The lyrics describe a dream where the narrator envisions twelve kingfisher birds swimming in the ripples of laughter, holding tiny oceans in their hands with waves of liquid colors touching the sand. The dreamer imagines a jewel sitting on a golden crown on their head.

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Meaning of "Three King Fishers" by Donovan


The lyrics in "Three King Fishers" by Donovan seem to portray a dreamlike state where the narrator envisions the beauty and magic of nature. The imagery of kingfisher birds diving and swimming in the ripples of laughter symbolizes joy and freedom, while the tiny oceans in their hands with waves of liquid colors can be interpreted as the vastness and unpredictability of life. The jewel on the golden crown represents something rare and precious, possibly hinting at a deep longing for something unattainable or valuable. The dream-like quality of the lyrics suggests a desire for beauty, wonder, and the mystical aspects of life, with an underlying theme of longing and fantasy.