"The Crow and a Baby" by The Human League is a metaphorical song that explores themes of identity, relationships, and the corrupting influence of society. The lyrics present a unique and symbolic narrative involving a crow and a baby, which can be interpreted in different ways. The song begins by describing an unconventional relationship between a crow and a baby, resulting in a "landslide" and a "dare." This can be seen as a representation of two different entities coming together and creating a significant impact. The result of their union is a baby who desires everything and breaks away from traditional expectations. The baby moves out of the doll's house and the hall, symbolizing a rebellion against societal norms and expectations. The baby, portrayed as having one wing on the town and a gleam in its red eye, reveals a desire for revenge against fathers, claiming that its own father was a crow and wants all fathers dead. This can be seen as a rebellion against authority figures and a longing to break free from paternal influence. The baby seeks to ensure the demise of all fathers, metaphorically burying them in deep holes covered with snow. The lyrics warn that if one ventures away from the narrator's side and believes themselves to be mature, they will end up helpless and exploited, compared to being used as fertilizer for mushrooms. This emphasizes the corrupt and destructive nature of venturing out into a world influenced by the crow and the baby. The chorus repeats the line about having one wing on the town and a gleam in an eye of red, emphasizing the rebellious and vengeful nature of the baby's ambitions. The song then shifts to the perspective of the narrator, who pleads to have their dream, represented by the baby, returned to them. The narrator acknowledges that there are parts of the baby that they still love, highlighting the complexity of their emotions. They implore the listener to return the baby, emphasizing the justness of their request. Overall, "The Crow and a Baby" can be interpreted as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of revenge, societal expectations, and the desire to break free from traditional roles and norms. The song explores the complexities of relationships and the internal struggles we face when longing for independence and the consequences it might bring.
