The Truth Behind the Song #7 – Vicky Emerson’s ‘Bird’s Eye View’
Welcome to our new feature, ‘The Truth Behind the Song’. For the feature, we’ve asked a number of our favourite artists to give us in-depth piece about a song that has a special place in their heart. Today we feature the wonderful Vicky Emerson, who gives us an insight into the ‘truth’ behind ‘Bird’s Eye View’.
I was a part of a singer/songwriter Facebook challenge two summers ago. I was aiming to record a new album and that meant that I needed more finished songs! The challenge had a one week deadline plus 13 word prompts which really helped light a fire to get me writing again! The word prompt that I disliked the most (crust) helped me write the song that I love the most which is “Bird’s Eye View.”
You were allowed to use the essence of the word so I didn’t use the actual word ‘crust’ but rather its definition as the outer layer to something. As soon as I read the definition, I had the first line: “I’m on the outside looking in to watch you fall apart again.”
This song is about watching someone with mental illness decline and the helplessness that one feels as friend, parent, and caretaker. Mental illness is hard to talk about and the stigma attached is very real for those going through it or for those on the sidelines watching someone they love battle the disease. The song serves as a reminder that people are there to help and it is OK to need help as well as ask for it.
Song Lyrics
I’m on the outside looking in to watch you fall apart again. I can’t look away. I see the shame. Same sad story I know it frame by frame. What can I do? I can’t give up on you.
Rock bottom rolled out the welcome mat and my seat on this wreck is the only one with a bird’s eye view of the ground, so pick me up on the way down.
Like a ship lost at sea or a runaway train, you’re gonna bury me. I keep believing in the same old lines. This worn down road, I know it mile by mile. What can I do? I can’t give up on you.
Rock bottom rolled out the welcome mat and my seat on this wreck is the only one with a bird’s eye view of the ground, so pick me up on the way down.
Tried to build you a parachute and a soft landing to fall into but the threads are all tearing apart just like we are.
Rock bottom rolled out the welcome mat and my seat on this wreck is the only one with a bird’s eye view of the ground, so pick me up on the way down.
