Music has a way of embedding itself into our hearts, often through the stories it tells. “Wildflower” by Skylark is no exception. This haunting ballad from the early ’70s has captured the emotions and imaginations of listeners for decades. But what is the meaning behind “Wildflower”? What inspired its poignant lyrics and the soulful melody that accompanies them? In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the lyrics of “Wildflower,” unravel its emotional depth, and explore the fascinating trivia surrounding this timeless song.
The Birth of Skylark’s Iconic Hit
Skylark was a Canadian rock band that found its moment of fame in the early 1970s. Composed of a diverse group of musicians, the band brought a unique blend of rock, pop, and soul to the music scene. Their most notable achievement was the release of “Wildflower,” which quickly climbed the charts. But how did this song come to be? It all started with Doug Edwards, the band’s guitarist, and Dave Richardson, a police officer who wrote the song’s lyrics. Together, they created a piece that would leave an indelible mark on music history.
The Meaning of “Wildflower” by Skylark
“Wildflower” by Skylark is an evocative exploration of resilience and beauty in the face of adversity. The song paints vivid imagery of a wildflower growing against the odds, symbolizing strength and perseverance. Like a wildflower that thrives in the harshest conditions, the song’s protagonist finds beauty and grace amidst life’s challenges. Skylark’s poignant lyrics and haunting melody invite listeners to reflect on their own journeys, encouraging them to find their inner strength and bloom wherever they are planted. The metaphor of the wildflower serves as a reminder that even in the toughest circumstances, there is potential for extraordinary growth and transformation.
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
She’s faced the hardest times you could imagine
And many times her eyes fought back the tears
And when her youthful world
Was about to fall in
[Pre-Chorus]
Each time her slender shoulders
Bore the weight of all her fears
And a sorrow no one hears
Still rings in midnight silence in her ears
[Chorus]
Let her cry for she’s a lady
Let her dream
For she’s a child
Let the rain fall down upon her
She’s a free and gentle flower
Growing wild
[Bridge]
And if by chance I should hold her
If by chance I should hold her
Let me hold her for a time!
Let me hold her for a time!
But, if allowed just one possession
I would pick her from the garden
I would pick her from the garden
To be mine
To be mine
[Verse 2]
Be careful how you touch her
For she’ll awaken
And sleep’s the only freedom
That she knows
And when you walk into her eyes
You won’t believe
[Pre-Chorus]
The way she’s always paying
For a debt she never owes
And a silent wind still blows
That only she can hear and so she goes
[Chorus]
Let her cry for she’s a lady
Let her dream
For she’s a child
Let the rain fall down upon her
She’s a free and gentle flower
Growing wild
Let her cry for she’s lady
Let her dream
For she’s a child
Let the rain fall down upon her
She’s a free and gentle flower
Growing wild
[Outro]
She’s a flower
Growing wild
She’s free
Growing wild
Verse 1: The Struggle of a Young Woman
“She’s faced the hardest times you could imagine
And many times her eyes fought back the tears
And when her youthful world
Was about to fall in”
The opening verse sets the stage for the listener, introducing us to a young woman who has faced significant challenges. Her life has been fraught with difficulties, and despite her best efforts, she’s often on the verge of breaking. This verse captures the essence of resilience and the silent battles that many people face. It’s a universal theme that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced hardship.
Pre-Chorus 1: Silent Suffering
“Each time her slender shoulders
Bore the weight of all her fears
And a sorrow no one hears
Still rings in midnight silence in her ears”
The pre-chorus introduces the concept of silent suffering. The young woman bears her burdens quietly, with no one truly understanding the depth of her sorrow. This imagery of midnight silence emphasizes the loneliness that often accompanies such pain. It’s a powerful reminder that many people carry invisible weights, struggling in ways that are not always apparent to the outside world.
Chorus: The Free and Gentle Flower
“Let her cry for she’s a lady
Let her dream
For she’s a child
Let the rain fall down upon her
She’s a free and gentle flower
Growing wild”
The chorus is arguably the most memorable part of the song. It juxtaposes the delicate nature of a flower with the free spirit of a wildflower. The young woman is seen as both a lady and a child, embodying vulnerability and innocence. The rain symbolizes cleansing and renewal, suggesting that even in sorrow, there is a chance for growth and freedom. This duality makes the chorus particularly impactful, resonating with listeners on multiple levels.
Bridge 1: The Desire to Protect
“And if by chance I should hold her
If by chance I should hold her
Let me hold her for a time!
Let me hold her for a time!
