It could be that you love nature and prefer the sweet calls made by different types of birds. There are several songs created on birds that have become huge hits. Popular singers have sung melodious songs on birds to celebrate the freedom, strength, and joy that they symbolize.
Table of Contents
- 1 List of top songs on birds
- 1.1 ‘When Doves Cry’, Prince
- 1.2 ‘Bluebird’, Miranda Lambert
- 1.3 ‘Bird Set Free’, Sia
- 1.4 ‘House Wren’, Owl City
- 1.5 ‘Two Sparrows in a Hurricane’, Tanya Tucker
- 1.6 ‘Birds’, Coldplay, and Imagine Dragons
- 1.7 ‘A Broken Wing’, Martina McBride
- 1.8 ‘How shall a Sparrow fly’, Ryan Bingham
- 1.9 ‘Bluebird’, Sara Bareilles
- 1.10 ‘Sparrow’, Emeli Sande
- 1.11 ‘Feed the Birds’, Julie Andrews
- 1.12 ‘Bird on Wire’, Aaron Neville
- 1.13 ‘The Eagle’, Waylon Jennings
- 1.14 ‘I’m Like a Bird, Nelly Furtado
- 1.15 ‘Vultures’, John Mayer
- 1.16 ‘Rockin’ Robin’, Bobby Day
- 1.17 ‘Mocking Bird’, James Taylor and Carly Simon
- 1.18 ‘Little Bird’, Annie Lennox
- 1.19 ‘Winter Bird’, Aurora
- 1.20 ‘Fly Like an Eagle, Steve Miller Band
- 2 Unofficial Competitors
- 3 Conclusion
- 4 Frequently Asked Questions
- 4.1 What does the dove symbolize in Prince’s ‘When Doves Cry’?
- 4.2 Why do songs about birds often use them as metaphors for freedom and resilience?
- 4.3 What is the meaning behind Sia’s ‘Bird Set Free’ song?
- 4.4 How do bluebirds symbolize joy and happiness in country music?
- 4.5 What is the significance of sparrows in songs about relationships?
- 4.6 Why did John Mayer compare music industry executives to vultures in his song?
- 4.7 What does the eagle represent in rock and country music songs?
- 4.8 How do bird songs address themes of emotional trauma and recovery?
- 4.9 What does Nelly Furtado’s ‘I’m Like a Bird’ reveal about nomadic lifestyles?
- 4.10 How do mockingbirds symbolize broken promises in song lyrics?
List of top songs on birds
‘When Doves Cry’, Prince
It was considered to be 1984’s haunting rock ballad that became a smash hit. The Rolling Stone Magazine had voted it among the 500 best songs of all time. It was also counted among the top 500 songs to shape Rock & Roll’ by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The song is about a lover having just ended his relationship and wants to know the reason for his rejection. The dove represents peace as well as hope and anguish. Prince had two pet mourning doves at his home named Divinity and Majesty. However, they stopped singing after the death of the singer in 2016.
Alone in a world that’s so cold?
Maybe I’m just too demanding
Maybe I’m just like my father, too bold
Maybe you’re just like my mother
She’s never satisfied
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like
When doves cry.
‘Bluebird’, Miranda Lambert
Bluebirds are known to symbolize joy and happiness. The narrator in this 2019-based country song makes a statement using a perky bird about her resilience. With age, it is essential to stay competitive in a career. Also, it is essential to deal with issues arising in love life. She tries to have a positive attitude in this song.
‘Bird Set Free’, Sia
Sia had penned this self-empowerment anthem but got turned down by Rihanna and Adele. Hence, she went ahead to record this song herself in 2015. This top 20 songs about birds song is about trying to escape a toxic love relationship. Here, she considers herself to be a broken bird having clipped wings.
She felt maimed due to the cruelty she had to face in her relationship. It was like she was unable to sing as she struggled on the ground. But she tries to fight back, realizing that it is not necessary to be perfect. The fact is she sings for freedom, love, and most of all for herself.
‘House Wren’, Owl City
This 2018 electro-pop tune is about a bird trying to construct a nest. He feels optimistic and packs his bags, eager to find an ideal nest on an empty ground, window box, or porch. He sings aloud and celebrates this beautiful day since he is almost halfway home (read more about owl symbolism or the wren symbolism).
