Canary

2005
In the northern areas of East Anglia during the spring of 2005, long scarves of yellow and green bands could be seen framing even longer, rather anxious, faces.

At the time this lyric is being composed, the fate of Norwich City Football Club, relating to their status in the Premier Division, had not yet been resolved.

After a drubbing from Chelsea, spirits were low. Whichever way the fates might choose, the fans would need a song to boost their morale.

For those that have no interest in football, the language and the message is intended to be such as to help anyone take heart in the face of perceived failure after an honest and energetic effort to accomplish a particular task.

There is often a sub-conscious motive that helps to drive the creation of a song. Perhaps this is a case in point. My daughter was going through a period of self-doubt and was seriously considering walking away from a nearly completed University degree course. Perhaps the thoughts of a concerned father are not far away.

Verse 1

Sing, canary, let’s hear you sing

Although the world may seem wrong

You flew so high, the sun burned your wing

Tomorrow you will be strong

High, canary, you must aim high

Bravely face a new dawn

Cast off your woe – see your cares go

Fly canary just fly!

Repeat last two lines to changed rhythm

Verse 2:

Trust, canary, each passing day

Will build your strength to go on

Soon your sadness will be far away

Happiness thrives in the sun

Stay, canary, no need to cry

The future shining so bright

Zest in your flight – everything right

Fly, canary, just fly!

Repeat Verse 1 including repeat of last 2 lines and finish.