Pedro the Lion is an indie rock band from Seattle, Washington. David Bazan … Read Full Bio ↴Pedro the Lion is an indie rock band from Seattle, Washington. David Bazan formed the band in 1995 and represented its main creative force, backed by a varying rotation of collaborating musicians. After a shifting lineup, Pedro the Lion finally eventually became a one-man outfit. That man is David Bazan. A Seattle native, Bazan cut his teeth playing in hardcore bands before forming Pedro in 1995, taking the band's name from a character he made up for a possible children's book. Under the moniker of Pedro the Lion, Bazan creates melodic pop in the vein of Bedhead, Hayden, and Sebadoh, with a lyrical focus on relationships -- with both other people and God.

Helicopter
Pedro the Lion Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I want to fly this helicopter
would it be enough
me and my wings are very fragile
is that what you want?

and i'm so scared that i might crash this bird
I feel like such a little girl
this time there is no net to catch me when i fall

jesus please protect me now

I do the thing that i don't want to
I'm so very tired
my thoughts have wings and they don't obey me
what's it going to do

and i'm so scared that i might crash this bird
I feel like such a little jerk
this time there is no net to catch me when i jump
jesus please forgive me now

please have this burden
please have this burden

please have this burden
please have this burden...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Pedro the Lion's song Helicopter convey a sense of vulnerability and fear. The singer is expressing a desire to take control and fly the helicopter, but also acknowledging their fragility and the potential consequences of failure. The use of "me and my wings" implies a desire for independence and freedom, but also acknowledges the potential risks of taking on too much. The singer is hesitant, wondering whether this is really what they want or whether it's worth the risks.

The repeated refrain "please have this burden" suggests a desire for someone else to take on the responsibility and protect the singer. The mention of Jesus in both verses adds a spiritual dimension to the song, implying a need for divine protection and guidance. The imagery of crashing the bird or jumping without a net further emphasizes the potential dangers involved in taking risks, and the need for protection and support.

Overall, Helicopter is a song about the struggle to balance independence and vulnerability, and the need for protection and support in times of risk and uncertainty.

Line by Line Meaning

I want to fly this helicopter
I want to take control of my life and direction.

would it be enough
Do I have what it takes to succeed?

me and my wings are very fragile
I am vulnerable and could easily be hurt.

is that what you want?
Am I really ready for this?

and i'm so scared that i might crash this bird
I am anxious about making mistakes.

I feel like such a little girl
I feel weak and immature.

this time there is no net to catch me when i fall
I am on my own and there is no safety net.

jesus please protect me now
I am praying for strength and guidance.

I do the thing that i don't want to
I am forced to do something I don't want to do.

I'm so very tired
I am exhausted and worn out.

my thoughts have wings and they don't obey me
My mind is scattered and doesn't listen to me.

what's it going to do
What will happen as a result of this?

I feel like such a little jerk
I feel guilty and ashamed.

this time there is no net to catch me when i jump
I am taking a risk and there is no safety net.

jesus please forgive me now
I am asking for forgiveness and mercy.

please have this burden
I am willing to give up control and trust in a higher power.

please have this burden
I am surrendering my worries and concerns.

please have this burden
I am seeking peace and relief from my struggles.

please have this burden
I am putting my faith in something bigger than myself.

Contributed by Colin H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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01Helicopter4:09

PT4M9S

Pedro the Lion

02when they really get to know you they will run (live)2:51

03I Am The One Who Always Calls3:30

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Comments from YouTube:

@Tonixe86

5y↑50

I love this version of «When they really get to know you...» so much, David's voice has gotten warmer and kinda rustier with age, it sounds so powerful.

@MiguelAngleCruz

5y↑43

David Bazan is such an underrated musician. His writing is on another level

@John_Notmylastname

1y↑1

Incredibly underrated. My favorite lyricist of all time. Pedro the Lion and his solo albums are masterpieces.

@metalheadjakob

52w

He is honestly stunningly good.

@DerekZoo

40w↑1

Stop the friggin "underrated" comments. If he is playing in Tiny Desk he is not underrated. There are tenths of artists better than Bazan who never get this opportunity

@baikhous

40w

@@DerekZoo A tenth is less than one whole, so your statement is accurate. Few are as good as Bazan in any genre.

