Iron & Wine - Flightless Bird, American Mouth - Lyrics Meaning

The song "Flightless Bird, American Mouth", which also goes by the title of "Flightless Bird" was Iron & Wine's contribution to the Twilight soundtrack. Suggested for inclusion by star Kristen Stewart, its lilting melodic notes and breathy vocals have made it a fan favorite. The lyrics, however, have spanned numerous blog posts and podcasts from fans trying to decipher the lyrics.

Some have imbued the lyrics with a political theme, and argued that it was a poor choice for the love scene in the movie due to its underlying meaning. These fans feel that the song is about the war in Iraq. Specifically, the song has been interpreted as being critical of the decisions made by the US military throughout the war.

Other find the song to be highly romantic, and argue that there is no political meaning. This view is supported by the band, who wrote the song for the movie. The lyrical imagery is meant to inspire a sensation of the loss of youthful innocence and an embracing of mature love with all of its challenges and rewards. Using this interpretation of the song as a metaphor for the journey from naivety in romance to maturity, the song has gained popularity as a slow number for dances, proms, and wedding receptions.