About the Song
Themes
- Resilience: The song paints a picture of a woman who has endured hardship and disappointment, but consistently rises above challenges. The core message is about overcoming obstacles and finding inner strength.
- Transformation: The lyrics use the metaphor of an eagle and sparrow. The woman is a sparrow when broken, but transforms into a powerful eagle when she finds her wings again. This highlights her ability to rebuild and soar.
- Womanhood: The song celebrates the multifaceted nature of women. The protagonist is depicted as soft and gentle but also possesses incredible strength and a fighting spirit.
Lyrics and Meaning
The lyrics depict a resilient woman who has “seen and done it all.” Here’s a deeper look at the imagery Dolly uses:
- “Gentle as the sweet magnolia, strong as steel, her faith and pride”: This describes a woman who balances gentleness with an unshakeable inner core.
- “Stormy skies”: Represents the challenges and hardships she faces.
- “Sparrow when she’s broken”: In moments of vulnerability, she feels small and fragile.
- “Eagle when she flies”: Symbolizes her soaring spirit as she overcomes troubles.
Legacy
- Inspirational Anthem: “Eagle When She Flies” continues to resonate with listeners, particularly women, because of its uplifting message of strength and perseverance.
- Album: The song served as the title track for Dolly Parton’s 1991 album Eagle When She Flies, which was a return to more traditional country sounds for the artist.
- Film Inspiration: Though unused in the film, Dolly wrote the song after being inspired by the women and themes in the movie “Steel Magnolias”.
Video
Lyric
She’s been there, god knows she’s been thereShe has seen and done it allShe’s a woman, she knows how to dish it out or take it allHer heart’s as soft as feathers, still she weathers stormy skiesAnd she’s a sparrow when she’s brokenBut she’s an eagle when she flies
A kaleidoscope of colours, you can toss her round and roundYou can keep her in your vision, but you never keep her downShe’s a lover, she’s a mother, she’s a friend and she’s a wifeAnd she’s a sparrow when she’s brokenBut she’s an eagle when she flies
Gentle as the sweet magnolia, strong as steel her faith and prideShe’s an everlasting shoulder, she’s a leading post of lifeShe hurts deep, and when she weeps, she’s just as fragile as a child
And she’s a sparrow when she’s brokenBut she’s an eagle when she fliesShe’s a sparrow when she’s brokenBut she’s an eagle when she fliesOh, bless her, LordShe’s an eagle when she flies