Flightless Bird American Mouth
iron and wine Lyrics

The lyrics to Iron & Wine's song "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" appear to be about a deep longing and search for someone, possibly a lover. The opening lines suggest a sense of youthful recklessness, diving "too deep for coins," and being amused by "plastic toys." However, this sense of lightness fades, as the singer reflects on a time when "the cops closed the fair," perhaps symbolizing the end of a carefree time in their life. The following lines, "I cut my long baby hair / Stole me a dog eared map / And called for you everywhere," suggest that the singer feels lost and is searching for something or someone familiar.

The chorus, which asks repeatedly "Have I found you?" and "Or lost you?" suggests a deep uncertainty and desperation. The image of the flightless bird, which cannot escape from the ground and the American mouth with a looming big bill, possibly representing debt, further symbolizes the struggles and limitations that the singer feels.

The final verse moves away from the earlier memories of youth, and instead evokes a sense of boredom and frustration. The image of the "fat house cat / cursing my sore blunt tongue," seems to suggest a sense of dissatisfaction with the singer's current circumstances. The line "pissing on magazine photos" suggests a sense of rebellion or rejection of societal values, while the reference to "Blood of Christ mountain stream" brings in a spiritual element.

Overall, the lyrics of "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" convey a sense of searching, desperation, and longing for something more, whether it be love or a deeper sense of purpose. The images and symbols used throughout the song evoke a mix of nostalgia, frustration, and confusion.