The song Flightless Bird, American Mouth by Iron and Wine, specifically can be interpreted in many ways, and in which may be why it is a favorite song among a large mass of people. To them, they can interpreter  the song to something that can relate to them. 

As a whole, I believe that the song refers to a relationship that has gone a bit sour. He tries to build it back together, in a stage of denial that the relationship has gone off the end.  The song begins with, “I was a quick-wit boy, diving too deep for coins.” which is just a metaphor for referring to his reckless youth, and how lively and adventurous he was. Though “Diving too deep” may mean that he had gotten himself in trouble in his younger age; his curiosity may have pushed him to do things he may not be too proud of. Or it could mean greed, as he is going far lengths to reach down for coins. The song proceeds to tell, “I cut my long baby hair. Stole me a dog-eared map. And called for you everywhere.” To cut his “long baby hair” is to go from a boy, to a man, growing up from “diving too deep” and to find the thing that he is missing. Though, it may seem that the song is about “finding” someone, like line seven and eight (“Stole me a dog eared map. And called for you everywhere”) suggest. It may be that they are just trying to find an understanding, or come to a point where they are on the same page. That the “Dog eared map,” suggests that he has done a number of ideas to put their relationship back together. Seeing as how dog eared means, used, borrowed, marked and has already been looked over. This just defines that he has done a numeral things and has marked them at what was least successful and what was the most. 

He asks a question, “Have I found you”, translating to, 'have I finally come to an understanding with you? Am I able to save you from some kind of destruction this relationship is costing us?' The American mouth pertains to that image of an American family; a perfect life. Or that when the following line, “Big pill looming” may suggest the amount of anti-depressants that are being consumed, and how America is one of the top consumers. He then compares himself to a fat house cat, meaning he is feeling trapped inside, lonely and bitter upon seeing the things that roam free outside. While, “Nursing my sore blunt tongue” means that he has lost his edge, and he is as tired as she or whomever the singer is talking about.  He asks again, “Have I found you.” have I come across to you? Are you still here with me in this relationship? Then lastly, he compares his partner to a “Flightless bird,” a free soul that has been captured by a fat house cat and is now “bleeding” from their relationship. The irony is that he compares themselves as an indoor cat and a now flightless bird. How could an indoor cat capture a bird besides luring it in? As well as why is he trying to “find” her, when she is already “flightless”.