Why Does the Caged Bird

Story Behind The Song

Writing and recording this album was a life saver for me in the midst of daunting legal battles and neighbors who continually called the police on us, or moved boundary lines and cut down landscaping to trap us in our own home during the down cycle of the real estate market when we couldn't sell or get away from the fear and entrapment. We often felt hope through practices of faith, but even those sometimes failed us. Singing was still there for me.

Song Description

People and animals sing in mourning, in musing, in praising anthems, in passion, and in fun. Sometimes singing is a physiological spirit raiser, sometimes it feels better than hope, especially in the irony of having no hope. Singing frees you.

Song Length 4:04 Genre Blues - Traditional, Jazz - Lounge
Tempo Slow (71 - 90) Lead Vocal Female Vocal
Mood Cool, Pleased Subject Poverty, Birds
Similar Artists Natalie Cole, Adele Language English
Era 2000 and later

Lyrics

Why oh why does the caged bird sing? (Fallen down house)
Does anyone know this mystery? (Why o why?)
Could it be it's the very last thing? (So fragile!)
Oh yes, it comes so naturally... (Yeeees)
Maybe it's praisin, maybe it's screamin, (does anyone know?)
Maybe it's mournin', maybe it's schemin (better than..)
Maybe it's empty head is dreamin, (could it be tweeting?)
If nobody listens, is it still singin, (Hope?)

Maybe it's free or could be leavin' (secret to me)
Maybe it's cold, cold heart is grieving? (We are fallen!)
Maybe it's lustin' his last season? (Steamin')
Maybe it's thankful, could be pleasin...(Why?)

I am assuming that you didn't write this song since it's traditional blues, is that right? You have a great blues singing voice, that is for sure. I loved your great harmonies & spot-on expressive vocals. Very cool what you did on the "better than hope" phrase. Great rendition of this song. You did it proud!

Lyrics Laura Larkins Music Laura Larkins/Demetrios Masters
Producer Laura Larkins/Demetrios Masters Publisher Joy! Distribution
Performance Laura Larkins: lead vox, Melissa Thompson: bkup vox; Rob Landreth: acoustic guitar

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