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Elbow — The Birds
Album: Build A Rocket Boys!
Avg rating:
6.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 638









Released: 2011
Length: 7:55
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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The birds are the keepers of our secret
As they saw us where we lay
In the deepest grass of springtime
In a reckless guilty haze

And they wove a sweet indifference
And it settled on our skin
Till the eyes that I remember
For the last time drew me in

The birds, though I wore your glacial patience
To a smudge of bitter dust
On the last day you embraced me
With a glistening sapling trust

Did they sing a million blessings
As they watched us slowly part?
Do they keep those final kisses
In their tiny racing hearts

What are we gonna do with you?
Same tale every time
What are we gonna do with you?
Come on inside
Looking back is for the birds

What are we gonna do with you?
Same tale every time
What are we gonna do with you?
Come on inside
Looking back is for the birds

What are we gonna do with you?
Same tale every time
What are we gonna do with you?
Come on inside
Looking back is for the birds

What are we gonna do with you?
Same tale every time
What are we gonna do with you?
Come on inside
Looking back is for the birds

The birds are the keepers of our secret
As they saw us where we lay
In the deepest grass of springtime
In a reckless guilty haze

''What are we gonna do with you?
Same tale every time
What are we gonna do with you?
Come on inside
Looking back is for the birds''

Did they sing a million blessings
As they watched us slowly part?

''What are we gonna do with you?
Same tale every time
What are we gonna do with you?
Come on inside
Looking back is for the birds''

Do they keep those final kisses
In their tiny racing hearts

''What are we gonna do with you?
Same tale every time
What are we gonna do with you?
Come on inside
Looking back is for the birds''

What are we gonna do with you?
What are we gonna do with you?''
Comments (100)add comment
For a moment I thought it was Peter Gabriel.
Posted 6 months ago by Nix    [ Reply ]
As always -great lyrics by Guy!
Posted 10 months ago by stevesaw    [ Reply ]
This isn't in rotation anymore?  Dang, this was a good one.
Posted 1 year ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
 jbunniii wrote:
Dropped it from 6 to 5 because it just goes on and on and on.

 
This tune has balls to go on....Cut short it wood be Frankenstein without a leg!
Posted 6 years ago by Rockit9    [ Reply ]
 jbunniii wrote:
Dropped it from 6 to 5 because it just goes on and on and on.

 
Yes, quite cutting edge, for creativity, but I must agree, could do with a bit of editing.  
Posted 8 years ago by 4GibMe    [ Reply ]
When this came up, I hit the PSD button and got The Byrds in place of "The Birds."

Really well played there, RP.
Posted 11 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
Groovy.
{#Yes} 
Posted 11 years ago by Zeito    [ Reply ]
Dropped it from 6 to 5 because it just goes on and on and on.
Posted 11 years ago by jbunniii    [ Reply ]
 michaelgmitchell wrote:
Previous comment, yes. Not sure I'm feeling it with this CD. Completely blown away hearing TSSK, discovering them here. Not so sure as they grow their craft. And yes, the comparisons to PG are growing.
 
The album before The Seldom Seen Kid, Leaders of the Free World, is very similar in style, and every bit as good. Also, as One Day Like This did on TSSK, a few songs on that album convincingly disprove those often-recurring criticisms that Elbow can only do depressing music. Especially the hilarious Mexican Standoff comes to mind. 
Posted 11 years ago by stevendejong    [ Reply ]
Great tune!
Posted 11 years ago by von_Hayek    [ Reply ]
Soooo beautiful.
Posted 11 years ago by Rotterdam    [ Reply ]
I've had to hit PSD 3 times waiting for this misery to finish. On the plus side, it did provide me with Sam Cooke & Nick Drake. Ain't RP great!? :)
Posted 11 years ago by toomanyollys    [ Reply ]
..these Elbow joints (a la Spike Lee) are smooth..8 on first hearing (sure to rise—oh hail, let's just make it a 9 from the get-go)..
Posted 11 years ago by cShaggy    [ Reply ]
 brendanvs wrote:
Outstanding song! Reminds me of early Genesis.
 

You should go listen to Nursery Cryme  or Foxtrot again. Your head would explode. This doesn't come close.
Posted 11 years ago by sandpebble    [ Reply ]
I have to agree- I was thinking to myself, 'Have I heard this Peter Gabriel song before?" Also, the chord changes are lovely...
Posted 11 years ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]

love me some elbow{#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 11 years ago by jesspra    [ Reply ]
Beautiful melody to this song! {#Good-vibes}
Posted 12 years ago by d48m02h1918    [ Reply ]
love this. love. it.
Posted 12 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
Elbow's stock is - rightly - riding high in the UK right now after their appearance in the closing ceremony for the London Olympic Games.
Posted 12 years ago by Donaldinho    [ Reply ]
 Kimberly8 wrote:

The more I listen the more I like this! Indeed the building. Reminds me of Peter Gabriel, which makes Elbow all the better!!

