The Meaning Behind The Song: Pulaski at Night by Andrew Bird

Introduction

I first heard the song “Pulaski at Night” by Andrew Bird when it was released in 2013. As a filmmaker, I am always on the lookout for songs that evoke strong emotions and have a deeper meaning. This song immediately caught my attention with its beautiful melodies and poetic lyrics. In this article, I will explore the meaning behind “Pulaski at Night” and share my personal interpretation of it.

Table of Contents

The Lyrics

The lyrics of “Pulaski at Night” paint a vivid picture of the city of Chicago at night. The song opens with the lines, “Half empty, half full, Cup runneth over, Horns of plenty, coffers full, We’re starting over.” These lines suggest a hopeful tone, as if the narrator is embracing a fresh opportunity or a new beginning.

In the following verses, the songwriter expresses his struggle to convey his thoughts and experiences. The lines “I write you a story, But it loses its thread, And all of my witnesses, Keep turning up dead” depict a sense of frustration and loss. It seems like the artist is struggling to communicate his emotions, possibly due to a lack of understanding or connection from those around him.

The chorus repeats the phrase “I paint you a picture of Pulaski at night.” Pulaski is a reference to Pulaski Road, a major street in Chicago. The choice to specifically mention Pulaski at night suggests that the city holds a special significance for the songwriter during this time. The repetition of the chorus further emphasizes the importance of returning to Chicago, the “City of light.”

The post-chorus section simply repeats the phrase “started over.” This repetition adds to the overall theme of new beginnings and potentially leaving behind past experiences.

My Interpretation

Listening to “Pulaski at Night,” I am reminded of the feeling of being lost and disconnected in a city that is supposed to be filled with opportunities. As a filmmaker, I have often experienced moments of doubt and frustration, where my stories lose their thread and my witnesses seem to disappear. This song resonates with those emotions and brings them to life through its lyrics and melody.

The repeated desire to “paint a picture” and “send a postcard” of Pulaski at night suggests that the songwriter wants to share his unique perspective of the city, to capture its essence and perhaps find solace in its familiarity. This resonates deeply with me as a filmmaker, as I constantly seek to capture the soul and atmosphere of the locations I film in.

In my interpretation, “Pulaski at Night” is not just about Chicago or the specific experiences of the songwriter. It is a reflection on the universal struggle to communicate our innermost thoughts and emotions, and the longing for connection and understanding. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is always the possibility of starting over and finding the light.

Conclusion

The song “Pulaski at Night” by Andrew Bird is a beautiful and introspective piece that delves into the struggle of communication and the desire for connection. With its evocative lyrics and enchanting melody, it holds a deep meaning for many listeners. Personally, as a filmmaker, this song resonates with my own experiences and reminds me of the importance of capturing the essence of a place. “Pulaski at Night” is a profound reflection on new beginnings and the search for understanding in a world that often feels disconnected.

ncG1vNJzZminnJnBqrnEpqysoZNjsLC5jrBpaKyYmnquscCnoKefXZeyqbXNnWStoJViwLC6xmanrqSRqLiqecCtZKehl53Bbq7YZpinnKKaxG6uyKubaA%3D%3D