@DownValleyTroy

36w

@@DerekZoo wut

@bassplane

5y↑112

Bazan is the best lyricist of my generation, bar none.

@rosieg9093

4y↑2

Inspired the best songwriter of my generation andy shauf!

@marcoalaridwhite1315

4y↑6

Berman

@VarynDEE33t

4y↑4

Ben Gibbard is up there

@patrickj25

4y↑4

Oberst..especially the new stuff, but I def keep coming back to yellow bike

@marieeveduchesne

3y↑3

John K. Samson and Scott Hutchison as well.

14 More Replies...

@beardwilliams

5y↑63

Holy hell. It's taken long enough to get this man behind the almighty Tiny Desk. What took you so long, Bob?

@thecomfortisnow

All songs considered

@CurtisKlope

5y↑43

I don’t know how he can sing his songs without crying... that Yellow Bike, wow. 😭

@Fadilanse

2y↑2

Dude, for real, i was playing this in the background and minding my own business when i first listened to this. After a while i was like "holy cow!" because my eyes got blurry due to tears. Magical

@CurtisKlope

@@Fadilanse thanks for replying because now I had the joy of listening to it again

@mcdizzle7656

2y↑4

So many artists rip this guy off. He's so underrated

@ExclussiveHDAccess

5y↑19

Never heard of this band before. But man I'm glad I clicked on this! Thanks NPR, you're on a roll!

@EdGeater

5y↑39

Just discovered this guy, absolutely beautiful songwriting.

@justinarmstead140

5y↑2

He's amazing. You should listen to him more.

@josher14

Dale Macarena probably bad diary days

@AmateurBlonde

3y↑11

Phoenix is a masterpiece. Being someone the EXACT same age as David, and having grown up in Phoenix, I can't get enough of his music.

@weaktearecords

1y↑2

I'm with you brother! I grew up in the same Phoenix suburbs too and can't believe how well he summed up everything off and still on about Phoenix. He nails it.

@Spiritofdarkandlonelywater

I don't know Phoenix well as a city, but spent 6 months in ABQ when I was 10. The golden light on the 7/11 revived memories long forgotten.

@ivannair2201

5y↑42

There's something so relatable to his music, its like a poetic, musical, wonderful dad joke

@miles0543

5y↑104

Great to see a bass player in the front man spot, this dude is a dope songwriter, 🐲

@morioh6505

5y↑8

Bass players are always the front man spot 😉

@adamtree2039

5y↑1

@@morioh6505 amen!

@jeffhoon9475

5y↑1

Miles Jernigan omg I’ve been watching for a while n never noticed the leads on bass haha. #attentiontodetail

@morioh6505

5y↑8

@@jeffhoon9475 I like alot guitar-bass-drums trios because the bass is so hearable (if hearable is a word), normally the real tone gets buried in instruments but in bands like this you can feel the low frequencies and the high ones from the bass, to me it sounds absolutely amazing.

@jgp6574

5y↑6

he usually plays guitar, or does keyboards n stuff. dunno why he's doing bass for this show

7 More Replies...

@ChPeRo

5y↑16

I teared up first time I heard "Yellow Bike" in this performance. Deep breath sigh. Tight belly. Love all tiny desks, thank you.

@stealingroses

absolutely

@jntaca

5y↑32

A demonstration that music doesn't need so much paraphernalia to touch our souls.

@jakewildwood

1000% -- I'm always much more impressed with doing a lot with a little. Everything about this spare setup is killer.

@rwldebruijn1979

5y↑3

Can't wait for the new album to come out. It's been a while. 'It's hard to find a friend', 'Winners never quit', 'Control' and 'Achilles Heel' were all awesome!

@jochenwagner2365

5y↑13

I know them since a Long Time, i bought a Bandshirt Long ago in the 90s, Hearing this great band is Like Meeting an old friend again, i still can feel it

@jamest517

5y↑7

Thanks NPR! Love Pedro the Lion! The album Winners Never Quit is still one of my favorite of all time, and was influential in my life. It came out when I was in college at a Christian university, and it was considered a "Christian album." Yet the album beautifully and emotionally expressed so much of what I felt was wrong with Christianity, I consider it part of my path towards atheism.