 
Too funny my wife just yelled in:  "Is this Peter Gabriel?".  
Posted 12 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
i've been listening to this cd again in my car all week. this song is still my fav from it.
Posted 12 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
I like this a lot!  Groovy, with soul and purpose...  great melody.
Posted 12 years ago by TuneAgeWhereWoof    [ Reply ]
Outstanding song! Reminds me of early Genesis. Great to hear it, thanks.
Posted 12 years ago by brendanvs    [ Reply ]
 gatorade wrote:
Leaving the room now. Awful.
 
I'll be here when you return. This is a very good album.        {#Yes}
Posted 12 years ago by DanO-1    [ Reply ]
   

 7 → 8

 

 


Posted 12 years ago by Rockit    [ Reply ]
 Jörg_Asmussen wrote:
I love these evolutionary evolving songs, building ... drifting ... sailing  ....
 
Nicely put. 
Posted 12 years ago by gemtag    [ Reply ]

The more I listen the more I like this! Indeed the building. Reminds me of Peter Gabriel, which makes Elbow all the better!!


Posted 12 years ago by Kimberly8    [ Reply ]
I love these evolutionary evolving songs, building ... drifting ... sailing  ....
Posted 12 years ago by Jörg_Asmussen    [ Reply ]
Hmmm ... This is alien earwig music, because it retlentlessly drills it's way into your brain ...  yet I can't turn away ... hmmm
Posted 12 years ago by PopKombo    [ Reply ]
Not really familiar with these guys, but I guess I like 'em. Just noticed that I liked and commented on another song of theirs. 
Posted 12 years ago by Jon_Lucas    [ Reply ]
Whilst I've no doubt that they're very clever and musically accomplished, Elbow do nowt for me apart from from bore me to tears. Sorry.
Posted 12 years ago by robh    [ Reply ]
I likey likey likey.  9
Posted 12 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
{#Yes}{#Yes}

(And I'm quite happy if Elbow wants to bring back the anthem.)

 Deadwing wrote:
wow      {#Jump}
 


Posted 13 years ago by victoryluna    [ Reply ]
Not their absolute best...but I like the arrangement and tight harmony that stays with all of the melody. This band seems to create what THEY like to hear...not necessarily what they think OTHERS want to. I respect that greatly. Maybe it's because I like to hear what they create. Profound stuff, huh? Yep.

Posted 13 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Leaving the room now. Awful.
Posted 13 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
 mineralBOB wrote:

Still prefer Seldom seen kids!

 

i agree. This one is a bit TO {#Sleep}
Posted 13 years ago by selima_sarah    [ Reply ]
It caught my ear immediately    {#Bounce}

Really loving it!
Posted 13 years ago by Deadwing    [ Reply ]
wow      {#Jump}
Posted 13 years ago by Deadwing    [ Reply ]
 grungepuppy wrote:
Amazingly uninventive chord progression. Sorry, just playing the same note over and over again doesn't really make a song. Couple that with the tediously boring vocal delivery and we have another steaming pile from this crappy band.
 
There. Fixed it for you.

Posted 13 years ago by agkagk    [ Reply ]
Previous comment, yes. Not sure I'm feeling it with this CD. Completely blown away hearing TSSK, discovering them here. Not so sure as they grow their craft. And yes, the comparisons to PG are growing.
Posted 13 years ago by michaelgmitchell    [ Reply ]
 lattalo wrote:
Love the new CD, very good.  One of the best songs on it.
 
Still prefer Seldom seen kids!

Posted 13 years ago by mineralBOB    [ Reply ]
I have a feeling that this song is 20 minutes long...
Quite boring...

Posted 13 years ago by fls    [ Reply ]

I think it's boring... I don't mind tension builders, but this one doesn't deliver....

4


Posted 13 years ago by Sjaaks    [ Reply ]
Nope, no thanks. Tedious and monotonus,
Posted 13 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
Love the new CD, very good.  One of the best songs on it.
Posted 13 years ago by lattalo    [ Reply ]
Haven't heard it a ton yet, but the beginning (and the pulsing rhythms and keyboard arrangements later on and throughout) still catches me thinking it's The Secret Machines...then the (Guy's) vocals kick in, and then it's fairly clear who it is...It seems these guys are pretty good at making "different" work as a style on this one...  One thing I noticed after this listen was a really cool reflexive chord progression and hook thing happening in the gray matter...and that matters to me.  Some of the sonic moments on Seldom Seen Kid are so incredibly powerful they move me to swoon...I haven't yet heard that on cuts from this one, but I'm digging the exposure I get on RP to all this sort of stuff I would not otherwise get...  Keep it UP, Bill and Becca!

