Magpie to the Morning (2013 version)

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a child being nudged awake by a magpie, a creature often associated with omens. This isn't a gentle awakening; the 'tin roof sounds alarming,' and the magpie's message is a stark 'warning' not to let the 'fading summer pass you by.' It sets a tone of urgency, a call to seize the moment before it's gone, delivered by an unusual, almost mystical messenger. The central tension arises from the internal struggle with 'sorrow,' personified and urged to 'take your own advice.' This advice seems to be about embracing the 'thundering and lightning' that 'gets you rain,' suggesting that even difficult experiences bring necessary change or growth. Yet, the narrator also embarks on a 'top secret mission' to find a 'diamond at the bottom of the drain,' a seemingly futile quest that highlights a desire to find value or beauty in the most unlikely, even dirty, places. The imagery of the mockingbird is particularly striking. This bird, whose songs are 'stolen,' sings in the 'middle of the night' because he 'hides' his true self, using borrowed melodies. He sings for someone 'afraid of the dark,' suggesting a connection between stolen art, hidden identity, and the comfort offered to fear. This contrasts sharply with the magpie's direct, albeit alarming, call to action. Ultimately, the lyrics suggest a complex relationship with fear and the passage of time. The narrator grapples with embracing life's storms while also seeking hidden treasures and offering comfort to someone afraid. The final lines, with the 'stars... ringing out' and whispering to 'close your eyes,' offer a sense of peace, implying that even hidden dreams are 'waiting,' a quiet reassurance after the earlier urgency and internal conflict.