So what’s it all about?
I don’t know. There was mention that the comedian in the song was Vic Reeves or Andrew Paresi or both?
The lines about ‘science’ ? What’s that about?
I’m probably all wrong, but I would love to hear more interpretations of what these lyrics mean to others.
To me the Fantastic Bird could be the stages of fame, or the idea that fame is what will bring happiness, or the Fantastic Bird represents the vehicle that will propel this aspiring comedian to the heights of fame. All the while, the friend or partner of this fame driven comedian that wants to go higher and higher, warns him or her that they won’t find happiness up there, that the happiness they crave won’t be found in the audience’s applause, that it will only be found down here in the
arms of the love that’s always been offered up by the narrator.
‘
What brings you down to earth?
Oh yes, of course -
It was a lack of applause
Scrap metal for a fantastic bird’
This person’s career fails and his or her dreams of becoming or staying famous are scrapped.
Guess that’s one way to look at some of it. Made me think of Jobriath’s song Space Clown, but found no connection.
It’s a strange little rocker, but unfortunately or fortunately, Fantastic Bird will never be Morrissey’s Free Bird.