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Ian Anderson — The Secret Language of Birds
Album: The Secret Language of Birds
Avg rating:
6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 726









Released: 2000
Length: 4:13
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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This sparkling wine is all but empty.
Too late for trains and no taxis.
I know the feeling. Seems all too contrived.
There was no master plan but the fact is:
you must stay with me and learn the secret language of birds.
A tentative dawn about to be breaking
on a Rousseau garden with monkeys in hiding.
The truth of the matter, yet to be spoken
in words on which everything, everything's riding.
Now stay with me and learn the secret language of birds.

Circled by swallows
in a world for the weary.
Courted by warblers; wicked and eloquent trilling.

Lie in the stillness, window cracked open.
Extended moments, hours for the taking.
Careless hair on the pillow, a bold brushstroke.
Painted verse with a chorus in waiting.
Stay with me and learn the secret language of birds.
Comments (81)add comment
Yikes! 
Posted 3 years ago by Grayson    [ Reply ]
A bit of trivia. Anderson owns a decent chunk of South Skye, on Strathaird. It's amazing how rich you can get playing the flute. 

Personally I'd prefer to listen to 5 minutes of real birds tweeting.
Posted 3 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Never understood how people like this guy's music. Guess I wasn't given the right tastebuds.
Posted 3 years ago by TreyCowhig    [ Reply ]
Something only an engineer would wonder; how does he sing and play the flute at the same time?
Posted 3 years ago by tcseeley    [ Reply ]
More of the same... Jethro Tull v2.0.
Posted 6 years ago by Dinges,_the_Dude    [ Reply ]
The fun continues ~
Posted 6 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
Nice antidote to Yat-Kha
Posted 7 years ago by markybx    [ Reply ]
And this is exactly why I keep listening to RP.  Otherwise, I would never have heard this gem.  {#Laughing}
Posted 7 years ago by AKMacAddict    [ Reply ]
 Grammarcop wrote:
You may be able to learn the secret language of birds, but you'll never be able to speak it. You have a larynx to form sound. Birds have a syrinx. Your larynx is located in your throat. A bird's syrinx is located at the base of a bird's trachea. That leaves you physically unable to accurately produce the sounds made by songbirds. 

Thinking like a bird — I'm guessing — is much easier since my wife regularly accuses me of having bird brains.  

 

Posted 7 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
I like this 
Posted 7 years ago by jbuhl    [ Reply ]
First song up this morning when turning on RP. After 20 seconds of this, it's a bad omen for the day.  
Posted 7 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
I am definitely leaning towards the grim end of the ratings spectrum with this one.  In the 60's perhaps, but as recent as this?  
Posted 7 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
You may be able to learn the secret language of birds, but you'll never be able to speak it. You have a larynx to form sound. Birds have a syrinx. Your larynx is located in your throat. A bird's syrinx is located at the base of a bird's trachea. That leaves you physically unable to accurately produce the sounds made by songbirds. 

Thinking like a bird — I'm guessing — is much easier since my wife regularly accuses me of having bird brains.  
Posted 7 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
I can easily imagine Renaissance Faires nationwide banning Ian for being so OTT.  His singing reminds me of Richard Thompson's: they try too hard.
Posted 7 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Haven't really followed Anderson post-Tull. Very nice.
Posted 8 years ago by pixel-pusher    [ Reply ]
 Kaw wrote:
Nice distribution of ratings.

 
Very bimodal 
Posted 8 years ago by markybx    [ Reply ]
This is also why I listen to RP {#Cheers}
Posted 8 years ago by markybx    [ Reply ]
 hayduke2 wrote:
Super!

