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Xavier Rudd — Spirit Bird
Album: Spirit Bird
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 4249









Released: 2012
Length: 7:07
Plays (last 30 days): 3
Give it time and we wonder why "do what we can laugh and we cry,
and we sleep in your dust because we've seen this all before."
Culture fades with tears and grace,
leaving us stunned hollow with shame we have seen this all, seen this all before.
Many tribes of a modern kind, doing brand new works, same spirit by side,
joining hearts and hand and ancestral twine,
ancestral twine.
Many tribes of a modern kind, doing brand new works, same spirit by side,
joining hearts and hand and ancestral twine,
ancestral twine.

Slowly it fades.
Slowly we fade.
Slowly it fades.
Slowly we fade.

Spirit bird she creaks and groans she knows she has,
seen this all before she has, seen this all before she has.
Spirit bird she creaks and groans she knows she has,
seen this all before she has, seen this all before she has.

Slowly you fade.
Slowly it fades.
Slowly you fade.
Slowly it fades.
Slowly you fade.

Soldier on,
Soldier on, my good country man.
Keep fighting for your culture, now keep fighting for your land.

I know it's been thousands of years and I feel your hurt
and I know it's wrong and you feel you've been chained and broken and burned
and those beautiful old people those wise old souls have been ground down for far too long,
by that spineless man that greedy man,
that heartless man,
deceiving man,
government hand taking blood and land,
taking blood and land and still they can,
but your dreaming and your warrior spirit lives on
and it is so so so strong in the earth in the trees, in the rocks, in the water, in your blood,
and in the air we breath.

Soldier on,
Soldier on, my good country man.
Keep fighting for your children now keep fighting for your land.

Slowly you fade.
Slowly it fades.
Slowly you fade.
Slowly you fade.

Give it time and we wonder,
"why do what we can laugh and we cry
and we sleep in your dust because we've seen this all before."
Comments (290)add comment
I initially rated this 7. Silly me it's 9 now!
This is one of those songs I think should be cheesy. But it isn't. Just beautiful.
Beautiful. Powerful. Real. Great music like this, that I probably would have missed without RP, is what makes RP so great. 
Great song.  Played on rotation way too much so I've grown to dislike hearing it.  Black Magic Woman in any form is also a great song but you overplay them to the point that it's like listening to a classic rock station that claims the "no repeat" workday but plays the same songs every day.  Xavier has many great songs but this seems to be the only one I ever hear.
I hear GnR, not sure which song. Patience?
cripes, when he hits that high note it really sets the endorphins free.
Love it.   Beautiful ❤️
Hearing James "That's The Living" in this song with the same chord progression that repeats over and over.
Haven't heard this is a minute... had to come in and bump it up to a 10 from an 8.  Didn't realize I was missing it. (but apparently I was)
Straight in at "Godlike"


Sitting here (metaphorically) with my mouth hanging open.
Sorry, I find this painful to my ears no matter the message....skip button time.
 ak_cemal497 wrote:

Thanks to Radio Paradise, I've discovered soo many great songs. But this one? This is one of the most special ones, if not the best. It almost always makes me cry and I don't want to listen to it too often because I don't want this to turn into another slow song. It only accompanies me when I take a walk in the forest or when Bill plays it. 


And for those who rate this song anything below 8; I hope you can find your Spirit Bird someday. 



7 is "quite likeable" That doesn't seem bad. 
 duduhead wrote:

Gents let's not be too cool for school. This is a gorgeous song that shall be consumed on those special occasions... think Sunday mornings and such.
And it blows my mind that it was recorded just last year... I'm not an old geezer, but I can't help but think that these days mostly crap comes off the printing presses, which makes tunes and voices like one this even more special.



yes. it certainly evokes emotion for me.

makes me think of nights alone, pondering my future or remembering the past.

or, sitting on my back porch in the spring or summer, listening to the wind, trees, birds...and thinking of my recently departed father.

wanting to do better.
Thanks to Radio Paradise, I've discovered soo many great songs. But this one? This is one of the most special ones, if not the best. It almost always makes me cry and I don't want to listen to it too often because I don't want this to turn into another slow song. It only accompanies me when I take a walk in the forest or when Bill plays it. 


