Aldous Harding - What If Birds Don't Sing They' Re Screaming

[@RudolfSchmidt]

what a rare phenomenon she is. it's a cause for celebration.

[@ogungou9]

"In a world without melancholy, nightingales would start to burp." Emil Cioran.

[@marlobardo4274]

Tell Cioran that nightingales in bliss cannot but remain silent.

[@gracenottingham6316]

I love how she acts as she sings ... she entirely consumes herself in her work.

[@krllr]

for me it appears as if she is a crystal-meth consumer (irises dilated). beautiful one, though

[@helenlizzystewart4908]

@@krllr do you know for sure??????

[@noahnipperus7320]

She's reacting to and incorporating the feelz she get from the pianoist,,, HOWEVER SHE IS PUSHING AND PULLING THE PIANIST AS MUCH AS THEY ARE PUSHING AND PULLING her... 2:38

[@evelynpreis1567]

@Futures not ou business anyway

[@themysticmuse1111]

I think it, consumes, her. 🤔😁🤭

[@lacroix1976]

Aldous....you are the perfect blend......^^

[@cedricathlan9399]

EXACTLY!

[@raideaux]

My favourite shade of cra'y

[@thomas0101]

Aldous is the best new artist 4AD has signed in a long time and that's saying something as they have a lot of great artists... I love how powerful her songs are with such minimalism. She just lets the unspeakable energetic flow of creativity flow through her unfiltered. So beautiful. This could be the theme song for the fight against climate change...

[@olektwbolek9086]

climate change?, wake up, rebel against NWO, otherwise you won't be singing, you'll be screaming.

[@laskieg]

@@olektwbolek9086 good one

[@Trollificusv2]

le sigh. Climate gonna change, people gonna people. And some people will get used to assist the elites and the owners in their efforts for more power and wealth. And tighter control. Well-intentioned people can't see that their thoughtful and useful policy proposals AREN'T what's going to ultimately be implemented.

[@sylviahouston4969]

Cut out the last sentence and agreed. She is out of this world!

[@thomas0101]

@@sylviahouston4969 I'm curious, do you say that because you understand that climate change is mostly a New World Order bullshit narrative?

[@themysticmuse1111]

I think this was the video that sealed the deal, on my new found love for her. She's become my favorite of all time. Fucking love her.

[@bobrossantichrisst]

I'm laying in my dark house all alone. Sobbing at the beauty of this angel, not a ghost

[@Retro-Future-Land]

Pull yourself together now Tabby.

[@bobrossantichrisst]

@@Retro-Future-Land I was going through a emotional crisis and found peace in this song. Hope all is well with you friend

[@Retro-Future-Land]

@@bobrossantichrisst It is, and thanks for asking. Glad the storm has passed for you.

[@bobrossantichrisst]

@@Retro-Future-Land all the best

[@ashleybonser4214]

Nice 🙏❤️

[@jamespendleyjr.6614]

I feel this story miss. Painful when I didn't know my family anymore. Different stories I'm sure. Thank you for sharing your work and gifts with us.

[@Kate77777]

this is such a perfect song

[@themysticmuse1111]

I still love this now, as much as when I discovered it. Props to the dude on piano, too. 😁🤭❤️

[@deadfamouspeople4551]

This version is so much better than the album version

[@christriance-martin2168]

I've seen her twice now, once in Montreal when I drove 1000kms just for one night and her show after seeing The Barrel video, then once again in Toronto a couple years later. The Montreal show was very intimate with maybe 75-100 people in a 2nd floor bar. The show in Toronto had about 1000 people. Wish her all the success in the world, but the smaller show was the best.

[@markdavey8142]

Dietrich/Piaf... she's already timeless.

[@stephbootie6514]

Staggering & Beautiful

[@russellwolf6272]

This is a breath of fresh air!

[@chrisbabbitt9149]

This song makes me cry...

[@johncastle8254]

Fascinating ,what a voice ,great songs ,new fan here.

[@cookoofunners]

I can whole-heartedly say my favourite concert was yours in the Redroom, Montreal. I will cherish that experience forever. Thank you and endless love from your friends in New Brunswick xx

[@pirro31]

eric's trip!!

[@visionepersa]

Una canzone così, cantata così, non succede spesso; entra nelle ossa e ti attraversa, è nata una stella.

[@bodhicitta111]

She treads this amazing thin line between grotesque and beautiful. Is she bleating? Is she singing? Is she having a seizure? Meanwhile she asks a really good question

[@MrInterestingthings]

You got it very wellin words . She personifies our age's anxiety , needs , discomforts etc . Brilliant 4 AD artist !

[@learntoswim9050]

Reminds me of the time stevie nicks appeared on south park, but was a goat

[@themysticmuse1111]

😅😁🤭🙃

[@ianyoung7077]

@@learntoswim9050 That deserves at least one like

[@moosemeatmafia]

Woooow. I listened to her song Horizon from Wentworth. I had to look her up cause her voice totally mesmorized me. She's amazing and so talented.❤

[@korosuchimu1479]

Wow, beautiful song!♥️

[@sidtico]

She is singing and screaming at the same time and good actor too

[@daskleinegluck4553]

More than ever I am deeply in love with her. Aldous Harding is a permanently fulfilling promise 🥰.