 
Agree!
Posted 8 years ago by ddog    [ Reply ]
maybe he means birds as in uk english words for chicks
Posted 8 years ago by SuperWeh    [ Reply ]
"Chirp, chirp, tweet, tweet" . . . think I got it.
Posted 8 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
I love tull, seen em 4 times, but RP keeps playing the odd 5hit.   Im not moaning, I just wish I heard more good tull on here or they'll get rated off the playlist.
Posted 9 years ago by stunix    [ Reply ]
Super!
Posted 9 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
2 the asshat who said the lyrics r gay

U MUST LIVE IN A CAVE 
Posted 10 years ago by Priapus    [ Reply ]
 RobGraham wrote:
This track was first introduced on the Jethro Tull Album Jtull.com. This is a different mix but still very pretty. I haven't looked at the comments on this song yet but my personal thoughts are that there is no such thing as a bad Ian anderson song, Jethro Tull or not
 
indeed
Posted 10 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]

tune is ok every once in a while, but the lyrics are really gay.


Posted 11 years ago by SuperWeh    [ Reply ]
Nice distribution of ratings.
Posted 11 years ago by Kaw    [ Reply ]
at last, more from Ian.......been a long time.......{#Dance}
Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
Mangoman wrote:
Absolutely! And, ditto for guitars! They're just supposed to quietly back the saxophones!
Tull's playing Phoenix next month...argh...still don't have tix. Pretty good tune.
Posted 19 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
FilmSurgeon wrote:
Flute rock. Blargghhh!
Absolutely! And, ditto for guitars! They're just supposed to quietly back the saxophones!
Posted 19 years ago by Mangoman    [ Reply ]
TonyT wrote:
A fine song off a great album from a great musician and showman, Ian Anderson. There are better songs on the record, such as "The Habanero Reel", but even the worst on the record are pretty good, in my estimation. The fact that I. Anderson/Jethro Tull continue to delight their fans, make new music, and tour after all these years is a testament to their creativity and integrity as musicians. It's easy to sell out after ten years, but takes a boatload of talent to make a 30-something year career out of being a popular musician, as Anderson and Tull have. Critics should consider at least that much.
Well said, Tony! Cheerio!
Posted 19 years ago by Beastie    [ Reply ]
A fine song off a great album from a great musician and showman, Ian Anderson. There are better songs on the record, such as "The Habanero Reel", but even the worst on the record are pretty good, in my estimation. The fact that I. Anderson/Jethro Tull continue to delight their fans, make new music, and tour after all these years is a testament to their creativity and integrity as musicians. It's easy to sell out after ten years, but takes a boatload of talent to make a 30-something year career out of being a popular musician, as Anderson and Tull have. Critics should consider at least that much.
Posted 19 years ago by TonyT    [ Reply ]
I know this is a familiar refrain on RP, but this is definitely NOT the best song on the CD. Ironically, "The Secret Language of Birds, Pt. II" is IMHO the best song Anderson has recorded in the past 18 years, whereas this is kind of a dull and listless version of the same. Maybe I'll upload it....
Posted 19 years ago by publiceric    [ Reply ]
Shesdifferent wrote:
I like Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull...but you need to expand your playlist of him. I know you guys rotate some of the same sets, but add some new cuts from this artist.
just upload files :P
Posted 19 years ago by spencer    [ Reply ]
This song is totally gay. Not that there's anything wrong with that...
Posted 19 years ago by Trustocity    [ Reply ]
Egrey wrote:
This album should be entitled, "The Secret Language of Sucking."
He's not so secretive about it...
Posted 19 years ago by stinkycheese    [ Reply ]
I like Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull...but you need to expand your playlist of him. I know you guys rotate some of the same sets, but add some new cuts from this artist. :roll:
Posted 19 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
I wish a bird would come and peck my eardrums out.
Posted 19 years ago by Tarindel    [ Reply ]
