Blackbird
Blackbird

Martyn Bennett - Blackbird Lyrics

A hauntingly poignant narrative, this piece delves into themes of longing, abandonment, and unrequited love. The repetition of "What a voice I hear" evokes the protagonist's deep yearning for a lost love, likened to the voice of their dear "Willy." Despite… Read more

Electronic
May 19, 2014
653
Blackbird Music Video

Blackbird Lyrics

What a voice, what a voice, what a voice I hear
It's like the voice of my Willy dear
But if I had wings like that swallow high
I would clasp in the arms o' my Billy boy

What a voice, what a voice, what a voice I hear
It's like the voice of my Willy dear
But if I had wings like that swallow high
I would clasp in the arms o' my Billy boy

When my apron it hung low
My true love followed through frost and snow
And noo my apron it is tae my chin
He passes me by and he ne'er spiers in

There is a blackbird sits on yon tree
Some says it is blind and it cannae see
Some says it is blind and it cannae see
And so is my true love tae me

Writer(s): LIZZIE HIGGINS, MARTYN BENNETT
Copyright(s): Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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What is the Meaning of Blackbird?

A hauntingly poignant narrative, this piece delves into themes of longing, abandonment, and unrequited love. The repetition of "What a voice I hear" evokes the protagonist's deep yearning for a lost love, likened to the voice of their dear "Willy." Despite this yearning, there is an acknowledgement of unattainable dreams, symbolized through the imagery of needing wings like a swallow to reach Billy. The shift from a low-hung apron, when love flourished, to one raised to the chin, when it is now ignored, marks the passage of time and emotional distance. The blackbird, mentioned as possibly blind, metaphorically represents the lover’s inability to see and reciprocate affection, mirroring the protagonist's sense of rejection and seeing without being seen. Thus, the song captures the essence of a love that has become invisible and unfulfilled, wrapped in the melancholic realization of being overlooked.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who originally performed the traditional song sampled in the track 'Blackbird' by Martyn Bennett?

    'Blackbird' features the voice of traditional Scottish folk singer Lizzie Higgins, whose singing is sampled and integrated into Martyn Bennett's fusion of traditional and modern elements.

  2. On which album is the song 'Blackbird' by Martyn Bennett featured?

    'Blackbird' is a track on Martyn Bennett's final studio album, 'Grit', which was released on October 13, 2003, under the Real World Records label.

  3. What illness was Martyn Bennett suffering from when he recorded 'Blackbird'?

    Martyn Bennett was severely ill with cancer during the recording of 'Blackbird'. His illness prevented him from playing his instruments, leading him to creatively use samples from traditional singers, including Lizzie Higgins.

  4. What makes the album 'Grit', which includes 'Blackbird', significant in the genre of Celtic fusion?

    The album 'Grit' is credited with starting the musical evolution of Celtic fusion, blending traditional Scottish folk music with modern electronic beats. This innovative approach has had a lasting influence on the genre.

  5. Was there a special event related to Martyn Bennett's album 'Grit' where 'Blackbird' could have been performed?

    Yes, the opening event of the 2015 Celtic Connections festival featured a new orchestral arrangement of the entire 'Grit' album, conducted by Greg Lawson. Martyn Bennett's work, including 'Blackbird', was celebrated with performances by numerous musicians, showcasing his innovative blend of traditional and modern music.

  6. Who contributed to the lyrics of 'Blackbird' by Martyn Bennett?

    The lyrics of 'Blackbird' are based on a traditional folk song performed by Lizzie Higgins. Martyn Bennett incorporated her traditional lyrics into his unique composition, blending folk and contemporary styles.

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