Bird on a Wire
Tim Hardin · 1971
35 min · 10 tracks · traditional folk music
A haunting blend of folk melodies and introspective lyrics that evoke a deep sense of longing and reflection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Bird on the Wire — This title track serves as the emotional centerpiece of the album, encapsulating themes of freedom and vulnerability through its evocative imagery and melody.
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Georgia on My Mind — Hardin’s interpretation offers a heartfelt rendition that imbues the classic with a sense of personal longing, showcasing his vocal depth and emotive power.
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A Satisfied Mind — In this track, Hardin explores existential themes with a reflective tone, highlighting his ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet profound lyrics.
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Love Hymn — This track stands out for its serene beauty and lyrical intimacy, demonstrating Hardin's skill in merging personal narrative with universal sentiments.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends reflective lyrics with folk melodies, creating an introspective listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a slow, reflective tempo, while the fourth track introduces a more upbeat rhythm that contrasts with the preceding songs.
- Hardin's vocal delivery often features a conversational style, with phrasing that emphasizes emotional weight and lyrical nuance.
- Several tracks incorporate instrumental interludes that allow for moments of silence and contemplation, enhancing the introspective quality of the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- introspective narratives for contemplation
- melancholic melodies for quiet evenings
- soothing sounds for afternoon relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer upbeat dance tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Bird on a Wire was Tim Hardin's fourth studio album, released in 1971 following his breakthrough success with 'If I Were a Carpenter' in 1966. By this point, Hardin had established himself as a significant figure in the folk scene, though he was grappling with personal challenges that influenced his songwriting during this era. This album reflects a transitional phase as Hardin explored deeper emotional landscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nick Drake· Leonard Cohen· John Martyn
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Bird on the Wire
The narrative shifts from yearning for freedom to acknowledging the weight of life's choices.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Bird on the Wire 5:27
- 2 Moonshiner 3:14
- 3 Southern Butterfly 2:53
- 4 A Satisfied Mind 2:08
- 5 Soft Summer Breeze 2:57
- 6 Hoboin' 3:27
- 7 Georgia on My Mind 4:29
- 8 Andre Johray 2:51
- 9 If I Knew 3:55
- 10 Love Hymn 4:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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