Flightless Bird
Roar
The Struggle of a Flightless Bird: A Journey Through Inner Turmoil
The song 'Flightless Bird' by Roar explores the internal conflicts of the lyrical self and opens up space for various interpretations. With the initial metaphor of a 'flightless bird with wings,' the lyrics suggest a sense of powerlessness and frustration of the lyrical self, who feels incapable of doing even the most basic things for their own survival. The reference to the humor of a bitter God losing novelty indicates a cynical and disillusioned view of life, where difficulties and traumas seem like a cruel joke of fate.
The lyrics make it clear that the protagonist has self-destructive habits stemming from trauma, such as getting drunk to forget problems or feeling like a child considering developing bulimia to lose weight. This can represent the feeling of being lost and helpless, in addition to lacking the energy to live on their own. Alcohol symbolizes a desperate attempt to escape reality and the painful memories that haunt them. On the other hand, the lyrics do not make it clear where they are going while 'spending the night driving with one eye closed,' which might bring the idea that not even the lyrical self knows their destination or that it does not matter enough. The incessant repetition of a 'gory scene' indicates these deep traumas, but they are not really explained to the listeners.
The song also addresses an attempt at comfort with the repetition of the phrase 'tell yourself that this is for the best,' but it does not explain which behavior should continue to be done, leaving space for individual interpretations. The lyrical self repeats this to themselves, trying to convince themselves that their actions have a purpose or benefit, in an attempt to endure reality. The reference to breathing at three in the morning evokes the loneliness and introspection during the early hours, when we are alone and the darkest thoughts tend to come to the surface. Overall, 'Flightless Bird' is a profound expression of internal struggle, destructive habits, and the attempt to find meaning amid emotional chaos.
