Meaning of "Buzzards and Dreadful Crows" by Guided By Voices

The lyrics of "Buzzards and Dreadful Crows" delve into themes of inevitability, disappointment, and the presence of negative aspects in life. The lines "The lifeblood, the lighthouse flashing" evoke a sense of something vital and attention-grabbing, contrasting with the subsequent lines about the chicks waiting for the wheels to come rolling in. This portrays a sense of anticipation and expectation, suggesting that there are certain events or outcomes that the narrator is eagerly awaiting. However, the following lines express the narrator's certainty that these anticipated events will indeed occur, as they always do. The repeated phrase "I'd be poorly disappointed if they didn't" emphasizes the disappointment that would ensue if these events were to fail.

The imagery of buzzards and dreadful crows waiting for the light in the narrator's eyes to die out adds a darker undertone to the lyrics. These creatures, often associated with death and decay, symbolize negativity and perhaps even external forces that prey on the narrator's vulnerability. The idea that the light in the narrator's eyes always dies out suggests a sense of resignation or acceptance that negative experiences and outcomes are an inevitable part of life.

The repetition of the line "Buzzards and dreadful crows, a necessary evil, I suppose" further emphasizes the presence of negative forces or circumstances. The narrator acknowledges that these elements, although undesirable, are somehow necessary, implying that they play a role in one's growth or understanding. The lyrics then challenge the listener's belief in their own uniqueness or isolation, suggesting that everyone is involved in this deal. The line "Did you really think that you were the only one?" questions the idea of individuality and highlights the shared experiences of disappointment and the presence of negative influences.

In essence, "Buzzards and Dreadful Crows" presents a somewhat fatalistic viewpoint, acknowledging the presence of disappointment and negative elements in life. The lyrics convey a sense of inevitability, accepting these negative aspects as a necessary evil that is experienced universally. The song encourages reflection on the role of disappointment and negativity in shaping one's perspective and fostering connection with others who experience similar struggles.