Blackbirds in July

grandma watch that white hot sky Hands in the sink, dishwater high Said child, when the blackbirds fly that low Storms ain't always the kind you know Heat hung still on the kudzu vine Whole yard felt like a warning sign There were blackbirds in June, July Circle turning in a white hot sky Grandma said some storms get named And some wear blood like a family stain I still hear those wings at night When the air feels right and the windows shine There were blackbirds in July Mama burned sage in an old tin pan Daddy got quiet and checked the land I was sixteen all sharp and wild I was sixteen all sharp and wild Still thought fear was for somebody's child Now every summer when the trees go still I feel those shadows cross the hill There were blackbirds in June, July Circle turning in a white hot sky Circle turning in a white hot sky Grandma said some storms get named And some wear blood like a family stain I still hear those wings at night When the air feels right and the windows shine There were blackbirds in July I still hear those wings at night When the air feels right and the windows shine There were blackbirds in June, July Circle turning in a white hot sky And some wear blood like a family stain I still hear those wings at night Circle turning in a white hot sky Grandma said some storms get named And some wear blood like a family stain There were blackbirds in June, July