And for those who rate this song anything below 8; I hope you can find your Spirit Bird someday. 

 Djaxon wrote:

Spent 3 years in the early 90's fighting for environmental protection and justice, knocking on doors every night, rain or shine, blistering heat and withering cold, organising and attending rallies, testifying and speaking before committees city hall meetings and once against the state senate  confirmation of a man in a green suit, etc.... And the first time I really listened to this song, a couple decades after I had walked away from that battle, disillusioned by the effectiveness of corporate lobbies and their bought-and-paid-for politicians to undo months, even years, of grassroots battles to stop or prevent the poisoning of the air and water and poor families and little children, sitting at my desk, my work forgotten, by the end of the song, my tears blurring my vision and a fist in the air, mourning the inevitable consequences of avarice and greed, recognising my adherence to pacifism at that time as a weakness. 


To pacifism, they answer with mace.

To radical activism, it's bullets. 
 davidsackville wrote:

Makes me change the station every time. Ugh.



or you could just skip it if you no likey.
For me it grabs my ear every time, and i won't skip it.
cheers.
There has not been an occasion, that upon hearing the opening notes of this track, that I haven't gone and turned it WAY WAY up...and just let the emotion roll over me...all that sadness...the pain of loss...the things that we have destroyed to become more "civilized"...

Thanks William and the RP gang for reminding me to be mindful and present...through beautiful music...
I can see why this would annoy some. But it always brings tears to my eyes. 

Just to clarify. Those are good tears.
Dear God, make it stop
 davidsackville wrote:

Makes me change the station every time. Ugh.


Then listen to commercial music radio if that is more your speed
Powerful song. Thank you RP for making me aware of Xavier Rudd.
Makes me change the station every time. Ugh.
High shiver factor every time.....that's a good thing
 Roguewarer wrote:
And what commercial radio station would ever plays this? ?
 
You would THINK there would be a market for higher quality music like this.  The fact that there isn't seems to say quite a bit about our culture.  Meanwhile I can't go for a single day without ads or news stories mentioning Cardi-B or Beyonce.
Boosted to 9.
Beautilful.
great sincere music, thank you RP for the intro to XR
Absolutly the single best solo performer i have ever seen live
captivated a bonnaroo audience-he was playing guitar, tamboreen,drums,digaredoo AND singing his ass off ALL AT ONCE
Fucking amazing
One of my very FAVORITES 💓
 Roguewarer wrote:

And what commercial radio station would ever plays this? ?

There are so many reasons I'm a monthly RP supporter, and hearing this kind of composition is yet another example of why I gladly am.

Love this song and its mantra-like vibe. TY RP!!!

Wow!!!

On planet earth, is there anything cooler than music?




You can also just drop a big contribution when you're flush. Kinda like a night out.
And what commercial radio station would ever plays this? ?

There are so many reasons I'm a monthly RP supporter, and hearing this kind of composition is yet another example of why I gladly am.

Love this song and its mantra-like vibe. TY RP!!!

Wow!!!

On planet earth, is there anything cooler than music?

haha very good song, and yet it does not have 10.  people on this website are very critical and only maybe 1 or zero songs on this website have a rating of ten.
Mouai, bof ! sweet 6.
 Chimpmeister wrote:


No, more like this annoying, whining babble, and the accompanying terrible background chorus, grind on painfully for ages.



I hear it differently. I grew up where this song has particular resonance.
For his fine voice and environentalism, I gave him a 9
 mikegrinker wrote:


Could you be more specific? Like 'My horrible migraine is preventing me from enjoying this music?'


