100 Best Songs With Birds
Birds represent all sorts of vibes — freedom, peace, traveling to new horizons, or sometimes just the feeling of wanting to escape the nest and see the world.
Songs about birds are as varied and fascinating as the birds themselves. From the whimsical to the profound, they remind us of the beauty and diversity of both music and nature.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Most Fly Bird Songs Ever: Bird-Themed Anthems
We’re talkin’ timeless classics, the kind of songs that have been loopin’ in our heads and on our playlists, probably since our parents were cool.
1. “Blackbird” by The Beatles
“Blackbird” is not just a melody; it’s a piece of history. Paul McCartney penned this one during the ‘60s, inspired by the civil rights movement. It’s got this hauntingly beautiful guitar riff that McCartney himself rocks out.
And the song’s message? It’s about hope, struggle, and the fight for freedom.
2. “Songbir” by Fleetwood Mac
It’s been said that Christine McVie wrote this serenade in half an hour. The song’s got a pure, and touching vibe.
3. “I’m Like a Bird” by Nelly Furtado
“I’m Like a Bird” is that early 2000s anthem that had everyone embracing their inner wanderer. Nelly’s voice has this unique twang that captures the spirit of a bird longing to fly away. The lyrics are all about searching for where you belong.
4. “Bird On The Wire” by Leonard Cohen
“Bird On The Wire” is a song that’s like a deep, introspective dive into the soul. Cohen’s gravelly voice sings about the trials and tribulations of life, comparing himself to a bird on a wire or a drunk in a midnight choir.
5. “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley & The Wailers
This song is like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds, telling us not to worry ’bout a thing ’cause every little thing’s gonna be alright. This track has the power to turn a bad day into a good one with just the first few beats.
Whistling the Language of Love
When it comes to love, there’s no better muse than our winged companions. They’ve been the silent witnesses to countless courtships and confessions. And it’s no wonder that they’ve inspired so many artists to sing about the mysteries of the heart.
- “Birds” by Imagine Dragons – a track with a beat that pulses like a heart racing with new-found affection.
- “The Bird” by Anderson .Paak – sways with a smooth, groovy vibe that’s all about the complexities and the simple truths of love’s encounters.
- “Little Bird” by Annie Lennox – a song, soaring through the highs and lows of love.
- “Beautiful Birds” by Passenger – a fragile melody of a love that’s both haunting and heavenly.
- “Birds” by Coldplay – an airy tune, capturing the weightless feeling of love that lifts you up and away.
- “birds & bees” by Carly Rose – A pop song that delves into the complexities of young love and discovering one’s sexuality. It uses the birds and the bees as a metaphor for exploration and innocence.
- “Birds and the Bees” by Kelli-Leigh – A soulful exploration of romantic entanglements and the often-unspoken aspects of relationships.
- “Birds” by Neil Young – A poignant song about the end of a relationship, where birds metaphorically represent the memories and moments shared between two people drifting apart.
- “Seagulls Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her” by XTC – A song that captures the chaotic and wild nature of love, with seagulls symbolizing the tumultuous emotions involved.
- “Songbird” by Eva Cassidy – Cassidy’s rendition is a soulful, tender ballad that speaks to the heart. The songbird is a metaphor for love and longing.
Ballads of the Free-Spirited
These songs are for the wanderers, the dreamers, and the rebels, embracing the spirit of adventure and the freedom that comes with spreading your wings. They represent our desire to break free and follow where the wind takes us.
- “Caged Bird” by Alicia Keys – A soulful melody that speaks to the yearning for freedom and the beauty of finding your own space to sing.
- “Bird Set Free” by Sia – An empowering anthem to liberation, perfect for anyone who’s ever felt trapped and found their way out.
- “King of Birds” by R.E.M. – It’s a song that reflects on the journey of self-discovery and the courage to stand alone.
- “Eagle Birds” by The Black Keys – Rock message of independence.
- “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd – A guitar-screaming tribute to the open road and the call of the wild.
- “The Bird” by Prince – An infectious funk track, encouraging listeners to let loose and dance with the freedom and joy of a bird.
- “Paloma Blanca” by George Baker Selection – A light, uplifting pop song that symbolizes peace and freedom. And the white dove serves as a universal symbol of these ideals.
