Bird of Prey
The Doors Lyrics

The Doors' song "Bird of Prey" is a hauntingly beautiful piece that speaks to the fragility of life and our fascination with death. The repeated lines of "Bird of prey, flying high" are a reminder of how easily life can be snuffed out, like the flight of a bird that passes by so gracefully. The singer's plea to be taken on the bird's flight seems to be an acknowledgement of the inevitability of death and a desire to transcend it.

The song's use of the bird of prey as a metaphor for death is a common motif in literature and mythology. In many cultures, the eagle or hawk is seen as a messenger between the worlds of the living and dead. The Doors' lyrics capture this duality, as the bird of prey is both deadly and beautiful, both fearful and alluring. The repetition of the line "am I going to die?" underscores this tension, as the singer confronts the reality of mortality.

Overall, "Bird of Prey" is a powerful reflection on the human condition and our relationship with death. The spare, repetitive lyrics and hypnotic melody evoke a sense of both dread and wonder, capturing the paradoxical nature of our existence.