No, more like this annoying, whining babble, and the accompanying terrible background chorus, grind on painfully for ages.
Excellent segue from Michael Hedges 11 Small Roaches, it wasn't till I heard the voices that I realized the change. 10!
8 >>> 9
Wow, and this why I love RP!
 sjccroquet wrote:
Spirit-Birb


Look in the eyes...not around the eyes...in the eyes. 
You are feeling sleepy...and...and...sleep!
 Chimpmeister wrote:

Horrible 



Could you be more specific? Like 'My horrible migraine is preventing me from enjoying this music?'
Horrible 
Missing from the lyrics:
Unammanahayo umma yeh, Unammanahayo umma yeh.(??)
....
Emannahyo Yo, Yo, Yo. Emannahyo Yo, Yo, Yo.

This is hard to find on the net, and I could find nothing definitive or explanatory.
Is it Indigenous Australian, or just Xavier Ruddian?
 sjccroquet wrote:
Spirit-Birb


Potoo! My eyes are dry just looking at this
 Djaxon wrote:
Spent 3 years in the early 90's fighting for environmental protection and justice, knocking on doors every night, rain or shine, blistering heat and withering cold, organising and attending rallies, testifying and speaking before committees city hall meetings and once against the state senate  confirmation of a man in a green suit, etc.... And the first time I really listened to this song, a couple decades after I had walked away from that battle, disillusioned by the effectiveness of corporate lobbies and their bought-and-paid-for politicians to undo months, even years, of grassroots battles to stop or prevent the poisoning of the air and water and poor families and little children, sitting at my desk, my work forgotten, by the end of the song, my tears blurring my vision and a fist in the air, mourning the inevitable consequences of avarice and greed, recognising my adherence to pacifism at that time as a weakness.
 
I think more than a few of us have followed the same path.  
 jsjacob wrote:

The melody at the beginning of the verse reminds me of the melody of "Patience" by Guns and Roses. Does anyone else hear it, too?
 


Yes, I do. Might be just you and me though.    And if I squint my ears a bit I even get some of the hushed singing style being slightly similar.  
 
Saw Mr. Rudd and his band open for Rodrigo y Gabriella at Wolf Trap several years back. I have to say, they blew the headliners out of the water.  
 mattenuttall wrote:

Spent the last 7 years trying to get Indigenous status from the Canadian Government so that I can be recognized by my own Indian Band. Tonight I was wrapping up another letter of inquiry into the matter when this song grabbed my attention.
Gotta love spooky coincidences like this....



Rudd finished writing this song in BC, very close to the Band HQ. Respect brother.
Dreamsong!
Spent the last 7 years trying to get Indigenous status from the Canadian Government so that I can be recognized by my own Indian Band. Tonight I was wrapping up another letter of inquiry into the matter when this song grabbed my attention.
Gotta love spooky coincidences like this....
 Grayson wrote:

A lot of songs/artists make claims to great spiritual notions and feelings. This one delivered those goods. 



Totally agree Grayson! not sure if you have heard this one by Xavier, he is the real deal... Check out Follow the Sun
 sjccroquet wrote:
Spirit-Birb

Wow - a potoo!
 duduhead wrote:

Gents let's not be too cool for school. This is a gorgeous song that shall be consumed on those special occasions... think Sunday mornings and such.

<snip>


You know what, you're right. This song has a lot of things going for it. They almost make up for what I don't enjoy in it. Bumping my rating from a 2 to a 4.
I love this song! So emotional, so ... This song always gives me goosebumps. 
 AndyJ wrote:

This song screams for a 12 sting on the intro...



It definitely screams.....
The part where he lays into it brings me close to what must be an ecstatic religious experience? I don't have experience with such things, but his singing and lyrics make all the little parts that make the whole of me just soar.
 meanderer wrote:

Heard this a few times. Great song.
Today I turned it up and listened. Fuck, that is powerful!
Thanks RP for playing. 10!