- “Birds” by Lil Wayne – A track that mixes themes of freedom and constraint. It explores the juxtaposition between the desire to soar like birds and the realities of life’s limitations.
- “The Bird” by George Jones – A country song that uses the bird as a metaphor for freedom and the desire to escape life’s troubles.
Echoes of the Natural World
These songs are a nod to the birds that fill our mornings with song, the ones that remind us of the beauty and the cycles of the natural world.
- “Bluebird” by Paul McCartney and Wings – A melody, echoing the lightness and optimism one feels when spotting a bluebird on a clear day.
- “Skylark” by Hoagy Carmichael – The classic piece, illustrating the flight and song of the skylark as it climbs the heavens.
- “Snowbird” by Anne Murray – A gentle song that mirrors the quiet beauty of a snowbird, symbolizing change and the passage of time.
- “Eagle” by ABBA – This track captures the majestic flight of an eagle, representing freedom and the thrill of the open sky.
- “Sparrow” by Marvin Gaye – This track evokes the humble yet profound journey of the sparrow, a common bird with an uncommon place in our world.
- “Rockin’ Robin” by Bobby Day – A classic rock and roll hit that celebrates the joyful, musical sounds of a robin.
Anthems of Resilience and Triumph
In the face of adversity, music can be a source of strength and resilience. These songs draw inspiration from the tenacity of birds, reminding us that we too can rise above challenges and spread our wings in the face of the storm.
- “I Like Birds” by Eels – With its whimsical lyrics and upbeat rhythm, it’s a tune that can’t help but lift your spirits.
- “Birds of a Feather” by Paul Revere & the Raiders – An old-school rock number that packs a punch of solidarity and sticking together through thick and thin.
- “Fly Like an Eagle” by Steve Miller Band – This classic rock tune is all about freedom and transformation. It’s a true anthem of rising above.
- “Nightbird” by LaBelle – A soulful song that speaks to the endurance of hope and the power of dreams that come alive in the dark.
- “Birds of the High Arctic” by David Gray – A hauntingly beautiful ode to persistence, set against the backdrop of nature’s grandeur.
- “The Woodpecker Song” by The Andrews Sisters – A lively wartime song that celebrates the cheerful persistence of the woodpecker.
Songs of Loss and Longing
These songs tug at our heartstrings, making us feel the depth of sorrow and the ache of yearning. The kind that echo the mournful cry of a solitary bird against a grey sky.
When the world thaws and the first buds bloom, there’s a kind of music that feels just right.
- “The Bird” by SYML – In the hushed tones of this song, there’s a sense of something lost, a quiet mourning for what’s flown away.
- “Birds” by KATATONIA – This track dives deep into the shadows, exploring the darker side of longing.
- “The Raven that Refused to Sing” by Steven Wilson – A beautifully tragic tale.
- “The Birds, Part 2” by The Weeknd – This track carries the weight of a heart that’s known love and loss.
- “Down Came a Blackbird” by Lila McCann – A country ballad that tells a story of loss told with raw honesty.
- “Birds” by Anouk – A melancholic ballad reflecting on loss and longing, with birds symbolizing freedom and the desire to escape from pain or sorrow.
- “Bluebirds Over the Mountain” by The Beach Boys – A rock ballad that combines love and longing with the imagery of bluebirds, evoking a sense of romantic yearning.
- “Sally’s Pigeons” by Cyndi Lauper – A heartfelt song tells a story of youth and loss, using the imagery of pigeons to symbolize innocence and the passage of time.
Anthems of Hope and Renewal
When the sun comes out after a long winter, these tunes are the soundtrack to that moment.
- “Little Bird” by The Beach Boys – This song’s all about the sweet, hopeful vibes that come with the first signs of spring.
- “Let Nature Sing” by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds – It’s literally the sound of nature waking up, a choir of birdsong that’s all about new beginnings.
- “Skyline Pigeon” by Elton John – It’s like a message of hope flying high over cityscapes.
- “Songbird” by Oasis – There’s a freshness to this track, a sense that something good is just around the corner.
- “Morning Has Broken” by Cat Stevens – It’s a classic that captures the essence of a new dawn.
- “Birds” by Elton John – A reflective piece on change and letting go, with birds serving as a metaphor for moving on and the transient nature of life.
