Drawing inspiration from their roots in classic rock and indie pop, Public released their first EP titled "Red" in 2012, quickly establishing a strong local fanbase in Cincinnati. Their energetic performances and infectious sound caught the attention of renowned acts like Walk the Moon, Twenty One Pilots, and Young the Giant, leading to opportunities for the band to support these artists on tour. Public also made appearances at notable festivals including Forecastle, Bunbury, CMJ, and SXSW, exposing them to diverse crowds and expanding their reach.
Following their second EP release, "Let's Make It," and a national tour supporting Walk the Moon, Public ventured to Los Angeles, California, to collaborate with producer Eric Palmquist (known for his work with Mars Volta and Bad Suns). Immersed in a new creative environment and drawing from their experiences on the road, the band embraced alternative and pop influences, resulting in the creation of their 2015 single, "Heartbeating." The release coincided with their national tour alongside Oh Honey and received favorable recognition from respected blogs such as Kings of A&R and Good Music All Day, which praised Public's harmonies and captivating indie style.
In 2019, Public experienced a breakthrough with their single "Make You Mine." Originally self-released in 2015, the song gained significant traction after going viral on TikTok, accumulating over 2.5 million TikTok videos featuring the track. The band's success on the platform and their partnership with Jonas Group Entertainment, headed by Kevin Jonas Sr., caught the attention of major record labels. In July 2019, Public signed with Island Records.
Following their signing, Public released a new version of "Make You Mine" that was mixed by Grammy Award winners Chris Lord-Alge and mastered by Emily Lazar. The track became a sensation on TikTok, reaching the number four spot on the trending charts and accumulating over 7 million streams per week. To date, "Make You Mine" has garnered over 260 million streams. On May 8, the group released their new single "Honey in the Summer," a breezy laid-back love song co-written and produced by John Fields.
Birdie
Public Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I feel a little bit older...
and maybe you could feel a little older too -
a little older too.
We walk through a foggy courtyard.
And you fly, baby don't go too far.
And I wish that I could have flown away too.
So I could be with you
When we're together you're my baby. Don't fly away.
You girl; you look so good you send me the chills
down my spine.
How is your mind?
I lost mine when you turned
and showed me the sun in your eyes.
The sun in your eyes
When we're together you're my baby. Don't fly away.
When we're together you're my baby.
Don't fly away now, now, now, now
Don't fly away now...
Dont' fly away now...
Don't fly away now
I said, Oh oh ohoh oh oh oh...
Oh oh ohoh oh oh oh...
Oh oh ohoh oh oh oh...
Oh oh ohoh oh oh oh...
When we're together, you're my baby
Don't fly away now
When we're together, you're my baby now
Don't fly away now, now, now
This is a beautiful song about the bond between the two protagonists. The lyrics describe the singer’s interconnection with “birdie,” the bird that has landed on his shoulder. The bird is a symbol of something pure and innocent, something that is light and free. The singer says that he feels a little bit older with the bird on his shoulder which means that he feels wiser and happier. He then asks whether the bird could also feel a little older too, in other words, whether the bird can feel safe and happy with him. The second verse describes a scene where the singer and birdie walk through a foggy courtyard. The birdie flies away in the sky and the singer wishes that he too could have flown away with the birdie. The final verse repeats that when they are together, the bird is his baby and he implores the birdie not to fly away.
The song is a beautiful metaphorical representation of the difficulties and challenges that one faces in life. The birdie and the singer represent two different things. The birdie is a symbol of freedom, happiness, and a desire to fly away. The singer, on the other hand, represents life and its challenges. The singer is asking the birdie not to fly away because he knows that he needs that feeling of freedom and joy to help him face life's challenges. The song is a reminder that no matter how difficult life gets, there is always something that can bring joy and happiness. The chorus is catchy and shows how the birdie's presence brings the singer peace and happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
You are... birdie on my shoulder.
You are a constant companion who uplifts me, like a bird perched on my shoulder.
I feel a little bit older...
Your presence makes me reflect on the passage of time, and how I've grown and changed.
and maybe you could feel a little older too -
Perhaps being with me also makes you feel more mature and introspective.
a little older too.
Just like me, you may feel a slight sense of aging and nostalgia.
We walk through a foggy courtyard.
We navigate through an unclear, hazy environment.
And you fly, baby don't go too far.
You explore and express yourself, but I hope you don't stray too far from me.
And I wish that I could have flown away too.
I envy your freedom and wish I could join you in your adventure.
So I could be with you
I yearn to experience new things with you and have a deeper connection.
You girl; you look so good you send me the chills down my spine.
You're so attractive that you give me goosebumps and make me shiver with desire.
How is your mind?
I'm curious about your thoughts, feelings, and inner world.
I lost mine when you turned and showed me the sun in your eyes.
You captivate me so much that I become forgetful and mesmerized by the beauty of your eyes.
When we're together you're my baby. Don't fly away.
When we're in each other's presence, you're my beloved partner and I don't want you to leave me.
Don't fly away now, now, now, now
I'm worried that you might leave me soon and I don't want to lose you.
I said, Oh oh ohoh oh oh oh...
I express my emotions through vocalizations that convey my deep feelings.
When we're together, you're my baby
When we're spending time together, you're like a precious child to me and I cherish you.
Don't fly away now
I plead with you to stay by my side and not go away.
Contributed by Gianna V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Why? Because
Been almost 1 year since covid and yall have been the only thing getting me through it
Veronica Esquivel
So happy I just found this band ❤️
Olivia Moore
So excited to go to your concert this Tuesday!
Abzalon Rangel
How was the concert?
graceislemonade
how was the concert
Kaitlyn Fryman
I still love listening to their EP 💖 all four songs are phenomenal but this one will always be my favorite 🙌🏻 I just put the CD in my car, roll the windows down and let all the serotonin in ✨
Kaitlyn Fryman
@Games and more Shorts no serotonin. Their songs from their older EP make me happy, not energized
Games and more Shorts
Adrenaline?
Darius Zupan
That solo at the end gets me every time
reilly mcdonald
Please come back for another show in Cincinnati, you guys were awesome