[@themysticmuse1111]

What if birds aren't singing they're screaming I got high, I thought I saw an angel But he was just a ghost He was making wooden posts out of my family What if birds aren't singing they're screaming What if birds aren't singing they're screaming What if my moon gets caught up in my waning Trapped under a sky left blacker than the eyes of my visitors What if birds aren't singing they're screaming What if birds aren't singing they're screaming I got high, I thought I saw an angel But it was just a ghost heaving under his cloak What if birds aren't singing they're screaming What if birds aren't singing they're screaming

[@Littlemouse884]

Now " I know why the caged bird sings"

[@gavinreid8351]

Most bird song is used as a territorial display. Perhaps it actually is closer to screaming.

[@Trollificusv2]

Maybe. I DID see a bunch of robins doing an avian huka dance ritual the other day.

[@mdlatham7]

Brilliant of course.

[@harrisonbergeron3599]

Naw, they're just saying "Hey babe, I'll build you a nest if you let me doink you."

[@atbonaiuto]

This is totally all consuming, I love it

[@noahnipperus7320]

Whatever this is I love everything about it

[@LordAmbrosia1]

Terrific!

[@politepeppermint]

🐦 how delightfully strange, im drawn in like a moth to a light with her musical genius 🐦

[@stephbootie6514]

No Aldous your the Angel with an Angelic voice

[@doctor19741]

so good, jeez, girl!

[@deadfamouspeople4551]

Love this

[@nomudnolotusnodragonnogold]

Brilliant.🔥

[@noahnipperus7320]

I listen to this often a year later

[@crookedtimber34]

Awesome

[@AndersonAdoN]

Maravilhosa como sempre!

[@robertd8351]

Despite my feeling about birds singing, this is honestly a good song!

[@deadfamouspeople4551]

A cross between Piaf and Christine Hynde

[@laureardouin7034]

and Jeff Buckley

[@gregoryhussey6477]

and NICO

[@augopen]

And Nick Drake and Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell and Van Morrison and PJ Harvey

[@Trollificusv2]

@@augopen I dunno about Joni Mitchell. They both do poetry, but the live presentation is SO different. Joni was amazingly talented and her presentation was kind of "Just listen to this range, this invented guitar tuning, these words, and just look how effing absolutely golden and beautiful I am!" (and she was) Aldous expresses emotions that are displayed, but somehow still opaque; mysterious and very clearly different from anyone else. She rolls her eyes back into her head and then snaps a stare right into the camera and _she sees you_ ! It's amazing and beyond cool.

[@orejonejo]

the concepto me da escalofrio y a la vez una risa grandote porque hay unos k me visitan cada dia y now i think theyre no saying hi but "hey feed me!"

[@MrInterestingthings]

Harding is the most interesting act 4ad has had in decades !

[@sunfish87]

If you slow the sound of birds way down, they sound like dinosaurs. Chickens sound completely nuts. As if we really know what dinosaurs sound like. Perhaps they did sound like huge birds though.

[@nevermorenevermores]

I think the song's title comes from Angela Carter's tale "The Erl-King".

[@JamesSmith-vk2ky]

Aldous must be getting some good shit! 😃

[@indigographics8780]

Fine

[@RustyLongPipe]

Only discovered this artist today but she’s a little like Regina Spektor. Her track “Beast” is brilliant. Love the lyrics. Not too keen on this one though. Going to check out some more.

[@grapsta]

The tiny desk concert is great

[@elodietaricco1521]

Je l'adore, je l'écoute en boucle...Par contre, difficile à regarder tant elle grimace

[@ChilledAlmondJelly]

Can someone please transcribe the piano? 😍

[@colincarr2052]

Why the long face?

[@libertygriffin3905]

anyone know what the chords are for this song?

[@fixpie]

I might have got the studio version by ear. there are two chord lines that intertwine throughout the song. repeat Dm F G G/A switch for the first time at "he was making wooden" to C Em F G from that point on the two switch frequently.. try to figure out the rest of the changes by ear. Hope this helped :)

[@fixpie]

Ok. Maybe the live version is something like C Em F Em7/G (just like before) And then F Em F Em F Em F Em7/G And obviously many 7s and maj7s all around ("It's a thought")

[@Screenwriting]

Note to self: Don't get high.

[@noahnipperus7320]

[@vadersimpson6717]

On which cd is this song?

[@fergusfox]

This is on her new cd "Party", due out in May.

[@ronrendon]

Fooking Brilliant artist.

[@mama--rua]

birds are singing BTW it translates to life is good, follow your bliss, i am happy, love love love.........

[@marycdacat]

Gena- Woman under the influence

[@LuisMedinaInformador]

Shower Thoughts...