@randmiller88

5y↑2

You and me both, pal.

@amasterofbation

2y↑2

It’s always great to see Pedro getting some respect

@rd4660

5y↑22

Clean, simple, refreshing. The kind of music that makes me happy and productive.

@jeffhoon9475

W RD hmm. Couldn’t agree more there my dude.

@joebrown6339

5y↑8

This was amazing, I love the last song, beautiful melodies and not stuffed with unnecessary notes.

@1layer724

this not having as many views is both upsetting but also kind of charming. Bazan and his work are incredible, and the (relatively) few people who've seen this all get to share it. Phoenix is an incredible record by the way.

@SubeerKhubaro

5y↑6

His lyrics reminds me being in the rural area and observing nature.

@maxfennimore9964

5y↑2

So glad you covered David. I love this and his solo stuff

@iancarter2947

5y↑1

Wow, I really enjoyed this set. Thanks for providing, NPR! Best public radio group ever. I donated recently, worth every penny.

@andresdemo

5y↑1

Essa banda :')
<3

@LieLikesMusic

5y↑15

Man i'm looking forward to their new album. Discovered Bazan's solo record care when it released last year, and i'm hooked!

@alexandrelunelli7402

Make a video about him, man! It would be great!

@the-bottom-of-a-black-hole-.

That was a great album. I could only find it on soundcloud for a while I think. Heard it a buncha times. I kinda listen or hope I am listening to the stuff that gives them some royalties, not for some record company that was unkind to him or the band once upon a time and are squeezing such a Good band out of what I think is one of the noblest gifts you can give your life to. I wonder if he has any tattoos?
,dan'

@sSereth

I love PTL more than most musicians, so glad to see him finally performing on Tiny Desk! Kept Secrets gave me chills the entire song.

@slackerboy1999

5y↑1

I love Pedro the Lion! Thanks! This is awesome.

@elliottfelix6756

I was mesmerized the whole set. Been listening to them for a while but this is excellence I’ve never seen.

@Broganeye

5y↑1

Great songwriting! Love these guys. Yellow bike is a masterpiece and creates many memories of my bike. I wasn't yellow.

@JenniferLions

5y↑3

wow loved this band, and that last song was awesome !

@ThunderhawkeSMASH

5y↑1

This is a great little jam! Big fan! Been rocking out to it at work! Good stuff!

@TimBitten

2y↑1

Pedro the Lion is and will always be my favorite group.

@Rundm3p

5y↑1

Pedro The Lion, one of most influential bands , regards from Panama!!!

@John_Notmylastname

3y↑4

Bazan is the only artist to ever make me cry from his music.

@Fadilanse

5y↑10

damn, there's something in his voice that just make heart feel sore and tear jerking out of my eye. oof

@johnchristiancaldwell4403

5y↑18

Unison vocal and guitar at 2:32 really good.

@nico.m8346

5y↑1

Great voice mate!

@s.m.g.9320

5y↑53

The whole thing just hit me, it gave me an odd nostalgic feel, and sad, a happy sad, haha!, but a regular sad too!, its incredible what certain things can make you feel and what certain things can make you feel, and how, and when, and much, if that makes sense.

To whoever reads, thanks, and, have, a day. 🍻

@nikolasvalerio2217

That's why nostalgia is a decease.
Btw,first time watching them and I AM feeling It too

@nikolasvalerio2217

Good day,bro

@bobbyforce1957

🎭💯

@jeffhoon9475

Test Test nailed it...

@mosephjaxwell

Absolutely. This really brings me back to a formative part of my life. Wistful feelings for sure.

@lj4466

5y↑18

I have never started a morning by violently jumping around with a coffee in my hand but this video made that happen. Also, re: yellow bike IM NOT CRYING YOU ARE. 💕

@stealingroses

5y↑1

the whole time.

@kingcobrajfsofficial

5y↑1

I'm crying because the "I'm not crying you're crying" thing is beyond played out.

