Birds
Neil Young w/Crazy Horse Lyrics
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And he rides the wind back to his home
Although his wings have turned to stone
And we used to be so calm
Now I think about you all day long
(That's the moment that he cracked)
'Cause you've been with another man (long ago in the museum with his friends)
The jailbird takes a rap
And then finds himself spread-eagled on the track
But the training that he learned would get him nowhere fast
And I know we should be free
But freedom's just a prison to me (rain pounding on his back)
(He recalls the moment that he cracked)
'Cause I lied to keep it kind (long ago in the museum with his friends)
When I left you far behind (like those memories, the rain)
(Just keeps poundin' down, down, down)
And though these wings have turned to stone
I can fly, fly, fly away
Watch me fly above the city
Like a shadow on the sky
Fly, fly, fly
Fly, fly, fly
Fly, fly, fly
The lyrics to Neil Young & Crazy Horse's "Birds" are poetic and open to interpretation, but they appear to describe a relationship that is ending, with the singer addressing his lover. The opening lines set the tone, with the singer telling his love interest that there will be another person to take his place. The reference to the sun hovering over her may symbolize the idea that life goes on, that time does not stop for anyone. The lines "tomorrow see the things that never come, today" seem to suggest that the future is always out of reach and that we can only experience the present moment.
The chorus of the song is particularly striking. The singer seems to describe himself flying away, leaving his lover behind. He tells her that she will see his shadow on the things she knows, reminding her of his presence even though he is gone. Feathers falling around her may symbolize the freedom she now has to choose her own path, with the "way to go" being entirely up to her. The repeated line "it's over, it's over" brings home the sense of finality that pervades the song, and underscores the idea that the relationship has irrevocably ended.
Overall, "Birds" is a song that is at once melancholy and hopeful. It speaks to the universal themes of love and loss, but does so in a way that is both imaginative and memorable.
Line by Line Meaning
Lover, there will be another one
The singer is telling their lover that they'll have another lover who will protect them.
Who'll hover over you beneath the sun
The singer's lover will have someone to watch over them.
Tomorrow see the things that never come
The future is unpredictable, and one never knows what to expect.
Today
However, one does have the present moment.
When you see me
The artist is warning that they are about to leave.
Fly away without you
The singer will be departing without their lover.
Shadow on the things you know
Their absence will overshadow the familiar things in their lover's life.
Feathers fall around you
The artist's feathers may fall around their lover as a reminder of them.
And show you the way to go
The feather may guide the lover to new experiences in life.
It's over, it's over.
The relationship has reached its end.
Nestled in your wings my little one
The singer cherishes their lover's embrace.
This special morning brings another sun
The start of a new day brings new opportunities and a fresh start.
Tomorrow see the things that never come
Again, the future is uncertain.
Today
But how one lives in the present determines what is to come.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: Neil Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@AdamLB
Love this version.