BLACKBIRD |
Poetry analysis |
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 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 You were only waiting for this moment to arise You were only waiting for this moment to arise. BACKGROUND:
In the 1960s, Paul McCartney wrote the song "Blackbird". The song was written in 1968 when the main issue of the century was the Civil Rights Movement in America. Blackbird in the context of the poem is used as represent black women. Paul McCartney referred to black women every time he mentioned 'blackbird' because on top of discrimination, gender equality was widely frowned upon, making black women the most vulnerable at the time. Paul McCartney wrote this song in support of what was happening in America. The phrase "Blackbird singing in the dead of night", singing is widely recognised as being a sign of happiness, freedom and relief. This prose focuses on black people, specifically women learning to be free even with all the disadvantages and suppressions placed on them. |
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Night is free (Repetition) Take these broken wings and learn to fly Take the disadvantages and suppressions and learn to be free.(Repetition) All your life (Repetition) You were only waiting for this moment to arise. Waiting for everything to change. (Repetition) Blackbird singing in the dead of night Singing is a sign of happiness, freedom and relief.(Repetition) Take these sunken eyes and learn to see Take the sadness and be hopeful for the future. (Repetition) All your life (Repetition) You were only waiting for this moment to be free. (Repetition) Blackbird fly Blackbird fly Into the light of the dark black night. (Repetition) Blackbird fly Blackbird fly Into the light of the dark black night. (Repetition) Blackbird singing in the dead of night (Repetition) Take these broken wings and learn to fly (Repetition) All your life You were only waiting for this moment to arise (Repetition) You were only waiting for this moment to arise (Repetition) You were only waiting for this moment to arise. (Repetition) Themes: -Racism -Suppression -Segregation -Civil Rights Poetic Techniques -Repetition -Symbol - Imagery My Opinion: At first sight, the poem could be interpreted as something to do with actual animals but after reading through it twice, it is easy to identify that word 'Blackbird' in the poem is a symbol for someone who is black. 'Bird' which is slang in America for girl or women. Therefore the poem can be identified as being about black women and their struggles during the civil rights movements of the 1960s. Overall, the poem is very meaningful and deep. It uses symbols and repetition to create interest in the reader. |