Posted 13 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]

The first time I heard it, I almost hated it. Now I think it's a great song, even with the shadow of Peter Gabriel...


Posted 13 years ago by Orodrigues    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:


Yes, I fear Elbow is starting to trademark boring.{#Sad}
 

They are excelling at their craft. Maybe if it wasn't so ridiculously long.......................... 

Posted 13 years ago by justlistening    [ Reply ]

Peter Gabriel called...darn! I'm not the only one....again!)



Posted 13 years ago by motorichi    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:
WOOOOW - is that depressingly boring!!!

 

Yes, I fear Elbow is starting to trademark boring.{#Sad}
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
It was fine the first few dozen times. Maybe I just listen to RadioParadise too many hours of the day, but this song has gotten to be Sucko-Barfo.
Posted 13 years ago by RussNelson    [ Reply ]
 DaveInVA wrote:
I like this

 
It's growing on me.

Posted 13 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
I like this

Posted 13 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
Yea, I'm really liking this track. Good album overall, but a little slow in areas. The other standout track is "Neat Little Rows".
Posted 13 years ago by Relayer    [ Reply ]
Haunting melody - Hitchcock would approve.
Posted 13 years ago by Ipse_Dixit    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:
this is really crazy.
Wasn't an Elbow fan at all, with that last album. Now this, I think, is brilliant.
it is just such a cool and quirky sounding record(from the few tunes I've heard).
 
Yes, Elbow is starting to grow on me as well.  Sounds like Peter Gabriel singing in there as well.


Posted 13 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
A 12th century tune played on mid-20th century instruments, but it seems as fresh as the sun rising outside my window right now. A triumph.
Posted 13 years ago by alphachimp    [ Reply ]
 Felix_The_Cat wrote:

No Sir, boring as few other songs...

 
Agree. This is track ONE off their new album? Seriously?! Snoooozer. I'll give it a '3'


Posted 13 years ago by RobMartin    [ Reply ]
 linzie wrote:
I like this BECAUSE it sounds like Peter Gabriel...this amd mirrorball......
 
I agree - very Gabrielesque.  Funny that Gabriel actually covers 'Mirrorball' on his latest release and it isn't half as good as the original.

Posted 13 years ago by adroc    [ Reply ]
 adroc wrote:
Maybe I need to listen more to get it, but this album is falling well short of "The Seldom Seem Kid" for me.
 
I listened more and I got it!! This record is brilliant, absolutely brilliant.  Little disappointed that Bill hasn't added 'Lippy Kids'.... the way the lyric "build a rocket boys!" is sung and emoted is truly spine-tingling.


Posted 13 years ago by adroc    [ Reply ]
First time for me...nice. I dig. 8
Posted 13 years ago by d-don    [ Reply ]
Wow, this is a fantastic song. Thanks Bill ! I hadn't paid attention to this album when it came out. I ran back from the kitchen just to find out what it was...
Posted 13 years ago by maubus    [ Reply ]

No Sir, boring as few other songs...



Posted 13 years ago by Felix_The_Cat    [ Reply ]
I like this BECAUSE it sounds like Peter Gabriel...this amd mirrorball......
Posted 13 years ago by linzie    [ Reply ]
I do like the CD cover art.

Sweet Melody 
Posted 13 years ago by sweet_melody    [ Reply ]
Not their best!
Posted 13 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:
WOOOOW - is that depressingly boring!!!

 
For once...maybe twice, gotta agree with Stingray. 

I do like the change with the drums...but man, takes a loooooong time to get there, with a very monotonous melody.

Posted 13 years ago by htowncoog    [ Reply ]
OMFG...the explosion of sound at 5:10......just gives me goosebumps every time! {#Notworthy}
Posted 13 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
I like the way it builds.
Posted 13 years ago by gabrielle7nt    [ Reply ]
WOOOOW - is that depressingly boring!!!

Posted 13 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Make it stop or I will!
 
Posted 13 years ago by Lakeview    [ Reply ]
this is really crazy.
Wasn't an Elbow fan at all, with that last album. Now this, I think, is brilliant.
it is just such a cool and quirky sounding record(from the few tunes I've heard).
Posted 13 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 adroc wrote:
Maybe I need to listen more to get it, but this album is falling well short of "The Seldom Seem Kid" for me.
If it was better than The Seldom Seen Kid, I'd be frightened. Considering my first 10's for a couple of cuts on that one.

Posted 13 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
Nice tune, but i've expected something more from new album
Posted 13 years ago by kubin    [ Reply ]
Turn It Up! Like Porcupine Tree, these guys create Pop/Rock music for adults. Combine Guy Garvey's captivating voice, with finely textured, experimental music that pulls you in. They continue to do their own thing.  Another winner from Elbow!{#Music} 
Posted 13 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
 adroc wrote:
Maybe I need to listen more to get it, but this album is falling well short of "The Seldom Seem Kid" for me.
 