- “Birds” by Kat Cunning – A hauntingly beautiful song about transformation and finding one’s true self, using birds to symbolize change and new beginnings.
- “Sing, Little Birdie” by Pearl Carr & Teddy Johnson – A cheerful song that represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest, encapsulating the post-war optimism of the era.
- “When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano” by Pat Boone – A romantic ballad that celebrates the annual return of the swallows to Capistrano, symbolizing hope and renewal.
Traditional and Folk Bird Songs
There’s a special kind of magic in folk songs where birds are more than just birds – they’re storytellers, history keepers, and wise old souls.
- “The Three Ravens” – An English folk ballad that wraps you up in the mystery and beauty of ancient tales.
- “The Cuckoo” – This traditional English folk song is all about that iconic harbinger of spring, a symbol of natural rhythm and time.
- “Little Poll Parrot” – A nursery rhyme that adds a dash of color and fun to the folklore mix.
- “Two Little Dickie Birds” – Another nursery rhyme that’s been around the block, teaching kids about birds.
- “A Wise Old Owl” is a nursery rhyme that imparts wisdom through the contemplative image of an owl, teaching the value of observation and silence.
- “Little Robin Redbreast” is a charming nursery rhyme that narrates a playful encounter.
- “One for Sorrow,” famously covered by Steps finds its roots in an old nursery rhyme. It turns a superstition about magpies into a catchy tune that explores themes of luck and lore.
- “Grey Goose” is a traditional American folk song that delves into the resilience and journey of a grey goose. It reflects broader themes of survival and freedom.
- “The Silver Swan” by Orlando Gibbons, a madrigal, stands out for its haunting beauty and poetic exploration of the swan’s final moments. It symbolizes the fleeting nature of life and the purity of farewell.
- “The Carnal and the Crane” by Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band – A folk song that delves into Christian mythology and symbolism, using birds to tell stories of faith and miracles.
Playful and Novelty Bird Songs
These are the songs that make you chuckle, maybe even dance a silly jig. They’re the playful, whimsical tunes that remind us not to take life too seriously.
- “Chicken Dance” by Werner Thomas – A song that’s been a quirky delight at weddings and parties since who-knows-when.
- “Surfin’ Bird” by The Trashmen – A hit that’s as catchy as it is comical, proving that sometimes music is just about having a good time.
- “The Bird” by Jerry Reed – It’s got that toe-tapping rhythm and a humorous twist that makes it a perfect fit for any parties.
- “The Chicken Song” by Spitting Image – A satirical hit from a classic British puppet show.
- “Psycho Chicken” by The Fools – A parody song that takes a classic tune and turns it into something hilariously poultry-themed.
- “A SONG ABOUT BIRDS” by Van Vuuren Bros – This comedic tune playfully explores the world of birds, using humor to bring light to the diverse avian kingdom.
- “All Birds Look Like Chicken to Me” by Sweet Papa Stovepipe – A whimsical blues number that humorously suggests all birds, regardless of their species, resemble chicken, likely commenting on the singer’s hunger or culinary preferences.
- “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park” by Tom Lehrer – Lehrer’s darkly comedic song satirizes the idyllic springtime activity with macabre humor, critiquing societal norms.
- “Chicken Pot Pie” by “Weird Al” Yankovic – A humorous take on the classic comfort food. This parody song mixes culinary cravings with his signature comedic flair.
- “May the Bird of Paradise Fly up Your Nose” by “Little” Jimmy Dickens – A humorous country song that wishes an unusual form of bad luck on others.
- “Papa Pingouin” by Sophie & Magaly – A catchy, playful song about a penguin character, emphasizing themes of adventure and the joy of the animal kingdom.
- “Tandoori Chicken” by Ronnie Spector – A fun and lively song that mixes rock with culinary themes. It celebrates the vibrant flavors and rhythms of life.
Even More Bird Songs
If our bird collection wasn’t big enough for you, here’s the most comprehensive list of songs about birds of all time. Each song, unique in its own right, offers a different perspective on life, love, and the world through the lens of our avian friends.
- “And Your Bird Can Sing” by The Beatles: This classic rock song is often interpreted as a commentary on materialism and the emptiness of possessing things that don’t bring true happiness.
