The song "Hummingbird" by Jeff Tweedy tells the story of a man whose goal in life is to be an echo, to exist as a fleeting presence that fades away like a feather. He travels alone, from town to town, and pays tolls along the way. The lyrics suggest that he is trying to forget someone, possibly a past love. In his dreams, the person he is trying to forget appears, but in reality, he can only see her in his car and in his arms. The mention of a cheap sunset on a television set could upset her, implying that she is affected by simple and mundane things. However, the man could never upset her or get a reaction out of her. The man seeks solace in being an echo, a sound that floats and reverberates. He longs to be heard, to make an impact, but in the busy and bustling streets of Manhattan, no one pays attention to him or anything he does. Desperate for connection and meaning, he sleeps on a mountain, in a sleeping bag under the stars. He tries to count the stars, finding solace in their vastness. However, the grandeur of the Milky Way with its great fountain spray prevents him from feeling alone and isolated. The repeated line "Remember to remember me, standing still in your past, floating fast like a hummingbird" serves as a plea to not be forgotten. The man wants to be remembered by the person he is trying to forget. He wants to stay in their memories, even if it means being as fleeting and elusive as a hummingbird. Overall, "Hummingbird" explores themes of longing, isolation, and the desire for connection and recognition. It portrays a person's struggle to find meaning in a world that often overlooks them, while also grappling with the complexities of love and memory.