@lj4466

5y↑1

Taylor Maddox Literally I’m not crying but you actually are. Plus 10 points for a millennial “literally” 🤘🏼

@CurtisKlope

Yup, crying.

@nickslayter5835

5y↑1

Another awesome Tiny Desk artist

@revenant235

5y↑69

Dude, the yellow bike song. Whoa. That’s some great writing.

@CurtisKlope

5y↑3

revenant235 Dave is a genius.

@TheBaracudaGamer

5y↑1

If you haven't yet, listen to the album that it's off of. "Phoenix"

@mrovantes

5y↑1

Barra this is why YT is cool sometimes

@alfredovalencia3231

5y↑5

Welcome to the future everyone, this is "Pedro The Lion". They've inspired many and will continue to do so with this tiny exposure. 🖖

@sambhrantabashyal

5y↑1

I love Pedro the Lion!

@randmiller88

5y↑2

Yellow Bike hits me so hard now that I'm teaching my daughter how to ride. Just let go of her seat last week but I hope she sticks around for a while :)

@mac8179

5y↑1

Favorite artist hands down.

@TwoTonTaft

3y↑2

Man, I don't think I've heard Pedro the Lion in like almost 20 years. wow

@repsrepsreps

40w

they weren't called pedro the lion tho

@sekwar

5y↑1

This has really grown on me after a few listens.

@ButterInChicago

I ain't even watched it yet. I'm still in shock. How did I not see anything about this concert anywhere in the universe before today?!?!? My mind is blown.

@venih5155

Rough, contemplative, & smooth. Good performance! :)

@stealingroses

5y↑59

yellow bike: might be the most immediately impactful piece of songwriting i've ever heard. crying within first 30 seconds and didn't stop. i almost never want to listen again so i can always have that.

@Fadilanse

5y↑3

I felt you bro, not to your level but that heart sore just kicked me and I got lost in it immediately.
tear jerking all of a sudden

@surreptitiouswritings

5y↑3

now embark on Sun Kil Moon.

@matthewhaase5138

4y↑2

Crying??? Woah calm down

@derickmitchell9852

This sounds like my never shared music. I have a grand orchestra playing in my head that only I can comprehend.

@forbesy8568

5y↑1

Just loved it.

@barefootbusdriver

5y↑10

I love that you finally got Mr. Bazan behind the desk. LET'S SEE BROTHER ALI NEXT!!!!

@BachMaiMusic

5y↑23

Already saw this on the website but I tell you what. These jams are even better at 4am lol

@lunaashotz

5y↑22

King Crule next!!!! That guy is amazing <3

And J.Cole Tiny Desk needs to happen. His sets are getting more and more live/instumental based and its sounding better than ever.

@DominicDosdos

5y↑1

Cole World!!!!

@natelarson458

5y↑1

Just get some dreamville up here period lol

1 More Replies...

@Koshirozation

5y↑1

one of the albums im looking forward to in 2019 is pedro's!

@nateiverson8681

5y↑2

Very nice! Tiny desk concert should get the group that toured with Pedro the lion this summer: H.C. McEntire

@puffdadico6063

4y↑1

This is too much.
Yellow Bike hit me hard...I could not stop crying.

@dongonzulman6478

I just found out Ben Gibbard played bass for PTL back in 2000. Weird and cool. Glad to see little David back at it under the PTL name :D, though i am a bit late to the party

@theheartofablackbird2109

David is the truth. If you've ever met him you know what I'm talking about.
I used to listen to this song while mowing the lawn.

@mopsvonmiez

David Bazan must be a giant. The Precision Bass looks like a child's instrument on him.

@Mikeonthemic11

5y↑1

I just watched PJ Morton getting for some R&B deliciousness and this was the next suggestion.
Completely different genres but I've already added these guys to my phone. They sound so familiar but I've never heard of them. Unreal

@Helltoy5

5y↑3

There is a podcast called improv4humans. David Bazan does an acoustic set and it is amazing. He returns with Pedro the Lion and does another great show.

@rosieg9093

petition to make these hour-long sets

@John_Notmylastname

5y↑2

David Bazan will always hold a special place in my heart even though his synth albums suck. The rest of his songs are absolutely beautiful.

