Mockingbirds

Album: Mighty Joe Moon (1994)
Play Video
  • Devastation at last finally we meet
    After all of these years out here on the street
    I had a feeling you would make yourself known
    You came along just to claim your place on the throne
    Now I have been overthrown
    Overthrown

    And I thought if I towed the right lines
    But these mockingbirds won't let me shine

    Devastation my door was left open wide
    You brought me into your heart then swallowed my pride
    I had a feeling you were hiding your thoughts
    I made a note to myself I nearly forgot
    Now I am overwrought
    I'm overwrought

    And I thought if I towed the right lines
    But these mockingbirds won't let me shine
    And I thought if I towed the right lines
    But these mockingbirds won't let me shine

    One day this ground will break
    And open up for me, I hope it will
    I hope it will

    Salutations at last down on my knees
    I heard the bugle this morn blast reveille
    Woke from a dream where I was in a terrible realm
    All my sails were ablaze, I was chained to the helm
    And now I am overwhelmed
    I'm overwhelmed

    And I thought if I towed the right lines
    But these mockingbirds won't let me shine
    And I thought if I towed the right lines
    But these mockingbirds won't let me shine
    And I thought if I towed the right lines (devastation at last)
    But these mockingbirds won't let me shine
    And I thought if I towed the right lines (devastation at last)
    But these mockingbirds won't let me shine
    And I thought if I towed the right lines (devastation at last)
    But these mockingbirds won't let me shine
    And I thought if I towed the right lines (devastation at last)
    But these mockingbirds won't let me shine Writer/s: Bryan Grant Lee Phillips
    Publisher: Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 2

  • Alan from Milton, VtThe song was actually inspired by Grant-Lee and his wife surveying the destruction of their home in California after it was destroyed in an Earthquake.
  • Mike182 from Pittsburgh, PaGreat song.....I just rediscovered it. Haunting in a way because you can tell he sold himself out to make the relationship work only to be crushed in the end. He's so emotionally battered and bruised, he's hoping the ground will open and swallow him.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles

Timothy B. Schmit of the EaglesSongwriter Interviews

Did this Eagle come up with the term "Parrothead"? And what is it like playing "Hotel California" for the gazillionth time?

Chris Frantz of Talking Heads

Chris Frantz of Talking HeadsSongwriter Interviews

Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz on where the term "new wave" originated, the story of "Naive Melody," and why they never recorded another cover song after "Take Me To The River."

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

Dino Cazares of Fear FactorySongwriter Interviews

The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.

Don Felder

Don FelderSongwriter Interviews

Don breaks down "Hotel California" and other songs he wrote as a member of the Eagles. Now we know where the "warm smell of colitas" came from.

Bass Player Scott Edwards

Bass Player Scott EdwardsSong Writing

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile."

Carol Kaye

Carol KayeSongwriter Interviews

A top session musician, Carol played on hundreds of hits by The Beach Boys, The Monkees, Frank Sinatra and many others.