Flyway

"Flyway" is the fourth track on Time 'n' Place.

Composition
"Flyway" is a good example of the group's keyboard-heavy approach to rock production. A Roland Alpha Juno provides chords and countermelodies throughout the track. The stuttering sound that opens the track is the same snare that opens "You Know How It Is", the song that follows "Only Acting" on TOTEP.

Meaning
A flyway is a migratory route used by birds. The group was concerned that people would call the song "Flyaway" with an 'a', but fortunately that did not end up happening. "Flyway" is a simple song, and the second shortest on the album, after "Outside". According to Sarah Midori Perry, the song references the green parakeets living in London. These birds are called the rose-ringed parakeet, or Psittacula krameri. They are not native to England, but have taken a liking to the area until they need to fly south when the weather gets colder. Sarah got the idea for the song while sitting on a bench watching the birds at the Church House Gardens in Bromley. The Church House Gardens are actually referenced in the song as the "gardens that ripple in the water".

Music Video
The music video for "Flyway" shows Sarah in a park playing with and feeding parakeets. The music video was filmed in London's St James's Park, where parakeets are known to congregate. It appears that the music video was shot on an analog tape camcorder, possibly a Hi-8. The video is also in the older 1.33:1, or 4 by 3, aspect ratio. The cameraman for the video was Jamie. Of course, no parakeets were harmed during the making of the video.

Lyrics
A flock across my window Gone when I look around Until the sun gets longer They're getting out of town Where on earth in the world Do they go? Do their feathers freeze stiff In the snow? How should I know?

But I can bet you they'll come Back to the same old tree Since I was crawling they've been Watching over me In the gardens That ripple in the water Climbing higher up Where nobody sees Look at the sky and spot the green

And I heard that they weren't Meant to stay Anywhere the air chokes Or they get On the flyway

So ride the rising currents I trust that I will see you again When I pick up the courage I hope that I can join you someday