Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: goth
Song Meaning of “The Crow, the Owl and the Dove” by Nightwish
The Crow, the Owl and the Dove, a song by Nightwish, is a reflective, melancholic story on the process of coming to terms with oneself on one’s own, and the journey of accepting one’s darkness. The lyrics suggest the main character being on a spiritual journey and struggling to bridge the gap between light and dark within themselves and in the world around them.
The song paints a vivid picture of a traveler on a path of inner growth, fighting to find a balance between two powerful elements: the bird of light, the dove, and the bird of darkness, the crow and the owl. The traveler feels stuck between two worlds, torn between his need for truth and his fear of judgment, and desperately searching for a way to reconcile both.
The song’s musically dark and heavy vibe creates a sense of heaviness that encapsulates the melancholy of the lyrics, as the chorus talks about learning to “fly in harmony without a sound.” It’s a plea for freedom from the restraints that come with absolutes, and ultimately an acceptance of the duality of one’s nature. In this way, the song speaks to the power of acceptance of one’s inner darkness, and the importance of embracing all aspects of yourself.