Meaning of "Golden Bird" by Levon Helm

The lyrics of "Golden Bird" can be interpreted as a metaphor for the consequences of trying to possess something out of selfishness or desire. The narrator's pursuit of the beautiful bird represents his attempt to capture something he found attractive, only to realize that his actions caused harm and loss. The transformation of the bird into a woman can symbolize the idea that what we seek to possess may be more than meets the eye, and that our actions have consequences beyond what we initially perceive. The guilt and sorrow felt by the narrator serve as a poignant reminder that our actions impact others in ways we may not fully understand or anticipate.