The band's initial line up was as below, although there would be line up changes for the band by the time they came to work on their 3rd album, the first two members listed were a constant throughout the life time of the band.
* Steve Gould (vocals/saxophone/bass)
* Dave Kaffinetti (keyboards)
* Graham Field (organ)
* Mark Ashton (drums)
The band split up in the mid 1970s.
Her Darkest Hour
Rare Bird Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She knows you're there but only by the sounds you make
And through her lonely day
Nobody ever turns a smile away
Maybe it's time for her to lead and you to follow
What she sees she hears and what she knows is borrowed
Try to carry on, her darkest hour is when you're gone
And sunset is not hers
Wind in her hair and just her hand alone to hold
She says she does not care
The cut is deep and only you keep out the cold
How can you walk out now and give her no tomorrow
Help is ours to give and love can drive out sorrow
Try to carry on, her darkest hour is when you're gone
The lyrics to Rare Bird's song Her Darkest Hour depict a woman who is in a dark place, physically and emotionally. The person she loves is there with her, but their presence only detected by the sounds they make, indicating a disconnected relationship. The woman seems to be in a state of isolation, where loneliness is her only companion. Although surrounded by people, no one ever shows her any kindness or affection, adding to her crushing despair.
The song encourages the people who love her to step up and be there for her. Rather than leave her to wallow in her darkest hour all by herself, they should support her and lift her up. The line "Maybe it's time for her to lead and you to follow" is the singer's rallying cry to everyone who knows her. They must take action; they must be there for her when she needs them the most. Only by offering hope and love, can they help her overcome the deep cut of pain she is experiencing.
In conclusion, the lyrics of Her Darkest Hour are a call to action to those around the woman who is suffering. The song is a plea to be present and active in uplifting those facing their darkest hour because support, love, and kindness can drive out sorrow.
Line by Line Meaning
You sit in her dark room
You are present with her in her dark and lonely room
She knows you're there but only by the sounds you make
She is aware of your presence, but only through your audible actions
And through her lonely day
She remains lonely throughout the day
Nobody ever turns a smile away
Her sadness is not enough to deter people from smiling and being happy
Maybe it's time for her to lead and you to follow
Perhaps it's time for her to take charge and for you to support her decisions
What she sees she hears and what she knows is borrowed
Her perceptions and knowledge are influenced by external factors
Try to carry on, her darkest hour is when you're gone
She needs to keep going, despite feeling her lowest when you're not around
And sunset is not hers
She doesn't feel ownership over the beauty of the sunset
Wind in her hair and just her hand alone to hold
She experiences the world alone, with only her own hand for comfort
She says she does not care
She expresses a lack of concern or interest
The cut is deep and only you keep out the cold
Her emotional pain is severe and only your love can provide her with comfort
How can you walk out now and give her no tomorrow
Leaving her now would be unfair and deprive her of a future with you
Help is ours to give and love can drive out sorrow
We are capable of providing support and love to help her overcome her sadness
Try to carry on, her darkest hour is when you're gone
She needs to keep going, despite feeling her lowest when you're not around
Contributed by Jacob E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@rebeccalc217
My sister had this album when I was just a kid, but I still remember these songs. This is a band that should have had more success. Weird how these songs have stayed with me and I am almost 60 years old now.
@paulblakey4589
Sheer beauty, wonderful-I'm transported already.
@paulblakey4589
Beautiful song, great album
@17rhsmoses
funny thing is that they don't sound dated.......this band would sell music today......only people never heard of them......what a shame.......most underrated band of all time..
@davidryle
This Rare Bird album was my favorite of all their work. Subtle and mysterious.
@tomreynolds9078
WHAT A GREAT ALBUM!!
@cdag02
After all of these years, they still sound great for all of us "loyal listeners!"
@dyhanendra
rare bird deserved a LOT more acclaim than they ever recv'd. immensely talented, brilliant musicians...
@cdag02
Back in the 70's head music era, a friend who worked at Record Rama in Pgh (they now have the world's largest archives) brought home Rare Bird "As your mind flies by" and it blew us all away...at the time it was an import. From then on I've been a fan... Peace of Mind, Hard Times. Her Darkest Hour, Redman, What I want to know, good stuff. Most people don't even know who they are...too bad
@johnvinga5446
Rare Bird was extremely popular in Pittsburgh and St. Louis back in the 1970s.