It seems like sufjan is simultaneously speaking from the perspective of an animal (the owl, perhaps) and a boy who found the animal (probably injured). Ultimately, the boy abuses the animal (Wrapped in a blanket of red, the owl and the tanager sat, the owl and the tanager said
one waits until the hour is death.). I think this song explores the notion of abuse in an eerie and beautiful way.
It seems like sufjan is simultaneously speaking from the perspective of an animal (the owl, perhaps) and a boy who found the animal (probably injured). Ultimately, the boy abuses the animal (Wrapped in a blanket of red, the owl and the tanager sat, the owl and the tanager said one waits until the hour is death.). I think this song explores the notion of abuse in an eerie and beautiful way.