@randmiller88

5y↑1

"Blanco" is amazing, and one of my favorite albums of his. "Care", not so much. It's good in spots but feels like a B-sides album.

@teddyd44

4y↑1

John Notmylastname well, I have to go listen to his synth albums now 🙄😄 🍻

@bdean42

4y↑2

I respectfully disagree about Care. I liked it better than Blanco. It's worth it for the title track and "Disappearing Ink" if nothing else.

Also if you want some great guitar driven Bazan, check out his side project Lo Tom.

@taylorparnell3011

5y↑2

Seriously, can't even begin to say how awesome it is to see Jared Leto playing guitar again.

@andresavila6812

Tiny desk concerts,you guys need to get The Marías on here ASAP !

@matthieuguerrero2661

I was gonna leave but the vocals brought me back instantly

@berke2336

5y↑1

dang this makes me wish Starflyer 59 would get back together and do one of these

@Bamblagram

Berke nice icon

@joebrown6339

"Fashion Focus" was such an amazingly underheard album. I can still listen to the entire album and it doesn't feel old.

@Jammyman998

5y↑1

Beautiful.

@erincrosssss

This makes me want a Bayside tiny desk video!

@zennoodle

I came here after listening to Dave Matthews and Chance the Rapper, only to discover knew music that has a familiar feel. This is awesome!

@MRJABERable

5y↑2

YES! Love Pedro

@dewilew2137

1y↑2

I feel like I’m in high school again ☺️😍

@XosemiRuan

Hi! Nice live!
Btw, could somebody tell me which kind of microphone are they using. I'm fascinated. Thank you!✌✌

@thomasaantjes482

5y↑1

A black one

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@psycrow9999

Really dig Jesus' backing vocals

@greenplasticgun

All power to the 40 year olds!

@MedSou

5y↑1

Awesome 👍👍👍👍

@123gregery

5y↑14

Phoenix is the best album of 2019.

@jobbailon2951

I've second the motion

@ryanoclayton1988

5y↑1

Wow. That was great

@dirkiedeetjuh

5y↑3

Love the variaty in the uploads lately!

@theheartofablackbird2109

Despite everything, you can take that sting - you can make it swing.

@John_Notmylastname

5y↑2

Wait... are you telling me that Pedro the Lion is back? Please tell me they are back. I’m edging waiting for an answer.

@MaxMustermann-fs1xw

Bazan is such a handsome guy 😍

@harrymilner3004

5y↑271

Npr been going stupid hard recently

@natelarson458

5y↑5

Tbh npr always blind sides me with some emotions.

@geniosquarepants8399

5y↑3

?????

@aarondrew4861

5y↑2

I've spent the last 8 years of my life thinking that Bob Boilen was boycotting David for some reason.

@RADNESSGAL

5y↑11

I mean bazan didn’t have to boP this much but he did darn tootin

@rooftopsignals7313

He's very productive and constantly great, both in the band and other projects

@RCLIFTOFFGuy

5y↑18

First song and it instantly reminds me of Randy Newman.

@ASF324

5y↑1

David Bazan (Frontman) has played and recorded a cover of Randy's "Political Science", you should check it out!

@misees

5y↑10

The smoothest nostalgia

@brendanbloomberg3283

Guitar is sharp.

@Nerffle

Holy shit, I haven't listen to these guys since college.

@Thataussiebattler

5y↑16

npr has the best bands.

@profd65

If by NPR you mean KEXP then you're correct.

@brianmaher22

5y↑1

#pedrothelion !!!

@teddyd44

I just now found this and I am going to cry 😅😢😭

@ZackGAnderson

5y↑1

I want to marry this band

@randmiller88

5y↑1

Goddammit David, you would've had time for another song if you didn't play Kept Secrets at half-speed.

@John_Notmylastname

4y↑1

My kingdom for someone to ride with.

The lament of an only child.

@garethreeve798

Wonderful, and not one member of the band wearing a hat indoors - a first?

@Fadilanse

goddamn this is good shit

@thisisnotmyscene

5y↑38

The rhythm guitar on a bass is messing with my head

@francomatiasmarron1274

5y↑11

Title Fight - Secret Society

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