Bird Of Sorrow

Glen Hansard's 'Bird Of Sorrow' is a poignant exploration of despair, hope, and the enduring power of love. The song opens with a sense of weariness, capturing the feeling of days dragging on and the slow erosion of hope. Hansard's lyrics speak to the universal experience of feeling like giving up, yet he offers a glimmer of hope by reminding the listener that love will find them again. This message is both comforting and a call to readiness, urging the listener to be prepared for when love reenters their life.

The imagery of kneeling in the dark and waiting for a spark that hasn't come is particularly evocative. It suggests a period of prolonged suffering and anticipation, a time when one feels lost and disconnected. Hansard's plea to 'get off the floor' is a powerful metaphor for rising above despair and being open to the possibility of love and goodness returning. The repeated assurance that 'a good heart will find you' reinforces the idea that despite the darkness, there is always a chance for renewal and connection.

The chorus, with its vivid imagery of being 'tethered to a bird of sorrow' and 'a voice that's buried in the hollow,' delves deeper into the theme of self-deception and the struggle to break free from a cycle of despair. The lines about squandering more than one could borrow and betting joys on all tomorrows highlight the futility of living in constant hope for a better future while neglecting the present. Hansard's call to action, 'we gotta get out of this mess we made,' is a rallying cry for taking control of one's life and not leaving things to chance. The song concludes with a powerful declaration of faith and resilience, emphasizing the importance of hanging on and believing in the possibility of a better future.

'Bird Of Sorrow' is a deeply emotional and introspective song that resonates with anyone who has experienced hardship and is searching for hope. Hansard's raw and heartfelt delivery, combined with the evocative lyrics, makes this song a moving testament to the human spirit's capacity for endurance and renewal.