The group's origins lie in the late 1980's pairing of McCombs and Herndon, who imagined themselves as a freelance rhythm section (like reggae legends Sly and Robbie). That idea never saw fruition but in the summer of 2007 they formed the group Bumps and released a record with the same name on indie hip-hop label Stones Throw records, their interest in grooving rhythms and recording studio trickery led to McEntire and Brown (both formerly of Bastro) joining, followed by Bitney. Though songs are credited to all the musicans, McEntire quickly became, if not the acknowledged leader, then the group's guiding force, at least via media perception. In reality his extra contributions mainly took the form of being the recording engineer and mixer.
Their first single was issued in 1993, and their self-titled debut album followed a year later. Instrumental and mostly mid-tempo, Tortoise slowly garnered praise and attention, due in part to the unusual instrumentation (two bass guitars, three percussionists switching between drums, vibraphones and marimbas). A remix album followed, Rhythms, Resolutions and Clusters.
Brown left and was replaced by Pajo (formerly of Slint, who plays mostly bass, but offers Tortoise's first recorded guitar, as well) for 1996's Millions Now Living Will Never Die, a breakthrough, both in quality and attention. The album blended many genres, yet never seems like a pastiche. Millions showed up on many year-end best of lists, and the 20 minute Djed was described by critic John Bush as proof that "Tortoise made experimental rock do double duty as evocative, beautiful music."
In 1998, Tortoise released TNT, arguably their most jazz-inflected album. Pajo had been replaced by Parker, who has a strong jazz background. 2001 led to Standards, where Tortoise incorporated more electronic sounds and post-production into its music than in previous works. 2004 saw the release of It's All Around You, and in 2006 they collaborated with Bonnie 'Prince' Billy on an album of covers titled The Brave and the Bold.
Other groups related to Tortoise include The Sea and Cake, Brokeback, Shrimp Boat, Isotope 217 and the Chicago Underground Duo. Tortoise records on the Thrill Jockey label.
Website links:
Band Website: http://www.trts.com/
Band myspace: http://www.myspace.com/trts
Blackbird
Tortoise Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
Black bird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.
Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise,
You were only waiting for this moment to arise,
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
The lyrics of Tortoise's "Blackbird" utilize the metaphor of a blackbird singing in the dead of night to convey a message of overcoming obstacles and achieving personal freedom. The first stanza encourages the listener to take their broken wings and learn to fly, indicating that they have experienced feelings of brokenness or limitation in the past. The second stanza suggests that the listener has previously had sunken eyes, implying a lack of vision or perspective. However, the lyrics emphasize that the listener has been waiting for this moment to arise, indicating that they are ready to embrace their potential for personal growth and transformation. The chorus of "Blackbird fly, blackbird fly into the light of the dark black night" reinforces this message, suggesting that the listener can find liberation by confronting their fears and entering into uncharted territory.
The repetition of the lyrics "take these broken wings and learn to fly" reinforces the message of personal empowerment, encouraging the listener to embrace their full potential even if they have experienced struggles in the past. The reference to the "dark black night" in the chorus suggests that the journey towards personal liberation may be a difficult one, but emphasizing the importance of facing one's fears to break free. Thus, the song inspires listeners to take action towards their goals and suggests that they can achieve their dreams by embracing their inner strength and resilience.
Line by Line Meaning
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
The blackbird is singing during the darkest hour of the night.
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
The singer is asking the blackbird, who has broken wings, to learn to fly and rise above its struggles.
All your life
Throughout the blackbird's entire existence
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
The blackbird has been waiting for this moment to overcome its adversities and emerge stronger.
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
The singer is encouraging the blackbird to open its eyes to the world and the possibilities around it.
You were only waiting for this moment to be free
The blackbird has been waiting for this time to be free from its burdens and constraints.
Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
The command for the bird to fly as a symbol of freedom and triumph over adversity.
Into the light of the dark black night.
To take flight and face the darkness with a newfound sense of freedom and courage.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: SYLVESTER ALLEN, HAROLD RAY I. BROWN, MORRIS DEWAYNE DICKERSON, LE ROY L. JORDAN, CHARLES MILLER, LEE OSKAR, HOWARD E. SCOTT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind