Ladybird

Album: Natalie Merchant (2014)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The opening track from Merchant's self-titled album follows a woman trying to stay in a loveless relationship for the sake of her children. She explained in an interview with The Diane Rehm Show: "It's about that limbo that we find ourselves in when we know a relationship isn't working, and we have to act in some way, but it's more complicated when you're older and you have children. So, it's talking about a woman who has a family, and she's not satisfied, but she's not the only one involved. And then, you know, the metaphor of a bird, and I keep asking her, is it time for you to fly? And we don't really find out at the end. I love the dynamic range of this song. It starts so softly, and then it's so fierce at the end. And then the strings are woven all through it, which I really love."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.

Sugarland

SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Meet the "sassy basket" with the biggest voice in country music.

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")Songwriter Interviews

Inspired by his dear friend, "Seasons in the Sun" paid for Terry's boat, which led him away from music and into a battle with Canadian paper mills.

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Spot The Real Red Hot Chili Peppers Song Titles

Spot The Real Red Hot Chili Peppers Song TitlesMusic Quiz

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have some rather unusual song titles - see if you can spot the real ones.