Lyric discussion by 1Cancer 

Cover art for Blackbird lyrics by Beatles, The

I always heard this song was about the plight of African Americans and the yearn to break free and have equal rights.

I've heard that also

Not Valid

Yeah, I've heard it too, but I've also heard that that is an interpretation from those listening to the song, not from Paul himself. I don't know if Paul has ever commented on whether that interp is valid or not.

Not Valid

this thought just occurred to me and I had to check the internet to see if I was right!!! It definitely has the imagery and metaphors down pat--a beautiful representation of the Civil Rights Movement! (this is from wikipedia: "McCartney was inspired to write it while in Scotland as a reaction to racial tensions escalating in the United States in the spring of 1968" --1968 being one of the most eventful years in US history, and the year MLKjr was assassinated!)