Born in Chicago to Swedish/Italian parents, Lofgren moved to the Washington, D.C., area as a teenager. His first instrument was the accordion. He was also a competitive gymnast in high school, a skill that popped up later in his career.
Lofgren joined Neil Young's band in 1968 at age 17, playing piano on the album After the Gold Rush. Lofgren would maintain a close musical relationship with Young, appearing on his Tonight's the Night album and tour among others. He was also briefly a member of Crazy Horse, appearing on their 1971 LP and contributing songs to their catalogue.
From '71 to '74 Lofgren was active in Grin, the band he founded in '69. After landing a record deal in '71 the band released 4 critically-acclaimed albums but met with little commercial success.
In 1975 Lofgren released his a self-titled solo album featuring songs that went on to become staples of his solo performances; 'Keith Don't Go', 'Back it Up' and the cover of Carole Kings 'Goin' Back'.
Solo albums and tours followed every year through the 70s as Lofgren established himself as a top guitarist and live performer earning the respect and acclaim of his peers.
Bruce Springsteen made the call in 1984 and Lofgren joined the E-Street Band for the 'Born in the USA' tour. Lofgren was instant hit with Springsteens fans through his playing and vibrant on stage persona. Lofgren remains a stalwart of the E-Street Band to the present day.
Lofgren continues to juggle his tenure with the Springsteen Band and a solo recording career, whilst writing and performing with many other artists. His 2008 album 'Nils Sings Neil' was a project featuring Lofgren acoustically covering songs written by Neil Young, his former bandleader in Crazy Horse.
Birds
Nils Lofgren Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who'll hover over you beneath the sun
Tomorrow see the things that never come
Today When you see me
Fly away without you
Shadow on the things you know
Feathers fall around you
And show you the way to go
This special morning brings another sun
Tomorrow see the things that never come
Today When you see me
Fly away without you
Shadow on the things you know
Feathers fall around you
And show you the way to go
It's over, it's over
The lyrics of "Birds" by Nils Lofgren are rich in metaphors and symbolism. It seems like the song is about a breakup or a failed relationship. The lines "Lover, there will be another one who'll hover over you beneath the sun" suggest that the singer is aware that his lover has moved on and found someone else. The line "tomorrow see the things that never come today" implies a sense of regret for not acting sooner or for letting the relationship slip away.
The message of the song is that sometimes things don't work out, but life goes on. The imagery of birds flying away and leaving feathers behind suggests that there is something to be learned from the experience. The metaphor of the shadow on the things you know indicates that the singer is aware of the pain he has caused and that he is leaving behind something tangible for the other person to hold onto.
The chorus, "feathers fall around you and show you the way to go, it's over, it's over," suggests that the singer is letting go of the past and encouraging the other person to do the same. Overall, the lyrics of "Birds" convey a sense of sadness and loss but also a message of hope and moving on.
Line by Line Meaning
Lover, there will be another one
Addressing a lover, letting them know there will be someone else
Who'll hover over you beneath the sun
Another person will come to care for and protect the lover
Tomorrow see the things that never come
The future is unknown and unpredictable
Today When you see me Fly away without you
Leaving the lover behind and moving on
Shadow on the things you know
A feeling of darkness or sadness on familiar things
Feathers fall around you And show you the way to go
Symbols of guidance and hope appear in the form of feathers
It's over, it's over.
The relationship has ended and cannot be salvaged
Nestled in your wings my little one
A term of endearment and comfort, like a parent to a child
This special morning brings another sun
Each day is new and brings new opportunities
Writer(s): Neil Young
Contributed by Kaitlyn W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.