Beautiful Scarlet
Rare Bird Lyrics


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I'm on my way
To steal the day
Turning to gold
Warm from the cold

The devil is near
I cannot hear
Your world is cold
Turning to gold

The angel's here
To cast out fear
Glitter of hope
Sever the rope

The devil is near
I cannot hear
Your world is cold
Turning to gold

Beautiful scarlet, someone's really gonna hurt you
The birds are all singing, but noone's gonna sing for you
Time was when, smiling faces all around you
Beautiful scarlet, get your feet on the ground

Beautiful scarlet, there is a tear in your eye
The winter went slowly, but summer's gonna pass you by
I used to be happy, just following you around
Beautiful scarlet, get your feet on the ground

I'm on my way
To steal the day
Turning to gold
Warm from the cold

The devil is near
I cannot hear




Your world is cold
Turning to cold

Overall Meaning

The song "Beautiful Scarlet" by Rare Bird is a complex composition that evokes a deep sense of yearning in the listener. The first stanza describes the singer's determination to take control of the day and transform its bleakness into warmth and radiance. At the same time, the presence of the devil looms in the background, creating a sense of unease and darkness. The second stanza brings in the image of an angel who brings hope and lightness to the situation. The devil still persists, thwarting the singer's attempts to hear the angelic message. However, the final stanza repeats the determination to overcome the bleakness of the world and bring warmth and radiance to it.


The chorus of the song, "Beautiful Scarlet," is a poignant and melancholic reflection on the singer's past. The phrase "someone's really gonna hurt you" suggests that the singer has had a tumultuous life, with people taking advantage of their beauty and vulnerability. The stanza "The birds are all singing, but no one's gonna sing for you" paints a picture of loneliness and isolation, where the singer's beauty is admired from afar but nobody is there to provide emotional support. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the singer determined to "get [their] feet on the ground" and overcome the bleakness of their world.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm on my way
I am determined to reach my goals and make progress in life


To steal the day
To maximize the day and achieve great things


Turning to gold
Making the most of opportunities and turning them into successful outcomes


Warm from the cold
Feeling stronger and more resilient after overcoming tough times


The devil is near
Negative thoughts, temptations, or influences are trying to get in the way of progress


I cannot hear
Being able to tune out negativity and focus on what's important


Your world is cold
The outside world may be harsh, unforgiving, or uncaring


Turning to gold
However, with determination and effort, one can turn challenges into triumphs


The angel's here
Positive influences or support are present to help overcome obstacles


To cast out fear
To overcome anxiety or uncertainties that may otherwise hold one back


Glitter of hope
Feeling optimistic or encouraged, even when things are uncertain


Sever the rope
To break free from negative patterns or influences that may be holding one back


Beautiful scarlet, someone's really gonna hurt you
Despite one's beauty or positive qualities, there may be those who will take advantage or inflict pain


The birds are all singing, but noone's gonna sing for you
Despite the beauty or joy around, one must learn to rely on oneself for inner peace or strength


Time was when, smiling faces all around you
There were times when everything seemed easier or more carefree


Beautiful scarlet, get your feet on the ground
Despite challenges, one must find grounding and stability in order to move forward


Beautiful scarlet, there is a tear in your eye
Despite strength and beauty, one may still feel vulnerable or emotional


The winter went slowly, but summer's gonna pass you by
Despite past challenges or slow progress, time is still moving forward and opportunities may not wait forever


I used to be happy, just following you around
There may have been times when one relied on others for happiness or direction, but now must find one's own way


Beautiful scarlet, get your feet on the ground
Despite challenges, one must find grounding and stability in order to move forward


I'm on my way
I am determined to reach my goals and make progress in life


To steal the day
To maximize the day and achieve great things


Turning to gold
Making the most of opportunities and turning them into successful outcomes


Warm from the cold
Feeling stronger and more resilient after overcoming tough times


The devil is near
Negative thoughts, temptations, or influences are trying to get in the way of progress


I cannot hear
Being able to tune out negativity and focus on what's important


Your world is cold
The outside world may be harsh, unforgiving, or uncaring


Turning to cold
However, with determination and effort, one can turn challenges into triumphs




Contributed by Cole G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@jahilineortizsuarez4981

"I'm on my way
To steal the day
Turning to gold
Warm from the cold

The devil is near
I cannot hear
Your world is cold
Turning to gold

The angel's here
To cast out fear
Glitter of hope
Sever the rope

The devil is near
I cannot hear
Your world is cold
Turning to gold

Beautiful scarlet, someone's really gonna hurt you
The birds are all singing, but noone's gonna sing for you
Time was when, smiling faces all around
Beautiful scarlet, get your feet on the ground

Beautiful scarlet, there is a tear in your eye
The winter went slowly, but summer's gonna pass you by
I used to be happy, just following you around
Beautiful scarlet, get your feet on the ground

I'm on my way
To steal the day
Turning to gold
Warm from the cold

The devil is near
I cannot hear
Your world is cold
Turning to gold"



All comments from YouTube:

@gwangi64

Great clip. German TV once again putting the BBC to shame in keeping such historic performances in their archives.

@JohnMacDonut

I don't even speak about France... Shit on radio and TV since the 70

@bobgreen8142

Not only did the European broadcasters hold on to a lot of great recordings from this era, they also (unlike the BBC) allowed the bands to play live rather than miming or singing live over a prerecorded backing track.

@rikstewart7544

Criminally underrated band. Found a 2nd hand copy of their first album way back in 1981 and have loved it since. Never seen this clip before. So awesome.

@tarquin330

Steve and Dave, and a girl called Spook, lived in the basement flat at 38 Elm Park Road, Chelsea, when I was sharing the top floor flat.
Nice guys, and very talented. 'As your mind flies by' remains one of my favourite driving albums.

@doristhomson3082

Here it is 2021, and this is the FIRST time I have ever heard this group!!!! Can't believe it, They are so GOOD!!!! I was just out of high school when this first came out, WOW!!!!!!

@lemming9984

Highly recommend their first two albums - Rare Bird and As Your Mind Flies By.

@francescotrevisan4453

this song opens up memories of my dad driving his alfa romeo GT in the autostrada at 200kmh with 3 little kids in the back seat and the Rare Bird cassette playing! Still have the same tape some 48 years later

@pinin21

Bellissimo!!! <3

@jorgegonzalez-larramendi5491

and it plays... i have some..

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