The Frames have been together since 1990 and are a survivor of Dublin's prolific early 90's rock and roll scene. They have also been essential in the development of the current crop of emerging Irish rock bands, such as Turn. The Frames have toured with various other Irish artists, including Damien Rice and Bell X1. In December 2004, Hansard appeared on stage in a collaboration with singer songwriter Paddy Casey.
The name The Frames reportedly arose from Hansard's habit, at a young age, of fixing the bicycles of many of his friends. The large number of bicycle frames lying around his house led neighbours to dub it the "house with the frames".
Their new, 6th studio album, The Cost, is available in Ireland since 22 September 2006 and worldwide since 20 February 2007.
Lead singer Hansard recently collaborated with Czech musician Markéta Irglová, which led to the solo album "The Swell Season". Glen and Markéta also star and perform in the John Carney movie Once (www.oncethemovie.com). The movie received several awards including the World Cinema Audience Award - Dramatic at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival as well as an Oscar for best Song for the track "Falling Slowly".
On several occasions the members of The frames appear on stage during the Swell season gigs.
www.theframes.ie
Early Bird
The Frames Lyrics
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And he lives to fly another day
He only serves to point the way
That you should or should not return
Two simple birds that never stray
When the lights go out on us
Just before when we we're found
Will not touch it, will rejoice it
The early bird he knows his place
And he'll stay all day there if he has to
He never hides or runs away
When the voices crowd on his
Cry so loud that you will die
Will not rush it, will enjoy it
Will not touch it, will rejoice it
Where did this come from
How long has this been going on
Where is it from
I feel my wheels are turning
I see the sky falling on every face
Telling us now that we ought to stay
I feel my wheels are turning
I see the open road before us stretch
Leading us somewhere past the hour
The Frames' song "Early Bird" is a profound meditation on the nature of mortality, the importance of living purposefully, and the pursuit of authentic experience in the face of life's uncertainties. The "early bird" is a metaphor for a person who lives in the present moment, seizing opportunities as they arise and refusing to be bound by fear or regret. The lyrics suggest that by embracing a carefree and optimistic outlook, we too can learn to navigate life's complexities with grace and courage.
The first verse sets the stage for this message by describing the early bird as a creature that lives purely in the moment, flying away without hesitation and pointing the way for others to do the same. The two "simple birds" mentioned in the lyrics represent people who also know their place in the world and are content to stay there, unafraid of the dark and the uncertain future that it represents. The chorus echoes this theme by urging listeners to savor every moment of life without rushing or grasping, and to find joy in the present moment.
The second verse builds on this message by emphasizing the importance of facing challenges head-on and refusing to run away when things get difficult. The early bird is a symbol of courage and resilience, a creature that never hides from adversity and is always ready for whatever life throws its way. The final lines of the song offer a powerful call to action, urging listeners to find their own path in life and to embrace the journey, no matter what challenges or obstacles lie ahead.
Overall, "Early Bird" is a deeply inspiring and uplifting song that encourages us to live our lives with courage, resilience, and a fierce determination to make the most of every moment.
Line by Line Meaning
The early bird he slips away
Sometimes it's better to leave early and avoid trouble.
And he lives to fly another day
By avoiding danger, you increase your chances of survival for another day.
He only serves to point the way
The early bird acts as an example for others to follow.
That you should or should not return
Following or avoiding the path of the early bird is a choice you have to make.
Two simple birds that never stray
Simplicity is key to consistency and success.
When the lights go out on us
When everything seems hopeless and dark,
Just before when we we're found
Right before our breakthrough, when we were still struggling.
Will not rush it, will enjoy it
Taking your time to appreciate each moment can make a big difference.
Will not touch it, will rejoice it
Sometimes it's better to let things be and just enjoy what you have.
The early bird he knows his place
Being self-aware and knowing your limits is important.
And he'll stay all day there if he has to
Having patience and endurance can also lead to success.
He never hides or runs away
Facing challenges head-on is better than avoiding them.
When the voices crowd on his
When faced with criticism and negativity,
Cry so loud that you will die
You have to stay strong and not let the negativity get to you.
Where did this come from
Questioning the source or origin of something.
How long has this been going on
Questioning the duration or extent of something.
Where is it from
Questioning the origin or location of something.
I feel my wheels are turning
I'm making progress and moving forward.
I see the sky falling on every face
The world is full of chaos and negativity.
Telling us now that we ought to stay
Despite the chaos, we should still persevere and stay strong.
I see the open road before us stretch
Possibilities and opportunities are available to us.
Leading us somewhere past the hour
These opportunities can lead us to a better future beyond our current circumstances.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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