In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Ever since you moved out
I've been living in the park
I'd rather talk to the wind
Than an empty apartment
And I wish I could forget
How a billion birds flew in
My hollow, dying heart
The first time I touched your arm
Once there were a billion passenger pigeons
So many flew by they darkened the sky
But they were clubbed and shot, netted, gassed and burned
Until there was nothing left but vines of empty nests
I can't believe how easily
A billion birds can disappear
The park is empty now
It's so cold out
And all the paddle boats
Are covered up with snow
Once again it's dark
The electric lights snap on
But I'm still sitting here
Drinking frozen beer
And throwing potato chips
Into the white snowdrifts
Just in case a bird decides
To fly through hinter night
I can't believe how easily
A billion birds can disappear
Oh, I can't believe how easily
A billion birds can disappear
I've been living in the park
I'd rather talk to the wind
Than an empty apartment
And I wish I could forget
How a billion birds flew in
My hollow, dying heart
The first time I touched your arm
Once there were a billion passenger pigeons
So many flew by they darkened the sky
But they were clubbed and shot, netted, gassed and burned
Until there was nothing left but vines of empty nests
I can't believe how easily
A billion birds can disappear
The park is empty now
It's so cold out
And all the paddle boats
Are covered up with snow
Once again it's dark
The electric lights snap on
But I'm still sitting here
Drinking frozen beer
And throwing potato chips
Into the white snowdrifts
Just in case a bird decides
To fly through hinter night
I can't believe how easily
A billion birds can disappear
Oh, I can't believe how easily
A billion birds can disappear
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.