[@nomudnolotusnodragonnogold]

I hate it when my moon gets caught up in my waning.😔 That heavy weight of the planets...

[@eyezehowzy]

She should record a song about leaving a bad smell in someone else's toilet and not being ashamed.

[@moleratical1232]

what a beautiful song

[@StatGuru222]

I love her art.

[@LokiLL999]

Aldous. 🌈

[@ruyrty9539]

Werner Herzog says Hi!

[@seansquire6020]

Reminds me of Anthony & the Johnosons

[@RandomEarthCinema]

This is def based on single pigeon by paul :)

[@monsterjesse]

God i luv her/ lol

[@ndines6237]

Why does something about this song and her vocal remind me of Edith Piaf?

[@omenelis]

werner herzog approves!!!

[@seroquelchamber]

She changed me

[@noahnipperus7320]

2:40

[@shantrannyduck]

Piaf ?

[@KVID1000]

Neither singing or screaming.

[@JamesSmith-vk2ky]

I think she's right actually. 🤔

[@降雨侍]

I wrote this to.

[@vermaledeit1799]

so wonderful and classy, amazing song!😍 does anyone know which kind of epiano this is? sounds great

[@daweller]

she should do acting ( movies )

[@karl9411]

she is acting

[@daweller]

@@karl9411 nope

[@clacclackerson3678]

I want to look at the lyrics but can't take my eyes off her face.

[@philroot84]

Werner Herzog would like this song

[@lautjeclause2069]

What a woman!

[@bluebirdvienna]

[@currentresident3775]

A bit like Marlene Dietrich!! Love it.

[@alexandermatthewsmusic]

No Aldous they are in fact singin

[@julianandres6211]

I wouldn't bet on it.

[@JamesSmith-vk2ky]

@@julianandres6211 Ikr?

[@eddieredmond7674]

Sorry to be so anal here, but it is early hours of the morning, and I've read several stories in grammatically incorrect newspapers today, written by people who write for a living, and thus should know better. To the point then; The title of this piece is not even close to correct despite being off target by only a few letters. Consequently, it fails to depict the meaning implied within the song. This seems to be a recurrent theme on KZbin, which is understandable if Copyright is breached, but just sad when (C) isn't an issue. Our children learn their use of English on here, and similar sites, so there is some need to not just write stuff without any care for accuracy and/or the capture of implied meaning. For the current song, the title suggests that, if birds are not singing, then they are screaming, This title, taken as a statement, is nonsensical. It suggests that the song delivers a statement to the effect that, when birds are not singing, then they are screaming. If this were a true statement, then birds would very quickly get sore throats. Followed to its conclusion, I would say that by observation of behaviour of birds, If Birds are not singing, then they are eating, drinking, sitting quietly, etc. Or, more in keeping with the lyrics, and the likely meaning within the songs lyrics, I would simply quote the lyric itself, "What if birds aren't singing, they're screaming"? It seems likely that bird-song is a territorial shout-out to potential adversaries, to say something like, "this is my patch mate, so p*s$ off somewhere else and build your nest there, else-wise I'll have to kick yer ass!" It's very unlikely they do it because of the pleasing sounds they make...

[@bobrossantichrisst]

Eddie Redmond thanks?

[@n2tattoos]

what's up with her faces?

[@jimsmint]

What's up with *your* face?

[@vedista]

what's up with your mind ?

[@shantrannyduck]

it is called expression emoting acting ....

[@n2tattoos]

jim jim I only make faces like that when crapping.

[@n2tattoos]

vedista I've clearly lost my mind. And I don't make faces like that...

[@guinnesstrail]

A bit too over the top for my blood. Her music doesn’t need the pointless theatrics. But it’s great to hear idiosyncratic pop being sung again.

[@daveco1270]

I think she's a talented woman (and the name of this song is brilliant) but I can't take all of the weird voices she does in her songs. Whether she's doing a weird low-range foreign accent or a high-pitched child-like voice, it's all just a little too much for me. Maybe it has to grow on you over time. I've only heard a few of her songs. For now I'll stick with Courtney Barnett as my favorite female Aussie singer. I'm glad there's a market for what Aldous is doing. It's a lot more interesting than most of the auto tuned BS pop songs out there that are usually sung by someone pretty who didn't even write it.

[@Uglylefthand]

DaveCo777 She's from New Zealand. Courtenay Barnett would be your favourite Aussie either way.

[@daveco1270]

They're a few thousand miles apart, but for some reason in my mind they're practically the same place. Like if I was visiting in Australia I could just pop over to New Zealand for lunch on a dingy with an outboard motor. (In reality it's like going from New York to Los Angeles with nothing but ocean underneath.)

[@audreyh6628]

No Dave. You are wrong

[@Trollificusv2]

@@daveco1270 2500 miles.So yeah. Those mapmakers play pretty fast and lose with that shit, y'know? Coz last map I looked at I was wondering if there was a bridge.

[@vcr210]

What a terrible way to look at, and listen to nature.

[@nemerobeid367]

WTF?!?!?!?!?!?!