The Meaning Behind The Song: The Ostrich by Steppenwolf
“The Ostrich” is a 1967 rock song by the Canadian-American band, Steppenwolf. Written by the band’s vocalist and keyboardist, John Kay, the song’s lyrics depict the flightless bird, ostrich, as a metaphor for individuals who willingly choose to bury their heads in the sand and ignore the harsh realities of the world. The song’s message is that we can’t hide from problems and must face them head-on.
Table of Contents
The Lyric Analysis of “The Ostrich” by Steppenwolf
The opening lyrics of the song introduce the titular character as “a funny kind of bird, one that never gets the joke.” It then goes on to describe how the ostrich sticks its head in the sand when danger is nearby, thinking that by doing so, it can make the problem go away. The protagonist of the song is contrasted with the ostrich, with the former’s desire to confront troubles directly being praised while the latter’s avoidance is ridiculed.
As the song progresses, the lyrics paint a picture of nihilism and hopelessness, acknowledging that the world is full of injustice and that most people seem to have given up the fight in the face of it. The chorus offers a solution, urging the listener to “take the ostrich by the hand” and face reality with steely determination. The song ends with an ambiguous message, with the final verse proclaiming “the ostrich and me, we’ll never agree,” implying that no matter how hard the protagonist tries to change others or the world, there will always be those who choose ignorance.
FAQs about “The Ostrich” by Steppenwolf
1. Was “The Ostrich” a hit song for Steppenwolf?
No, “The Ostrich” was one of Steppenwolf’s lesser-known songs and was not a commercial success.
2. What inspired John Kay to write “The Ostrich”?
John Kay has stated that the song was inspired by the youth rebellion of the 1960s and how it seemed like too many young people were not taking a serious stand on social and political issues.
3. What does the metaphor of the ostrich symbolize in the song?
The ostrich symbolizes individuals who are in denial and choose to ignore the harsh realities of the world instead of facing them head-on.
4. Is “The Ostrich” a political song?
While “The Ostrich” does touch on political issues, such as social injustice and the need for social change, it can also be interpreted as a commentary on the human condition in general.
5. How is the protagonist of the song different from the ostrich?
The protagonist of the song strives to face issues head-on, while the ostrich tries to avoid them by burying its head in the sand.
6. What is the message of “The Ostrich”?
The message of the song is that we can’t hide from problems and must face them directly to create change.
7. What is the significance of the line “the ostrich and me, we’ll never agree”?
This line implies that no matter how hard the protagonist tries to change others or the world, there will always be those who choose ignorance.
8. Was “The Ostrich” influential in any way?
While not a hit song, “The Ostrich” has been cited as an early example of the psychedelic rock genre that emerged in the late 1960s.
9. Is “The Ostrich” relevant in today’s world?
The song’s message is still relevant today, as it urges individuals to confront issues directly and to not ignore the problems of the world.
10. Are there any covers of “The Ostrich” by other bands?
Yes, there have been several covers of “The Ostrich” by bands such as The Dharma Bums and The Spirit.
11. Was “The Ostrich” a departure from Steppenwolf’s usual sound?
While not a significant departure, “The Ostrich” did showcase John Kay’s satirical lyricism, which was not as present in the band’s other hits.
12. Was “The Ostrich” a popular song during the time it was released?
No, “The Ostrich” was not a popular song upon its release in 1967. It has since gained a following among Steppenwolf fans.
