Blackbird Analysis
‘Blackbird’ is a song composed by Paul McCartney. The song ‘Blackbird’ is based on Rosa parks during the times of the civil rights movement. The lyrics talks about a ‘blackbird’ and its freedom being stripped away. This being like the African American who were discriminated against society and had their freedom stripped away. Although the blackbird is in a way, trapped, the song also talks about it waiting for a time to rise and its moment to one day be free. The message of the lyrics is that, although your freedom to think, speak or express yourself may be taken away, you should never give up and stand up for what you think is right (e.g. the incident on the bus with Rosa Parks). Another message of the lyrics is that we shouldn’t make the same mistakes and let history repeats itself. Instead, we should change for the better. The line ‘ take these broken wings and learn to fly’ is a good example of this message. It is saying to take these broken wings, which could mean ‘mistakes’, and learn to fly, which is to change it into something better. The courage to stand up and keep on standing even though things may seem difficult and tough. This was what Rosa parks did and she has inspired others to do the same. I believe these were some of the important messaged Paul McCartney was trying to convey. The emotion that the song brings out is that although its sad, there is also the feeling of determination coming out from the lyrics being sung. Although the lyrics are sad, the melody of the song is in a way happy and joyful. The mood of the melody is a contrast with the lyrics. Paul McCartney may be trying to deliver a message that even though things may not be looking bright, you should never let that put you down. There are many language techniques used in the song. One of which is symbolism. An example of symbolism is ‘blackbird’. Blackbird symbolizes Rosa Parks and also the people affected during the civil rights movement. ‘Blackbird’ is also a symbol of freedom. This deeply connects to the people affected during the civil rights movement, as they did not have any at the time. By making the song symbolic, we can apply it to our own life Repetition is also another language technique used in the song numerous times. The repetition of ‘Blackbird’ is used for emphasis and makes you linger on the image. I personally love this song. I think that it is very meaningful and makes me start to really think of those who suffered and had no freedom. It makes me grateful to live in a place where I am able to think, speak and express myself to society. By Noratisha Abdullah |
Blackbird- Lyrics
Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these broken wings and learn to fly All your life You were only waiting for this moment to arise Black bird singing in the dead of night Take these sunken eyes and learn to see all your life you were only waiting for this moment to be free Blackbird fly, Blackbird fly Into the light of the dark black night. Blackbird fly, Blackbird fly Into the light of the dark black night. Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these broken wings and learn to fly All your life You were only waiting for this moment to arise Blackbird fly, Blackbird fly Into the light of the dark black night. Blackbird fly, Blackbird fly Into the light of the dark black night. Black bird singing in the dead of night Take these sunken eyes and learn to see all your life you were only waiting for this moment to be free you were only waiting for this moment to be free you were only waiting for this moment to be free |