perfection of birds
The perfection of birds was recorded with Donnie in 2018/19 after we'd finished mixing the first record. We'd developed a routine of me coming by Tym's once or twice a week after work to mix, and then when that was done, to record the next group of songs I'd been writing. It was a very productive period - after perfection of birds was completed we recorded another group of songs that would go on to form the basis of All Fires Are Suspicious.
The eight songs on the record were written, recorded and ultimately sequenced in chronological order. I borrowed Donnie's field recording mic and went for dawn walks. The Redcliffe - Springfield line features prominently, as do butcher birds (both grey and pied). Artwork (thank you Alana Hall) and digital files ready to go as of July 2024, physical copies November 2024. However! Initially I had put this up online as a single, 30-minute track and I think it still works best as one long piece. I suppose that qualifies it as a song cycle. I remain very proud of it - I played everything aside from cello on #2 (Bridget did an excellent job as always). Of interest perhaps is that #3 uses the forward version of the backwards chord progression I sent to Ben, and he turned it into the wonderful song Isolationism. Conor
Perfection of Birds
The perfection of birds
in a house with no words
in a room that is still
in a head that is filled
with shame and of guilt
of not knowing what's real
I once was feigning sleeping
but now it feels like I've been
awake forever
The frailty of man
in a world that is harmful
in a country that is broken
in a city that's a hometown
to love and to respite
to shelter from the outside
I once was feigning sleeping
but now it feels like I've been
awake forever
If we can be dogs
then we can be wolves
and there are howls that need releasing
There are howls that need releasing
#2
Try to be a good brother
try to be a good son
try to be a good partner
I will always try to be strong
#3 (Isolationism Front)
Where were you
where did I leave you
I had your likeness with me all the time
you're spread thin
I'm worried that you'll die
I worry that you've died
Are you inside
Are you warm
Please be warm
Please be calm
I had your likeness with me all the time
you're spread thin
I'm worried that you'll die
I worry that you've died
Where does that leave those left behind
What about those left behind
#4
Need to start carrying something
to ward off death
I don't think I've got even one or two
mistakes in me left
just a constant, permanent
voice in my head
wishing me ill
fighting what's good
and leaving a mess
And stealing my breath
and exploding my chest
when it falls down it feels like I'm a
step or two ahead
and I need to sprint
to maintain the distance
to sustain the dissonance
#5
Just give me
a sliver of the moon
some early morning light
someone else's problems
and I'll be alright
Need to outsmart your impulses
Need to outpace your processes
Need to
Need to
Bury all your demons
But first you've got to kill them
Just give me
half of the sun some warmth at night
make me feel like I'm someone
#6
Divers and gulls and bones without skulls
The sea steals the tracks
The shadows in the gutters are back
Can I sing something back
Can I bring someone back
Tangled lines
The full moon
Jumpers and fires
Sitting on the bonnet at night
Can I sing something back
Can I bring someone back
Can anyone sing something back
Can anyone be brought back
Am I lyrebird
Am I singing songs of extinction
Do we sing songs that are extinct
Do we sing until we are extinct
#7
When hope had gone and your branch had fallen
And you panicked and you were desperate for something
to hold on to
Did you ever find something to call on
Some kind of strength or love or spirit to draw from
If you'd asked, well here's how I feel
I just want to lie down at my dad's grave
where his ashes are held
And find a way to get right
cause were it not for you and our boy
Then who knows where my fight would be
The booze is gone and my cheeks are swollen
I just want to make a record as good as Christopher Coleman
My gut is heavy and my brain is broken
I just want to have something to show for it
Now there's a bit of rain around
and it's the final show
So we'll see how we go
I guess I'll see how I go
#8
I have to start walking
I can't run forever
How many k's til I'm tired
Is the damage severe
It could last for hours
I'm counting the minutes til I'm clear
I have to start sleeping
I've been awake forever
How many breaths do I need
This feels severe
Feels like it's lasted hours
I'm counting the minutes til I'm clear
I have to keep walking
I can't run forever
But I can't stop either