THANKS GOD FOR THE EXISTENCE OF RADIO PARADISE , I WILL BUY MORE SOON !!! OMMM ommm ...
Honestly, I admire his ability but for me the RP app "next track" button might as well be a "skip Xavier Rudd" button. It's almost the only time I press it.
 Jelani wrote:

MAGA!
 
How are you down voters feeling now?
Annoyingly repetitive. But that's meditation for you I guess...
This song has more feel than the 5th date with your new girlfriend.
God bless us all!
Beyond
meditation practice,
there is attitude. A beginner
must learn to cultivate what is called,
“the poise of a dying man”. What is this poise?
It is the poise of knowing what is important and what
is not, and of being accepting and forgiving. Anyone who has
ever been at the bedside of a dying man will understand
this poise. What would the dying man do if someone
were to insult him? Nothing. What would
the dying man do if someone
were to strike him?
Nothing.

As
he lay there,
would he scheme to
become famous or wealthy?
No. If someone who had once offended
him were to ask him for his forgiveness would he
not give it? Of course he would. A dying man knows
the pointlessness of enmity. Hatred is always
such a wretched feeling. Who wishes to
die feeling hatred in his heart?
No one. The dying
seek love and
peace.

Hsu-Yun
(Empty Cloud)
Spent 3 years in the early 90's fighting for environmental protection and justice, knocking on doors every night, rain or shine, blistering heat and withering cold, organising and attending rallies, testifying and speaking before committees city hall meetings and once against the state senate  confirmation of a man in a green suit, etc.... And the first time I really listened to this song, a couple decades after I had walked away from that battle, disillusioned by the effectiveness of corporate lobbies and their bought-and-paid-for politicians to undo months, even years, of grassroots battles to stop or prevent the poisoning of the air and water and poor families and little children, sitting at my desk, my work forgotten, by the end of the song, my tears blurring my vision and a fist in the air, mourning the inevitable consequences of avarice and greed, recognising my adherence to pacifism at that time as a weakness. 
And then.....I woke up
Beautiful!
One of the few songs that always makes me stop and turn the volume up.  Simply stunning 
Channeling Rhymin’ Simon
 freddyfender wrote:
After all the ugliness of the past four years I am going to dedicate myself to being a better person, helping others and having a positive attitude.  This song encapsulates everything I want to be going forward.

Peace and love to all!
 
MAGA!
After all the ugliness of the past four years I am going to dedicate myself to being a better person, helping others and having a positive attitude.  This song encapsulates everything I want to be going forward.

Peace and love to all!
A fabulous meditation...
To my mother Salut Mman ❤️
dont sleep on the dust
my throat starts hurting when I hear this.
Genuine, Authentic, Wholesome, Gutsy, Honest, Strong, Reflective, Spiritual, Healing, Talent, Talent, Talent .... ever more ....
Spirit-Birb
 taswegian wrote:
Make it stop!
 
Do what the Tasmanians did: genocide

The live version on Youtube without the slightly trite bird song in the background is just magical. He can really hold a tune.
Midnight Oil would loved to have recorded this!
He really nailed it with this..
Heard this a few times. Great song.
Today I turned it up and listened. Fuck, that is powerful!
Thanks RP for playing. 10!
sometimes I can't get enough of Xavier and then there are times I can't stand him. Today listening with casting to my tv and the slideshow is just magical. 
Ok, yeah it's gorgeous. But slow. Sad. Maudlin. Boring.
I hope he has more upbeat material in his catalog.
7 -> 9

It do be like that sometimes tho
What a wonderful song I am hearing radio paradise you are the bomb
I wonder if the quotation marks are actually part of the final verse.  That's not how he sings it, and it changes the meaning of those last lines juuust a little bit...
Agreed: you have to be in a sympathetic sate of mind to appreciate this -- no different from any other music, I might add.