This album should be entitled, "The Secret Language of Sucking." This song reminds me of the jazz flute scene from Anchor Man...in a bad way. No mas, por favor.
Posted 19 years ago by Egrey    [ Reply ]
First time hearing this-wasn't aware of this solo album. Will take a few more listens but I like it so far.
Posted 19 years ago by Al_Koholic    [ Reply ]
Flute rock. Blargghhh!
Posted 19 years ago by FilmSurgeon    [ Reply ]
Master composer, full showman, musical genius. Even though a bit subdued, his solo albums still show his talent.
Posted 19 years ago by Beastie    [ Reply ]
This track was first introduced on the Jethro Tull Album Jtull.com. This is a different mix but still very pretty. I haven't looked at the comments on this song yet but my personal thoughts are that there is no such thing as a bad Ian anderson song, Jethro Tull or not
Posted 19 years ago by RobGraham    [ Reply ]
Tull = Great Ian = One legged dog... (yes you read that right)
Posted 19 years ago by Erie-T30    [ Reply ]
masterhead wrote:
Ian, don't listen to this mundane comments and keep playing your exquisite Music with that graceful voice..with or without the Tull..you are always welcome at my home...
Same here. A 9.
Posted 20 years ago by Tux    [ Reply ]
Ian, don't listen to this mundane comments and keep playing your exquisite Music with that graceful voice..with or without the Tull..you are always welcome at my home...
Posted 20 years ago by masterhead    [ Reply ]
Ok, so it's not my favorite tune on RP. But once again, variety is good. The local Clear Channel station plays no Tull/Ian Anderson except Aqualung, which they usually play 2-3 times during an eight hour work day.
Posted 20 years ago by czar    [ Reply ]
Art_Carnage wrote:
Turns out, it's just "tweet, tweet". What a disappointment.
First you may have to master a human language before you try translating from your cousin's language. Bird Brain!!
Posted 20 years ago by samiyam    [ Reply ]
I like the acoustic guitar.
Posted 20 years ago by Stuntcheeks    [ Reply ]
Oof. This one really downgrades as it goes along. I started it at 4. Then knocked it to 3, 2, finally just gave up and put it at 1.
Posted 20 years ago by MrSpaz    [ Reply ]
Ho Lee Cow
Posted 20 years ago by rascal420    [ Reply ]
Turns out, it's just "tweet, tweet". What a disappointment.
Posted 20 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
If this brings anything to mind... its a man who left his band to do opening themes for 80s sitcoms... (and no, i'm not saying thats what he did, what i think he did, or what he might have considered doing)
Posted 20 years ago by Eul0gy    [ Reply ]
I think this guy needs to talk to humans not birds. No getting stoned will not make this song sound better. :P
Posted 20 years ago by lovebuzz    [ Reply ]
I loved Tull in the 80's but I'm really tired of it now - and this just sounds like fluffy Tull
Posted 20 years ago by mperetz    [ Reply ]
BigCalm wrote:
Maybe you have to be stoned to appreciate this track? :?
i dunno. maybe you you should listen to it stoned and report back here afterwards! just kidding...
Posted 20 years ago by bluedot    [ Reply ]
rah wrote:
is anyone else out there put in mind of Spinal Tap's early career?
yeah, i can hear it, but i also hear jethro tull, which is the real deal. probably sounds cheesy to a non-tull fan, but i like it cuz i like tull. the melody kinda reminds me of "bungle in the jungle" era tull.
Posted 20 years ago by bluedot    [ Reply ]
Maybe you have to be stoned to appreciate this track? :?
Posted 21 years ago by BigCalm    [ Reply ]
is anyone else out there put in mind of Spinal Tap's early career?
Posted 21 years ago by rah    [ Reply ]
This song is so darned eclectic. It's way eclectic. It's overwhelming in its eclecticity. It defines ecleticism, one might say, and perhaps, might even be referred to appropriately as the definition of eclecticism. It is so eclectic, I can't fathom it. It is too eclectic for me.
Posted 21 years ago by Patrick    [ Reply ]
That sucks.
Posted 21 years ago by deadline    [ Reply ]
I wish there was a rating beneath Sucko-barfo...this song certainly deserves it.
Posted 21 years ago by ChicoCyclist    [ Reply ]
Anything Ian Anderson has done old or new, is better than 90% of the music available. However, there are better cuts on this CD.
Posted 21 years ago by lesthnzero    [ Reply ]
That was just daffy.
Posted 21 years ago by lordcruloze    [ Reply ]