‘Two Sparrows in a Hurricane’, Tanya Tucker
This 1992 song is about a couple in a long-term relationship. Here, they are compared to two loving birds. They are hopeful, and fragile and share together a song of happiness. They are also faced with different challenges in life like jobs, children, personal losses, mortgages, etc.
It beautifully describes different stages of their lives ranging from ages 15-83, with them trying to brave the storm. Read more about Sparrow symbolism here.
‘Birds’, Coldplay, and Imagine Dragons
If your relationship has become history that does not necessarily means there are no feelings for him/her. This 2019-based pop is about a man who reminisces about his failed love affair.
‘A Broken Wing’, Martina McBride
This 1997-based country tune is about a woman who is in deep love with an abusive man. Even others around her find their relationship to be very painful.
But she stays on with the hope of her partner changing or being sorry, allowing her to continue living with him. Crying becomes the narrator’s habit and her spirit breaks down similar to the bird suffering from a broken wing. She is faced with harsh words. But she escapes her tormentor to enjoy freedom.
‘How shall a Sparrow fly’, Ryan Bingham
This 2018 song features lonely vocals along with strumming mandolin. This song was featured in the picture ‘Hostiles’. This haunting song is played when tired travelers stop to get rest at night.
The tune is quite sorrowful and searching asking rhetorical questions concerning the welfare of the bird suffering from a broken wing. It symbolizes the indigenous people.
‘Bluebird’, Sara Bareilles
This 2010 pop is about a woman who is rejected by her lover through a letter. She along with her rugged happy bluebird tries to fly away. She was also rejected before and hence, understands what steps to be taken next. She pretends to be fine and flies away with her bluebird. She also is determined to leave her failed romance behind.
‘Sparrow’, Emeli Sande
This 2019 ballad sent across a message in the form of a happy sparrow that soars high and wins the world. This song offers confidence, encouragement, and hope. Emile describes the sparrow’s strength of purpose and courage.
‘Feed the Birds’, Julie Andrews
This 1694 song is meant for children and appears in the Walt Disney classic movie ‘Mary Poppins’. It is about an old woman earning some extra income by peddling bird crumbs on St. Paul’s Cathedral’s steps.
‘Bird on Wire’, Aaron Neville
This 1990’s song was sung by Leonard Cohen. Here, the birds’ images are used to convey the narrator’s emotional experience as he lives dangerously. He expresses his love, but at a great cost.
‘The Eagle’, Waylon Jennings
This 1991 track was considered to be Billboard country chart’s last solo for ‘ole Watasha. It symbolizes the powerful eagle. Being a peaceful person at heart, the narrator tries to be himself even as he is provoked by something or someone. He warns others not to underestimate him.
‘I’m Like a Bird, Nelly Furtado
This 2000 Grammy award-winning song is about a restless young woman. She informs her partner of leaving him someday. Although her love for him is true, she feels that at heart she is more of a nomad. She just like the bird needs to fly away one day as there is no permanent home for her.
‘Vultures’, John Mayer
Vultures feed on carrion and at times die and severely injured animals. Mayer compares the executives in the music industry to these scavengers. This 2005 pop song is about the dark side that comes with fame. On achieving two Grammy Awards, he felt drained spiritually, physically, and emotionally by the pressures that come with fame. He also regards himself to be treading waters and being tested personally by the world. According to him, the uncaring executives in the music industry only wanted much more from him. He rather felt like cornered prey. Read more about vultures symbolism here.
‘Rockin’ Robin’, Bobby Day
This 1958 Rock and Roll went on to become a major hit. This sweet song is concerning a robin that spends its days on Jaybird Street in treetops. The Robin along with Raven, his girlfriend at night joins their avian friends to flap feathers at the ‘bird bandstand’.
‘Mocking Bird’, James Taylor and Carly Simon
Mockingbirds never seem to stop their calls even at night. They are known for their hyper singing habits and are used in ‘Hush Little Baby’, a traditional children’s lullaby. This 1974 pop is based on this lullaby. In this song, both partners seem to have agreed to have another mockingbird with a sing-or-else assurance.
In case, the birds fail to sing for the beloved one, then they are likely to produce diamond rings or gifts. But being noisy birds, rings and other contingencies are not essential. Hence, the song concerns several empty promises made by the singer that does not have to be fulfilled. Check also our post about the mockingbird symbolism.
