The Crow, The Owl And The Dove

Nightwish's song 'The Crow, The Owl And The Dove' delves into the quest for deeper, more meaningful aspects of life beyond the superficial offerings of love, faith, wisdom, and pride. The lyrics express a yearning for innocence and truth, suggesting that these qualities hold more value than the conventional virtues often sought after. The repetition of the lines 'Don't give me love, don't give me faith, wisdom nor pride, give innocence instead' and 'Give me truth instead' underscores this desire for purity and authenticity.

The song uses the imagery of various birds to symbolize different attributes and life lessons. The crow represents pride, a creature that keeps its distance and embodies a sense of self-importance. The owl, often associated with wisdom, pierces through the narrator's youth, imparting knowledge but ultimately offering nothing the narrator needs. The dove, a symbol of peace and love, rests calmly on the narrator's arm, yet its love is not what the narrator seeks. Finally, the swan, a symbol of beauty and grace, is admired but again, its offerings are not what the narrator desires.

Through these encounters, the narrator realizes that the external attributes these birds represent—pride, wisdom, love, and beauty—are not fulfilling. Instead, the narrator seeks something more profound and intrinsic: innocence and truth. This quest reflects a deeper philosophical and existential search for meaning, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from within and is not dependent on external validations or attributes. The song's melancholic tone and reflective lyrics invite listeners to ponder their own values and what they truly seek in life.