And all along I was thinking Styx had the dumbest lyrics. Silly me...
Posted 21 years ago by GregX59    [ Reply ]
is it my connection, or did anyone else hear that cd-skipping effect just then? not that it spoilt my enjoyment of Mr Anderson, v. pleasant.
Posted 21 years ago by Mack    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by Gonzo: Damn... why can't he go get lost in the woods or something. Somebody take that flute away from him, yak!
I agree, I fear. Oh well, a song that's TOO eclectic for me once in a while is better than no eclectic radio at all! :p
Posted 22 years ago by RachyChica    [ Reply ]
Damn... why can't he go get lost in the woods or something. Somebody take that flute away from him, yak!
Posted 22 years ago by Gonzo    [ Reply ]
Ah cool... same set! This time I only missed Doves.
Posted 22 years ago by jpalembas    [ Reply ]
Damn, I turned down the volume during this godawful song and missed Doves, Equation and Springsteen. :(
Posted 22 years ago by jpalembas    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by Jacques: Nice, but only nice. This material sounds like it could have been a b-side of a single from the "Songs From the Wood" period... you know, the "Fairport Tull" years, which were far richer than the later "Twisted Tullster" years (when Tull won the grammy for best heavy metal recording)... what the heck wa that all about... Does Tull have a retrospective "very early years & rare stuff" CD boxed set, that I'd pay for... Cheers Jacques
Probably one of the better Tull collections is the one that came out in the cigar box package, there was a nice booklet and I believe 4 cd's. There was a subset of this package subsequently released. Smaller collections are prone to incongruous mixes and choppy flow as you might suspect, especially from a group like Tull that started out somewhat bluesy. When it comes to musical composition there are vert few Mozarts & Beethovens and thus it is indeed quite a feat to be profilic over ones entire career of writing songs. People change, thus the emotions that drove the young artist change over the years. Couple that with the fact that before they even sign that recording contract they may already have the cream of their creativty all ready and waiting to be recorded. The the record contract, press another disk, ready or not, now it's a job, whatever will I write about ?? Unfortunately for Ian and his fans, his throat has been ravaged over the years, couple that with some injuries that ensued from his histrionics on the stage, and of course father time ... Of course we change but we expect the artist to stay in the bag they were that attracted us to them ... For Tull info, checkout their web site (the web master is a band member too ) www.jethrotull.com (or as they say click here ;o) ) I am very happy to have seen them at their peak when Ian was at his best (he actually could sing sans technology and his histrionic acrobatics were great - quite a showman) , the times were a bit different. What a show they could put on. If you are a Tull fan of the early era, check out the short lived band Wild Turkey (Glen Cornick erstwhile bassplayer with Tull) was with them - they actually opened for Tull for a while). Also, check out Carmen (former Tull member John Glascock, the Amarels brother & sister - billed as Flamenco Rock) You might enjoy them ...
Posted 22 years ago by KAJMK    [ Reply ]
Very nice.
Posted 22 years ago by jeremyleo    [ Reply ]
Nice, but only nice. This material sounds like it could have been a b-side of a single from the "Songs From the Wood" period... you know, the "Fairport Tull" years, which were far richer than the later "Twisted Tullster" years (when Tull won the grammy for best heavy metal recording)... what the heck was that all about? Does Tull have a retrospective, a "very early years & rare stuff" CD boxed set, that I'd pay for... Cheers Jacques A Few More Thoughts...: (June 6, 2002): After repeated listening to this tune on Radio Paradise I have grown to like it quite a bit. It's not classic Ian Anderson, but it's solid and well written. I've upped my 6 to an 8. Let's say it grew on me. Jacques
Posted 22 years ago by Jacques    [ Reply ]
Excellent. Ian is the man. Although it pales in comparison to early Tull stuff. :D
Posted 22 years ago by madman    [ Reply ]
Excellent! :D
Posted 22 years ago by catsoup    [ Reply ]