip?
I'll ask your ghost if he can remember me
Cause I am a creature of mixed up energies in times of restraint living in captivity
And on the other side more mountains slide away from their fault lines and taper into new shorelines
Sliding down the timeline, pulling the nerves up through your spine
Veering off to the side sometimes when you lose sight of that line
Guided by the same light holding all of our heads up so high
Koskos
Finally!!!! I heard this at the end of the documentary,”The True Cost” and I was in absolute awe! This should be a timeless classic. Beautiful,beautiful song!!!
Tommy Wade
that was a great documentary
ÆxPolaris
this song is amazing.