I was first inked whilst I was at Huddersfield University (1994-1997) - slightly tipsy from the evening before and also sporting a new nose ring, I chose a silhouette of a swan.
The Black swan can represent spiritual love and freedom (my first time away from home perhaps?). R.E.M (being a favourite band at the time) also mentioned swans in their 1986 album - Lifes Rich Pageant.
Swan, Swan, Hummingbird
"Swan, swan, hummingbird, hurrahWe are all free nowWhat noisy cats are we?Girl and dog, he bore his crossSwan, swan, hummingbird, hurrahWe are all free nowA long, low time agoPeople talk to me "
Songwriters: Bill Berry / Peter Buck / Michael Mills / Michael Sipe
Swan, Swan H - R.E.M. (1986)
R.E.M would visit the McAlpine Stadium in 1995 for their "Monster" tour. I was of course in the crowd!