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about

I wrote “Kind Heart” one year ago. I wanted to write a new song but was drawing a blank. I texted my friend for a word of inspiration. She was standing in line in Berkeley to see Ghosts of the Forest, and there was a fan in line with a feather in her hair. “Feather” was the word she sent back.
I went to my copy of “The Book of Symbols” and read the entry on feathers. Two bits of imagery stood out to me. The first was Maat’s feather. Maat is an Egyptian goddess. When you pass away your soul is weighed against her feather. Depending on the result your soul either goes to the blessed land or is cast into the void, giving rise to the idea that one’s heart should be “light as a feather.”
The second piece was an alchemical reference about the changing color of the feather; from black in the beginning when not much is known, to white in the middle when understanding has brought things to light and finishing with red for the actualization of those insights.
Having a heart as light as a feather created a strong theme for the chorus, while the changing colors made for a great journey in the verses.
I don’t really believe you can make it through life with a feather-light heart, but I do believe that the majority of humanity wants to be kind, and compassionate during their life. This is what the song has finally come to mean for me. I may not be perfect, but I’ve tried my best to be kind. (Might be time for a “The road to hell...” song.

lyrics

I'm pickin' up feathers
To learn the weight of my heart
They started coal black
When I was born in the dark

I'm following feathers
To guide my way
They're coming up white
In the light of day

May I be light as a feather
Come my final days
Sure I've toed a fine line
But I have a kind heart all the same
I've got a kind heart all the same

I'm collecting feathers
To mark the insights I've gained
They're red as the blood
Flowing through my veins

May I be light as a feather
Come my final days
Sure I've toed a fine line
But I have a kind heart all the same
I've got a kind heart all the same

credits

from As You Write This The Whistle Blows, released April 17, 2020
Guitar & Vocals: Kyle J. Glenn
Synthesizer: Alex Crowson

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Kyle J. Glenn Portland, Oregon

As he reflects on the dichotomies of modern life, Kyle’s brand of folk unfolds as unapologetic stories. His tracks ebb and flow between tension and resolution, taking listeners on a dynamic and emotionally captivating sonic journey.

With a wide-range of influences, today he cites Gillian Welch, John Prine and The Mountain Goats as musicians that have helped him forge his own sound as an artist. ... more

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