Phoebe Bridgers, Moon Song | FIERCE Pop + Rock

In the 27^th edition of FIERCE Pop + Rock , we highlight “Moon Song” performed by alterative singer/songwriter Phoebe Bridgers.

Bring on the bold, FIERCE tracks! FIERCE Pop + Rock provides background information and insight into pop, rock, and metal songs that raise eyebrows and stir the pot.  Featured records can be classic or brand new. In the 27^th edition of FIERCE Pop + Rock (2023), we explore “Moon Song” performed by Phoebe Bridgers.

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“We hate ‘Tears in Heaven’ / But it’s sad that his baby died.” What a line, Phoebe Bridgers! Of course, the Grammy-nominated musician is an incredible songwriter.  “Moon Song” the seventh track from   Punisher (2020) is no exception.  That said, the excerpted lyric appears from the second verse of this emotional record as opposed to the beginning.  Furthermore, the poetic Eric Clapton criticism (sympathizing with his loss) isn’t the big takeaway or theme from “Moon Song” – it is just a killer lyric!  “Moon Song” is complex to the n^th degree – various allusions, Conor Oberst connections (?), dog/bird stuff…

Going back to the beginning of “Moon Song,” it is clear that in the relationship only one person is carrying the weight.  Honestly, the opening lyrics reflect this: “You asked to walk me home / But I had to carry you.” NOT GOOD, NOT GOOD, NOT GOOD.  Oh, the red flags ! It gets worse. Basically,  Bridgers is willing to be treated badly despite the fact she’s getting nothing in return. “So, I will wait for the next time you want me,” she sings in the first chorus, adding, “Like a dog with a bird at your door.”  Just disgusting – the dog with a bird part, of course! PETS and their gifts !  Interestingly, there is another dog and bird reference at the end, which further reflects the brilliance of Bridgers as a writer: “When you saw the dead little bird / You started crying / But you know the killer doesn’t understand.” So, as a dog doesn’t understand that its own doesn’t want a dead bird, the lover doesn’t understand she’s wasting her time and energy.  Why, honestly, is she so willing  to “Give you the moon.” So much more could be said about “Moon Song” but it is best to let this artful, musical masterwork speak for itself.

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Phoebe Bridgers • Punisher • Dead Oceans • 2020

Phoebe Bridgers, “Moon Song”: FIERCE Pop + Rock No. 27 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Dead Oceans; Conna Lee, Madelin Berry, anna-m. w., Johan  Duran, RODNAE Productions via Pexels; Pete Linforth via Pixabay]