“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.” Matthew 10: 29

The Sounds of Silence is without question, the best-known song by Simon and Garfunkel, the most successful rock-folk duo of the 1960s. Much less familiar is their lyrical poem, Sparrow, about a sparrow who finds itself unwanted whichever way it turns. While the melody isn’t as catchy as The Sounds of Silence, Sparrow has a lyrical beauty which moves us in a way only the best poems can.

The song unfolds as a series of questions addressed first to an oak tree, then a swan, and finally, a wheat field. None of them will love the little sparrow; none will offer it a kind word. Then, in the final verse, the Earth steps up and responds with an emphatic, “I will.”. For all I’ve created returns unto me. From dust were ye made and dust ye shall be.”  

The lyrics

“Who will love a little Sparrow?
Who’s travelled far and cries for rest?
“Not I,” said the Oak Tree,
“I won’t share my branches with no sparrow’s nest,
And my blanket of leaves won’t warm her cold breast.

“Who will love a little Sparrow
And who will speak a kindly word?
“Not I,” said the Swan,
“The entire idea is utterly absurd, I’d be laughed at and scorned if the other swans heard.”

Who will take pity in his heart,
And who will feed a starving sparrow?
“Not I,” said the Golden Wheat,
“I would if I could, but I cannot I know,
I need all my grain to prosper and grow.”

” Who will love a little Sparrow? Will no one write her eulogy?
“I will,” said the Earth,
“For all I’ve created returns unto me,
From dust were ye made and dust ye shall be.”

Listen: Simon & Garfunkel, ‘Sparrow’ (1964)