Michelle Birsky ’13 is a New York City-based indie pop musician who writes, produces and performs music under the moniker Birch. Her self-described “feminist synth-pop” songs are fueled, she says, by a desire to “passionately deconstruct” societal norms. Here, she breaks down the inspiration behind her latest single, “Your Gold,” which was released in November. The song, she explains, is about “the grit of chasing a dream … questioning my ability to reach my own goals and, ultimately, making the decision to follow my own path.” For more, visit birchmusicnyc.com.

[If you cannot view the images below, read the full lyrics, which have been numbered by line to correspond to Birsky's comments.]

On the title 'Your Gold': The title is a bit sarcastic and reflects the feeling many of us get while looking at other people’s successes (usually while scrolling through social media). This lusting after the success or “gold” of others is pointless, but difficult to stave off.

Lying awake at night with my thoughts running wild, while my partner is sleeping, is where many of the ideas for my songs come from [lines 1-2].

In past relationships I would have put my partner first, catering to his needs before mine. This stanza reflects my growth and belief that a healthy romantic relationship requires focusing on your own happiness and fulfillment first [3-5]. 

Questioning my ability to succeed in my career and the irrational fear that if I stop for just one second I will fail [6-9].

It’s a strange and beautiful thing to have a similar goal as your partner [10-11].

The “you” here is my partner, Kevin, who is also an indie musician. Watching the way he creates and puts his work out there without fear has been a positive influence on me and makes me want to keep going [12-20].

This image reminds me of the scene in “Mary Poppins” when the wind comes in and takes her with it. It’s about the inevitability of change, and my deep desire for it [21-22].

The final chorus has the added element of background vocals chanting “fly,” a symbol of my decision to move forward, to not let fear get in the way of my dreams, to reach new levels in my career and life [23-25].

'Your Gold' Lyrics

I'm wide awake while you're dreaming, you're gold [1]
I lay here watching the ceiling turn gold [2]

Time would halt when you stopped the clock [3]
But everything's changing, I am not who I was [4]
Were my excuse to survive, now you won't stop me [5]

Can I hold on, can I stand in line? [6]
Should let go or I'll fall behind [7]
You make me wanna stay, make me wanna wait [8]
Can I hold on, can I stand in line? [9]

I like the way that you're loving me [10]
I close my eyes and I see you're dream [11]

Time would halt when you stopped the clock [12]
But everything's changing, I am not who I was [13]
Were my excuse to survive — now you won't stop me [14]

Can I hold on, can I stand in line? [15]
Shouldn't let go or I'll fall behind [16]
You make me wanna stay, make me wanna wait [17]
Can I hold on, can I stand in line? [18]

I hope you're happy when the wind blows right [19]
You know exactly where I want to fly [20]

Can I hold on, can I stand in line? (Fly) [21]
Shouldn't let go or I'll fall behind (Fly) [22]
You make me wanna stay, make me wanna wait [23]
Can I hold on, can I stand in line? [24]
(fly) [25]