Meaning of "Aviary" by Ego Likeness

The song "Aviary" by Ego Likeness explores the theme of a complex and contradictory world. The imagery of different species of birds is used to symbolize various aspects of life. The vultures represent negative influences that swoop in, ready to tear apart the beauty and innocence represented by the ribbons in the subject's hair. They bring darkness and destruction.

On the other hand, the songbirds are described as bitter and soulless. They sing melodies that cut through the subject's heartstrings, emphasizing the pain and emotional turmoil they bring. Although these experiences are harsh, they are also a part of the strange reality in which we live. The lyrics acknowledge the ugliness and strangeness of life but also highlight its occasional moments of beauty.

The blackbirds, which come in "murders" and in droves, bring shadow and darkness. They strip away everything from the subject until they are left vulnerable and exposed, until they are metaphorically "cleaned to the bone." However, amidst this chaos, the singer presents themselves as a firebird, a symbol of transformation and resilience. They do not want the subject to surrender to sorrow and despair because even if they crash and burn today, they will rise again tomorrow. This hints at the cyclical nature of life, where there are ups and downs, but there is always the possibility of rebirth and renewal.

The lyrics imply that the world is not purely good or purely bad. It is a place of contradictions, where ugliness and beauty, darkness and light, coexist. It is a cage that can trap and suffocate, but it is also a source of occasional awe and wonder. The understanding of this strange and enigmatic world is crucial to navigating its complexities without losing hope or succumbing to despair.