Yeah i agree with you. I really want to like this album as much as Seldom but I'm not sure if it is as good. Maybe another couple of listens might do it.
Posted 13 years ago by alexmcnamara    [ Reply ]
wow, that was truly awful
Posted 13 years ago by rp1125    [ Reply ]
Can only take Elbow in short increments. All their songs start to run together if you listen to them too much.

Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Maybe I need to listen more to get it, but this album is falling well short of "The Seldom Seem Kid" for me.
Posted 13 years ago by adroc    [ Reply ]
 Alexandra wrote:
{#Notworthy}  Love the harmonies, love the hypnotic groove, the nuances, the string parts.........

I am still warming up to the rest of the CD, but this one just effin' moves me.

 

Ditto, but add the lyrics, too.  The haters seem to have a short attention span.  Give this one an attentive listen all the way through and it is quite rewarding.

Posted 13 years ago by Derecho    [ Reply ]
 grungepuppy wrote:
Amazingly uninventive chord progression. Sorry, just playing the same note over and over again doesn't really make a song. Couple that with the tediously boring vocal delivery and we have another steaming pile from this crappy band.
 
I'm with you on the uninventive chord progressions and boring vocal delivery.  Don't know any of their other work, so can't comment on whether this is indicative of their work, but I'm not getting this one at all.  But I'll be open minded to listening again to see whether it grows on me in future listenings. 

Posted 13 years ago by 1120ralph    [ Reply ]
Liking the new Elbow so far.  I've really enjoyed Seldom Seen Kid.
Posted 13 years ago by scarletdancer    [ Reply ]
{#Notworthy}  Love the harmonies, love the hypnotic groove, the nuances, the string parts.........

I am still warming up to the rest of the CD, but this one just effin' moves me.

Posted 13 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
pretty cool. and I'm NOT an Elbow fan.
Posted 13 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 danlaufer wrote:
elbow album and songs are always slow growers.. But when it clicks, it clicks!
 
I agree.  It took me quite awhile to like "Mirrorball," but once it clicked, it became my favorite song, so I bought the CD.  I suspect, this will be another CD I'll be buying - once I get my credit card back under control after having purchased a Turin Brakes CD.... Shame on me...)

Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Masterpiece of an opening track.
I've only gone through the album once or twice so far, but The Birds keeps haunting me.
Totally f$%king brilliant!
Posted 13 years ago by fridgerat    [ Reply ]
 grungepuppy wrote:
Amazingly uninventive chord progression. Sorry, just playing the same note over and over again doesn't really make a song. Couple that with the tediously boring vocal delivery and we have another steaming pile from this crappy band.
 

"just playing the same note over and over again doesn't really make a song"  Is this a rule of musical composition I'm not aware of? As on previous albums, Elbow once again defies expectations. You either get it or you don't. Your eloquent crappy band comment would place you squarely in the later column.


Posted 13 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
Hmmm...  I like it.

Posted 13 years ago by Alafia    [ Reply ]
 debobasu wrote:
Sounds like the doves, no?
 
Yes, and that is not a complement to either band.


Posted 13 years ago by grungepuppy    [ Reply ]
Well, after more than ten listens to the album this song is a clear 10 for me.
Posted 13 years ago by kowtunenko    [ Reply ]
Really liking this track. I agree it takes a couple of listens.

The album is very good too, a relief as following up on The Seldom Seen Kid was always going to be difficult. 

 
Posted 13 years ago by MattB099    [ Reply ]
elbow album and songs are always slow growers.. But when it clicks, it clicks!
Posted 13 years ago by danlaufer    [ Reply ]
Interesting sound. Nice rhythm. Droning, vocals. Nice instrumental bridge. A silid 5.
Posted 13 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
Sounds like the doves, no?
Posted 13 years ago by debobasu    [ Reply ]
Amazingly uninventive chord progression. Sorry, just playing the same note over and over again doesn't really make a song. Couple that with the tediously boring vocal delivery and we have another steaming pile from this crappy band.
Posted 13 years ago by grungepuppy    [ Reply ]
Bill, thanks for bringing us so much of the new album.  I like it so far, though this isn't my favorite.

Posted 13 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
Elbow is so hit-and-miss for me, which is what prevents me from becoming a fan.
Posted 13 years ago by auburntigerrich    [ Reply ]
Another one!  Nice.  There's something very cool going on with the bass line in this.

Posted 13 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
My favorite track off the new record. {#Smile}
Posted 13 years ago by Marley    [ Reply ]
Love this record! Took a couple listens, but now a large part of it is stuck in my head every day (in a good way).

Need to put Lippy Kids in the playlist, too!
Posted 13 years ago by luap    [ Reply ]