The Decemberists - The Crane Wife 1 & 2 Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What inspired The Decemberists' song 'The Crane Wife 1 & 2'?

   The song 'The Crane Wife 1 & 2' by The Decemberists is inspired by an old Japanese folktale about a poor man who nurses an injured crane back to health. The crane transforms into a woman, whom he marries, and their story revolves around themes of love, greed, and loss.

2. Who wrote the lyrics for 'The Crane Wife 1 & 2'?

   The lyrics for 'The Crane Wife 1 & 2' were written by Colin Meloy, the lead vocalist and primary songwriter for The Decemberists.

3. What is the underlying story of 'The Crane Wife 1 & 2'?

   'The Crane Wife 1 & 2' tells the story of a poor man who finds an injured crane, tends to it, and then marries a woman who appears at his doorstep. The woman weaves silk from her own feathers to improve their fortunes, but the man's greed leads to tragic consequences when he discovers her secret.

4. Who produced the album 'The Crane Wife'?

   The album 'The Crane Wife' was produced by Tucker Martine and Chris Walla. It is the fourth album by The Decemberists and was released in 2006.

5. How was the album 'The Crane Wife' received by critics?

   The album 'The Crane Wife' received critical acclaim, earning an 84% positive rating on Metacritic. It was praised for its storytelling and progressive rock influences, with critics like Jim DeRogatis of the Chicago Sun-Times and Stephen M. Deusner of Pitchfork giving it positive reviews.

6. Who designed the album cover for 'The Crane Wife'?

   The album cover for 'The Crane Wife' was designed by Carson Ellis, a Portland artist and the wife of Colin Meloy. Ellis has created artwork for each of The Decemberists' albums.