Meaning of "The Bird" by Anderson .Paak

The lyrics of "The Bird" touch on themes of resilience, gratitude, and the importance of learning from one's past. The repetition of "A bird with the word came to me" acts as a metaphor, suggesting that a message or revelation has been bestowed upon the singer. This "bird" represents wisdom from the past, as expressed through the mention of "ancient roots" and learning from the "greatest." The singer acknowledges the challenges they and their family have faced but emphasizes the importance of perseverance, patience, and making the best of the circumstances. This is illustrated by the line "I had to wake up just to make it through." The mention of the singer's sister singing to Whitney Houston alludes to the healing power of music and the influence it has had on their life. The lyrics also touch on the singer's family background, including their mother's struggle with gambling, their father's incarceration, and growing up in a financially constrained environment. Despite these challenges, there is a strong sense of love and togetherness, with the lyrics stating "all we ever need is love." The line "We see the same things, We sing the same songs, We feel the same grief, Bleed the same blood" highlights the shared experiences and unity within the family. The song concludes with the singer expressing a desire to leave this world before a loved one, expressing a fear of losing someone precious to them.