Born of the 2010's folk boom and now comfortably stationed in their rock an… Read Full Bio ↴Born of the 2010's folk boom and now comfortably stationed in their rock and roll era, The Crane Wives epitomize the evolving sound of the indie genre. Having performed hundreds of shows on stages across the country, they gravitate toward high-energy melodies, featuring the kinetic percussion of Dan Rickabus, the silky, driving bass lines of Ben Zito and playful guitar leads from front women Emilee Petersmark and Kate Pillsbury. Counterbalancing their lively stage presence, their lyrics extol the shadow side of the human condition, delving into mythology and themes of darkness and inner conflict. The band softens the blows of their emotional candor with soulful three-part vocal harmonies, like a 21st century Cerberus, the hound of Hades reimagined as an emotional support animal. To date, they have released five full length albums, including their 2020 live album, "Here I Am".

Icarus
The Crane Wives Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Climb ye higher and higher and higher
'Til you're far away and breathing cleaner air
Oh my brother, my brother, my brother
Who have you become in the wake of all that's happened here?

They're burning down the orchard to the soil
To the soil, to the grave
Spreading out the ashes of a love

That only gave and gave

Climb ye higher, and higher, and higher
There's no room for all the hearts who will not stay
Oh my brother, my brother, my brother
The horses are running, the horses are running away

Our hands are pulling everything apart
Fall apart, falling back
Tell yourself there's no more need to lie
We don't have time for that

It's okay, it's okay
My love will fall with grace

Climb ye higher, and higher, and higher
Leave our footprints to be lost along the ground
Oh my brother, my brother, my brother
There is nothing left to bring me back down

Spreading out our ashes in the sun
In the sun, in the sun

Spreading out our ashes in the sun
In the sun, in the sun

Overall Meaning

The Crane Wives's song Icarus is a poignant track that carries a message about seeking higher ground, despite challenges and adversities in life. The first stanza of the song establishes a powerful metaphor that suggests climbing higher as a means of escaping turmoil and finding clarity. The lyrics address the singer's brother, and the reference to breathing cleaner air implies that reaching higher ground may offer respite from the troubles of the world. However, there is a sense of questioning in the singer's tone, as they ask, "Who have you become in the wake of all that's happened here?" Perhaps the singer is asking their brother to re-evaluate their values and beliefs in the face of obstacles.

The second stanza begins with a disheartening image of an orchard being burned to the ground. The ashes are being spread out in the grave, which suggests the end of something significant. The lyrics hint at a love that "only gave and gave," which could be interpreted in different ways. It could be a reference to a failed relationship or a sacrifice that was ultimately futile. The next lines once again urge the listener to climb higher. This time, however, the singer acknowledges that not everyone can or will make the journey. The horses running away could be seen as a symbol of those who choose not to climb higher and instead flee their problems.

The final stanza brings the song to a poignant end. The singer refers to "our" ashes being spread out in the sun, which suggests a sense of shared loss or mourning. The repetition of "in the sun" adds a note of finality and closure to the song. The singer reassures their loved one that "my love will fall with grace," which implies a sense of acceptance and resignation to the inevitability of loss.

Overall, the song urges the listener to find higher ground, both literally and metaphorically, in the face of adversity. The lyrics convey a sense of struggle and loss, but also offer a glimmer of hope that through climbing higher, one may find a sense of peace and clarity.

Line by Line Meaning

Climb ye higher and higher and higher
Keep climbing higher despite the challenges

'Til you're far away and breathing cleaner air
Continuously climb until you're free from negativity

Oh my brother, my brother, my brother
Expressing concern for a loved one

Who have you become in the wake of all that's happened here?
Questioning how someone has changed because of past events

They're burning down the orchard to the soil
Destroying something completely

To the soil, to the grave
Completely demolishing something until it's gone forever

Spreading out the ashes of a love
Letting go of a past relationship

That only gave and gave
That never received in return

There's no room for all the hearts who will not stay
No space for those who can't commit

The horses are running, the horses are running away
People are leaving, and there's nothing to be done to stop them

Our hands are pulling everything apart
We are breaking things apart