Reminds me of the aftermath of a Police concert in 1982, Summit, Houston, TX.  As the crowd filed out, we were all mimicking Sting's "Yo, Yo, Yo!" refrains.  What a night!
Who is backing him? An audience? Studio? I would be honored to be part of that chorus...
My does this build powerfully.

Lived there for a couple years and traveled widely. Incredible land, with a terribly disrespected indigenous people.

Like Canada. Like indigenous people (almost) everywhere.
Beautiful powerful touching We all should live like indigenous people have lived throughout the ages Less ego more heart Mother Earth Great Spirit
Well, as all comments here to annoying part. Can agree a bit. However you shouldn't be listening to such songs too often, needs a special mood for that. I got one right now. Great vocals. Gave a 10 which I do very rare, but overall ratings here doesn't represent real value.
 dwhayslett wrote:
I'm hearing "Hang on to your yo-yo, yo."
 
Me too {#Ask}
This song has to be listened through you heart. Carries important message. Solid 8 from Slovakia
 Ihatethissong wrote:
Kimberly8 wrote:
I had no idea he was that beautiful!!

 
KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:

I this a sexist comment?  
I don't care.
 

Quick image search and, why yes!
He IS a magazine-ready hunk of Aussie beef, isn't he?
Superficial sexist observations?   yes!  ha ha!
Seriously, seems like a lovely man inside and out.
 
I will jump in here...its the eyes.  The bluest of blue.
How did I only rate this 7? What was I thinking? It's a beautiful song. It's a 9 if ever there was one. Well done sir.
glorious soaring vocal
Brilliant tune, love it.
I love this song.
Totally Song Du Jour. I'd rated it an 8 at some other point on the time/space continuum so I could bump it up a notch... on days like this. F-heads & their grandiose religiosity (= pure hypocrisies) pissing me OFF today. 
Sounds very Gusterish.
 Kimberly8 wrote:
I had no idea he was that beautiful!!
 
I this a sexist comment?  
I don't care.
İt means give freedom to your friends...
I'm hearing "Hang on to your yo-yo, yo."
A lot of songs/artists make claims to great spiritual notions and feelings. This one delivered those goods. 
 PurplePrincess wrote:
  I love this song, his voice.
 

 jasonv wrote:
I really love this song.
 

Me too... I hear hope and peace in this song..
I really love this song.
Simply beautiful...
If you listen with the slideshow accompaniment, it's amazing.
Hey Mario, Yo, Yo, Yo...
 AbileneTexas wrote:

Me too.
 
Make that 3.
 
 cohifi wrote:
Jeez.....tough crowd.  I think it's a nice song.

 
Me too.
He's a great performer. Typically he would play this song entirely on his own, beat box, didg, guitar, you name it.

There's no pretention - he's the real deal.
 FlatCat wrote:
I'm about as progressive politically as they come, and so am all for this guy's message. And I love folk music, rock music, world music, classical music, you name it. But somehow this song drives me into a frenzy of disdain to the point that I want to break things. To me it sounds so limp and wan. Oh well. Just what PSD was made for.

 

I had to PSD Jimi Hendrix and got this.  I liked this quite a bit better.  So there we go...
I'm about as progressive politically as they come, and so am all for this guy's message. And I love folk music, rock music, world music, classical music, you name it. But somehow this song drives me into a frenzy of disdain to the point that I want to break things. To me it sounds so limp and wan. Oh well. Just what PSD was made for.
Masculinity and Emotion Management

Bedazzled - Dolphin Song

{#Cheesygrin}
Make it stop!
Jeez.....tough crowd.  I think it's a nice song.
Had to mute.....maybe the range he's singing in plus his voice just trigger a fight or flight response or something but my brain finds it extremely grating, like fingernails on a chalkboard grating.
 hanssachs wrote:
This doesn't improve with repeated listenings ... too pretentious.

 
Can't say this song is working for me tonight—drags on way too long. May be the hunger talking. 
Reminds me of that dodgy song by Michael Jackson - Earth Song.