The Meaning Behind The Song: Wildflower by Skylark
Skylark’s “Wildflower” is one of the most iconic songs in rock history. It speaks of a fragile and misunderstood soul, who blossoms into a beautiful and unique flower, despite all the odds. Today, the song stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the power of perseverance. In this article, we explore the origins and meaning of “Wildflower.”
The Origins of the Song
“Wildflower” was first released by the Canadian band Skylark in 1973, and it was an instant hit. According to lead singer Donny Gerard, the song was written during a difficult time in his life. He was struggling with addiction and heartbreak, and he found solace in music.
In an interview, Gerard said, “‘Wildflower’ was written at four o’clock in the morning on a Sunday when I was facing some pretty serious things in my life. Within an hour, I had the song down. It’s a true story, written from the heart.”
The song was later covered by several artists, including Color Me Badd, Lisa Fischer, and The O’Jays. It has also been used in movies, TV shows, and commercials, making it a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences around the world.
The Lyrics of “Wildflower”
The lyrics of “Wildflower” are poetic, poignant, and deeply emotional. They paint a vivid picture of a person who is struggling to find their place in the world, but discovers their own inner strength and power.
The song begins with the lines, “She’s faced the hardest times, you could imagine, And many times, her eyes fought back the tears.” These words immediately evoke sympathy and compassion for the song’s subject, who is described as someone who has faced numerous hardships in her life.
The chorus of the song contains the famous line, “She’s a free and gentle flower, growing wild.” This line suggests that the person is unique and beautiful, but also fragile and vulnerable like a flower. However, the fact that she is “growing wild” suggests that she is resilient and determined to overcome adversity.
The song’s second verse continues to describe the person’s struggles, but also highlights her perseverance. “No chains of steel can hold her down,” the lyrics say. This line suggests that despite the obstacles she has faced in her life, the person has an unbreakable spirit.
The final lines of the song are perhaps the most powerful: “For a lonely soul, afraid of dying, Alone and left out in the cold, Her fragile beauty, lies safe in your hands.” These lines suggest that the person is afraid of being forgotten or overlooked, but the song’s narrator recognizes her beauty and worth.
The Meaning of “Wildflower”
“Wildflower” is a song that speaks to anyone who has ever felt misunderstood, rejected, or alone. It is about the human spirit’s capacity to endure and persevere, even in the face of adversity. The song’s message of hope and resilience has made it a beloved classic over the years.
In an interview, Donny Gerard said, “The song is about reaching out and helping each other, because we can’t do it by ourselves sometimes. And the ultimate message, of course, is hope.”
The song’s enduring popularity speaks to its universal appeal. It has touched millions of people around the world, and it continues to be a source of inspiration and comfort to those who need it most.
In Conclusion
“Wildflower” is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. Its poetic lyrics, haunting melody, and powerful message of hope and resilience have made it a beloved song for generations. The fact that it continues to be covered and used in popular culture is a testament to its enduring relevance and importance.
As Donny Gerard said, “Everybody at some point in their life needs to hear a message that tells them that they can make it. And ‘Wildflower’ is that message.” For anyone who has ever felt lost or alone, this song is a reminder that they are not alone and that they can overcome any obstacle. It is truly a beautiful and inspiring work of art.
