LIFT YOU UP AND LET YOU FLY
Words and music by Sarah McQuaid
Recorded on The Plum Tree and The Rose (2012)
Oh my pretty little bird
You’ve got fragile little bones
The beauty in your eyes
Leaves me terrified
So much danger in this world
I’m scared to let you out alone
Scared to let you spread your baby wings
And take to flight
But though my belly made you
I can’t hold you, I can’t cage you
I can’t lay my fears to rest
But I can try
To lift you up and let you fly
Let you fly
Since the day you were born
I’ve tried to keep you from harm
Tried to teach you to protect yourself
From evil things
As you set out on your way
There’s so much more I want to say
Before you flutter to the edge
And start to beat your wings
But I know that I can’t save you
From whatever fate awaits you
Be it bitterness or joy
And I will try
To lift you up and let you fly
Let you fly
And if your feathers fail you
I’ll try to catch you as you fall
But when I set you free
And you fly away from me
I know you might not come back at all
Lift you up and let you fly
Let you fly
Let you fly
Sweet bird I love you so
Can’t bear to let you go
Little girl of mine
It’s hard but I will try
To let you fly