- “Bird Machine” by DJ Snake: A track famous for its bird chirping samples mixed with trap beats.
- “Bird Walk” by Soulja Boy: This dance track uses the metaphor of a bird’s movement to describe a specific dance style.
- “Birds of a Feather, We Rock Together” by Vulfpeck feat. Antwaun Stanley: A funky, feel-good track celebrating unity and companionship, likening close friends or partners to birds of a feather that flock together.
- “Birds” by Linda Ronstadt: A cover of the Neil Young classic that brings a tender and melancholic perspective to the theme of love lost and the longing for return. Here birds symbolize messages or carriers of hope.
- “Bluebird of Happiness” by Jan Peerce: A classic operatic piece that explores the theme of searching for true contentment, personified by the elusive bluebird of happiness.
- “Bye Bye Blackbird” by Julie London: A smooth jazz standard that captures the essence of saying farewell to troubles and sorrows, embodied in the metaphor of the blackbird.
- “Cuckoo in the Clock” by Glenn Miller: This swing classic captures the whimsy of a cuckoo clock.
- “Feed the Birds” from “Mary Poppins”: A tender and heartwarming song that emphasizes the importance of kindness and caring for the less fortunate.
- “Flamingo/Teenage Riot” by Stereolab: An avant-garde track that merges eclectic sounds with themes, exploring contrast and rebellion.
- “Lesbian Seagull” by Engelbert Humperdinck: A song that became popular for its inclusion in the “Beavis and Butt-Head Do America” soundtrack, known for its themes of freedom and love.
- “Little Red Rooster” by The Rolling Stones: A blues classic, using the motif of a rooster to delve into themes of dominance and territoriality.
- “Dance of The Cuckoos” by Laurel & Hardy: Best known as the theme song for the comedic duo, this tune encapsulates the lighthearted mischief and camaraderie of Laurel and Hardy’s adventures.
- “The birds and the bees” by Jewel Akens: A cheerful song that explains the basics of love through the simple natural world analogy of birds and bees.
- “Ostrich Walk” by Original Dixieland Jass Band: An early jazz recording, with the ostrich symbolizing the quirky and fun aspects of jazz.
- “People-Vultures” by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard: This psychedelic rock track deals with societal issues and the concept of circling vultures, metaphorically speaking to the predators within human society.
- “Pyoco Pyoco Ultra” by Morning Musume: A bubbly, energetic J-pop song that uses bird imagery to convey messages of growth and rebirth.
- “Songbird” by Kenny G: This smooth jazz instrumental track, offering a serene and melodic interpretation of the songbird’s serenade.
- “Straighten Up and Fly Right” by Nat King Cole: A classic jazz tune, using the metaphor of a bird to encourage upright behavior and resilience.
- “Tennessee Bird Walk” by Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan: A country song that humorously explores the idea of altering the natural habits of birds, reflecting on the consequences of such actions.
- “The Bird on My Head” by David Seville: A song known for its humorous take on having a bird as a constant companion.
- “The Birds and the Bees” by Dean Martin: A light-hearted look at the facts of life, wrapped in the timeless metaphor of birds and bees.
- “The Crow, the Owl and the Dove” by Nightwish: This symphonic metal ballad uses the imagery of birds to explore themes of wisdom, love, and the complexity of human emotions.
- “The Raven” by Alan Parsons Project: Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s poem, this progressive rock track captures the ominous and mystical qualities of the raven.
- “Woodpeckers from Space” by Video Kids: A disco track that combines the quirky concept of extraterrestrial woodpeckers with catchy electronic beats.
