Column: The love song of a Bird

One of my greatest loves is music and, more specifically, Andrew Bird’s music.

Hailing from Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in violin performance from Northwestern University, Andrew Bird is a brilliant violinist.

However, what sets him apart from and above the rest is how he incorporates the violin in his music.

Originally, with the band Bowl of Fire, Bird played a mix of swing, jazz, folk and blues.
He then parted ways with Bowl of Fire and began his solo career, in which he now plays rock with an interesting blend of violin, whistling, bass, drums, glockenspiel and guitar.

His songs are beautifully layered using a loop pedal to create depth within each song. Often, his songs revolve around topics of history, science, curious mannerisms and, indirectly, love.

However, his newest album, “Do It Yourself,” will be released in March and will have one of my favorite love songs on it.

The third time I saw Andrew Bird live was in 2009.  For the encore, they played a new song from Bird’s album-to-be.

He began the song by explaining how he wanted to write a love song with a theme that centered on the tragic sinking of the Lusitania during World War I.

A little strange, a little unconventional — yet the song was executed perfectly. So how did he create one of my favorite love songs from an historical event many people do not even remember today?

The repeating line of the song is “You’re the one who sank my Lusitania.” That striking line resonates with anyone who has been in love before. It is only one line, but it holds the weight of every breakup and make-up a relationship can have. Though I only saw it performed twice, the song has a way of clinging to me.

Since my freshman year of high school, Andrew Bird’s music has been a constant aspect of my life.

It has shaped friendships and memories, and I know it will continue to do so with his new album.

His popularity has significantly risen since 2009’s “Noble Beast,” and his music continues to evolve.

I hope you have a lovely Valentine’s Day with songs such as “Lusitania,” “I’ll Be There” by the Jackson 5 and the Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” playing softly in the background of your day.

­— bafinkel@indiana.edu