But, if allowed just one possession
I would pick her from the garden
I would pick her from the garden
To be mine
To be mine”
The bridge shifts the perspective to someone who wishes to protect and cherish the young woman. There’s a desire to hold her, even if just for a moment, and to make her their own. This section of the song highlights the tension between wanting to possess something beautiful and recognizing the need to let it grow freely. It’s a poignant reminder that love often involves balancing protection with freedom.
Verse 2: Caution and Awareness
“Be careful how you touch her
For she’ll awaken
And sleep’s the only freedom
That she knows
And when you walk into her eyes
You won’t believe”
The second verse brings a note of caution. The young woman is fragile, and any interaction with her must be handled with care. Sleep represents her escape from the harsh realities of life. This verse adds another layer to her character, showing that her inner world is complex and filled with both beauty and pain. The cautionary tone serves as a reminder to approach others with empathy and understanding.
Pre-Chorus 2: The Injustice She Bears
“The way she’s always paying
For a debt she never owes
And a silent wind still blows
That only she can hear and so she goes”
The second pre-chorus emphasizes the injustice of the young woman’s situation. She’s burdened with responsibilities and sorrows that are not rightfully hers. The silent wind represents the ongoing presence of her struggles, something that only she can truly understand. This section speaks to the unfairness that many people face, carrying the weight of circumstances beyond their control.
Chorus Reprise: Reinforcing the Theme
“Let her cry for she’s a lady
Let her dream
For she’s a child
Let the rain fall down upon her
She’s a free and gentle flower
Growing wild
Let her cry for she’s a lady
Let her dream
For she’s a child
Let the rain fall down upon her
She’s a free and gentle flower
Growing wild”
The reprise of the chorus reinforces the central theme of the song. It reminds us once again of the young woman’s delicate yet free-spirited nature. The repetition of this chorus serves to solidify its message, making it even more memorable and impactful.
Outro: A Final Reflection
“She’s a flower
Growing wild
She’s free
Growing wild”
The outro brings the song to a gentle close, summarizing the essence of the young woman as a wildflower. She’s free, growing wild, and embodying both beauty and resilience. This final reflection leaves the listener with a sense of hope and admiration for her strength.
The Cultural Impact of “Wildflower”
Since its release, “Wildflower” has been covered by numerous artists, each bringing their unique interpretation to the song. It has been featured in various films and television shows, further cementing its place in popular culture. The song’s timeless appeal lies in its universal themes of struggle, resilience, and freedom. It’s a testament to the power of music to convey deep emotions and connect with people across different walks of life.
Trivia and Lesser-Known Facts
Did you know that “Wildflower” was initially written as a poem by Dave Richardson? The lyrics were later set to music by Doug Edwards, creating the masterpiece we know today. Another interesting fact is that the song almost didn’t get recorded. It was only after a chance meeting with a record producer that Skylark got the opportunity to bring “Wildflower” to life.
The Legacy of Skylark
While Skylark disbanded after a few years, their contributions to music remain significant. “Wildflower” continues to be celebrated as one of the most beautiful and evocative songs of its time. The band’s ability to blend rock, pop, and soul elements created a unique sound that resonated with audiences worldwide. Their legacy lives on through the lasting impact of “Wildflower.”
Analyzing the Musical Composition
The musical composition of “Wildflower” is as integral to its success as the lyrics. The combination of gentle guitar strumming, haunting keyboard melodies, and soulful vocals creates an atmosphere of introspection and emotion. The arrangement is carefully crafted to support the storytelling, allowing the lyrics to shine while enhancing the overall mood of the song.
Cover Versions and Interpretations
Over the years, “Wildflower” has been covered by a variety of artists, each bringing their unique style to the song. From jazz renditions to soulful ballads, these interpretations highlight the song’s versatility and emotional depth. Notable covers include versions by Johnny Mathis, The O’Jays, and Color Me Badd, each adding a new dimension to the timeless classic.
The Song’s Relevance Today
Despite being released in the early ’70s, “Wildflower” remains relevant today. Its themes of resilience, freedom, and silent suffering continue to resonate with listeners. In a world where people still face significant challenges, the song serves as a reminder of the strength and beauty that can arise from adversity. It’s a timeless piece that speaks to the human experience.
Conclusion
“Wildflower” by Skylark is more than just a song; it’s a poignant narrative of struggle, resilience, and freedom. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level. Through its evocative lyrics and soulful melody, “Wildflower” continues to inspire and move people across generations. If you’re a music enthusiast eager to explore more behind-the-scenes stories and lyrical analyses, stay tuned for our upcoming posts. For now, take a moment to listen to “Wildflower” again, and perhaps you’ll discover new layers of meaning in this beautiful, haunting ballad.