Full List of Songs With Birds
- “Surfin’ Bird” by The Trashmen
- “The birds and the bees” by Jewel Akens
- “Tandoori Chicken” by Ronnie Spector
- “The Bird” by SYML
- “Nightbird” by LaBelle
- “Dance of The Cuckoos” by Laurel & Hardy
- “One for Sorrow” by Steps (nursery rhyme)
- “The Cuckoo” Traditional English Folk Song
- “Morning Has Broken” by Cat Stevens
- “Lesbian Seagull” by Engelbert Humperdinck
- “Snowbird” by Anne Murray
- “Bluebird” by Paul McCartney and Wings
- “Birds and the Bees” by Kelli-Leigh
- “Birds” by Coldplay
- “Eagle Birds” by The Black Keys
- “The Birds, Part 2” by The Weeknd
- “Birds” by Neil Young
- “Sally’s Pigeons” by Cyndi Lauper
- “The Carnal and the Crane” by Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band
- “The Chicken Song” by Spitting Image
- “The Birds and the Bees” by Dean Martin
- “Birds” by Lil Wayne
- “Down Came a Blackbird” by Lila McCann
- “Little Bird” by Annie Lennox
- “And Your Bird Can Sing” by The Beatles
- “birds & bees” by Carly Rose
- “Birds of a Feather” by Paul Revere & the Raiders
- “The Woodpecker Song” by The Andrews Sisters
- “Beautiful Birds” by Passenger feat. BIRDY
- “The Three Ravens” English Folk Ballad
- “The Bird on My Head” by David Seville
- “Bird Set Free” by Sia
- “Tennessee Bird Walk” by Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan
- “Birds of the High Arctic” by David Gray
- “Paloma Blanca” by George Baker Selection
- “Grey Goose” by traditional American folk song.
- “Pyoco Pyoco Ultra” by Morning Musume
- “Flamingo/Teenage Riot” by Stereolab
- “Seagulls Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her” by XTC
- “The Bird” by Jerry Reed
- “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
- “Caged Bird” by Alicia Keys
- “Skylark” by Hoagy Carmichael
- “The Crow, the Owl and the Dove” by Nightwish
- “Chicken Pot Pie” by “Weird Al” Yankovic
- “May the Bird of Paradise Fly up Your Nose” by “Little” Jimmy Dickens
- “Ostrich Walk” by Original Dixieland Jass Band
- “Let Nature Sing” by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
- “Bye Bye Blackbird” by Julie London
- “The Bird” by Prince
- “Fly Like an Eagle” by Steve Miller Band
- “Bluebird of Happiness” by Jan Peerce
- “Little Poll Parrot” Nursery Rhyme
- “Eagle” by ABBA
- “The Silver Swan” by Orlando Gibbons (madrigal)
- “Birds of a Feather, We Rock Together” by Vulfpeck feat. Antwaun Stanley
- “Sparrow” by Marvin Gaye
- “Little Bird” by The Beach Boys
- “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park” by Tom Lehrer
- “Birds” by Imagine Dragons
- “Chicken Dance” by Werner Thomas
- “Bird Machine” by DJ Snake
- “Feed the Birds” by From “Mary Poppins”
- “Blackbird” by The Beatles
- “When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano” by Pat Boone
- “Straighten Up and Fly Right” by Nat King Cole
- “The Bird” by Anderson .Paak
- “Songbird” by Oasis
- “Birds” by KATATONIA
- “All Birds Look Like Chicken to Me” by Sweet Papa Stovepipe
- “Songbird” by Kenny G
- “Skyline Pigeon” by Elton John
- “Little Robin Redbreast” Nursery Rhyme
- “The Raven that Refused to Sing” by Steven Wilson
- “Psycho Chicken” by The Fools
- “Little Red Rooster” by The Rolling Stones
- “A Wise Old Owl” Nursery Rhyme
- “Sing, Little Birdie” by Pearl Carr & Teddy Johnson
- “The Bird” by George Jones
- “I’m Like A Bird” by Nelly Furtado
- “Woodpeckers from Space” by Video Kids
- “Songbird” by Fleetwood Mac
- “Songbird” by Eva Cassidy
- “Rockin’ Robin” by Bobby Day
- “I Like Birds” by Eels
- “A SONG ABOUT BIRDS” by Van Vuuren Bros
- “Two Little Dickie Birds” Nursery Rhyme
- “Birds” by Anouk
- “Bluebirds Over the Mountain” by The Beach Boys
- “Cuckoo in the Clock” by Glenn Miller
- “Birds” by Elton John
- “Birds” by Linda Ronstadt
- “Like a Bird (Bird on the Wire)” by Leonard Cohen
- “Bird Walk” by Soulja Boy
- “King of Birds” by R.E.M.
- “The Raven” by Alan Parsons Project
- “Birds” by Kat Cunning
- “Papa Pingouin” by Sophie & Magaly
- “People-Vultures” by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
- “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley & The Wailers