‘Little Bird’, Annie Lennox
With this 1993 pop song, Annie Lennox started going solo after playing with the Eurythmics. This song is concerning a little bird that just fallen out from its nest. Lennox labels herself to be a troubled soul, weighted to the hard ground. She self-pities herself and hopes the little bird to be blessed. She tries to make her dreams come true by emulating the bird.
‘Winter Bird’, Aurora
It is perhaps a mental problem or an existential crisis. This 2016 airy song is sung by Aurora, the Norwegian electro-pop singer. In this song, she uses diverse nature imagery with which she tries to connect with reality. She goes down by the river with frozen tears in her eyes trying to remind herself of the reason to survive.
‘Fly Like an Eagle, Steve Miller Band
This 1976 rock song has lyrics that suggest the desire to move ahead from the issues faced. It seeks to venture out of the current haunted surroundings into the wide-open sea. The eagle is considered to be the bird of hope, strength, and pride. It exhibits the desire to fly through revolutions of change, carrying its spirit to freedom. It is also hopeful to come up with appropriate solutions to solve those earthly problems which are faced today.
Unofficial Competitors
‘Blackbird’, The Beatles
Who’s ever going to top the Beatles? They will forever gonna be #1…
Conclusion
Music and birds share a special bond, with songs capturing the beauty of nature in lyrics that soar. From Lynyrd Skynyrd’s iconic “Free Bird” to The Beatles’ beloved ballad, “Blackbird,” there are 20 remarkable tunes dedicated to our feathered friends.
These musical tributes celebrate their grace and freedom while also reflecting on deeper symbolic meanings. If you’re an avian enthusiast or just someone who loves good music – these bird-inspired bops should be essential listening!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the dove symbolize in Prince’s ‘When Doves Cry’?
In ‘When Doves Cry,’ the dove represents peace, hope, and anguish. Prince used the bird symbolism to express emotional turmoil following a relationship’s end, exploring themes of rejection and heartbreak through the gentle yet sorrowful imagery of doves.
Why do songs about birds often use them as metaphors for freedom and resilience?
Birds naturally symbolize freedom, strength, and transcendence through flight. Songwriters use avian imagery to represent emotional liberation, personal growth, and the ability to rise above challenges, making birds powerful metaphors for human experiences and aspirations.
What is the meaning behind Sia’s ‘Bird Set Free’ song?
‘Bird Set Free’ is a self-empowerment anthem about escaping toxic relationships. Sia uses broken wing imagery to represent emotional trauma and maiming from relationship cruelty, ultimately celebrating the realization that freedom and self-worth matter more than perfection or external validation.
How do bluebirds symbolize joy and happiness in country music?
Bluebirds symbolize joy, resilience, and optimism in country songs like Miranda Lambert’s ‘Bluebird’ and Sara Bareilles’ ‘Bluebird.’ Their bright plumage and uplifting presence represent maintaining positive attitudes during life’s challenges, career struggles, and romantic disappointments.
What is the significance of sparrows in songs about relationships?
Sparrows in songs like Tanya Tucker’s ‘Two Sparrows in a Hurricane’ represent fragile yet hopeful couples facing life’s storms together. Their symbolism captures vulnerability, love, and resilience through various life stages, illustrating how small creatures endure significant challenges.
Why did John Mayer compare music industry executives to vultures in his song?
In ‘Vultures,’ Mayer uses vulture symbolism to represent predatory music executives who exploit artists. Vultures feed on carrion and dying animals, mirroring how industry figures drain musicians spiritually and emotionally, leaving them feeling cornered and depleted after achieving fame and Grammy recognition.
What does the eagle represent in rock and country music songs?
Eagles symbolize power, strength, hope, and freedom in songs like Steve Miller Band’s ‘Fly Like an Eagle’ and Waylon Jennings’ ‘The Eagle.’ They represent transcendence, resilience, dominance, and the ability to rise above earthly problems through courage and determination.
How do bird songs address themes of emotional trauma and recovery?
Bird songs address trauma through broken wing and trapped imagery, as seen in Martina McBride’s ‘A Broken Wing’ and Ryan Bingham’s ‘How Shall a Sparrow Fly.’ These metaphors represent emotional injury, helplessness, and the journey toward healing and escape from toxic situations.
What does Nelly Furtado’s ‘I’m Like a Bird’ reveal about nomadic lifestyles?
Furtado’s Grammy-winning song explores restlessness and the conflict between love and personal freedom. The bird metaphor reflects her nomadic nature, emphasizing that some people prioritize independence and exploration over permanent relationships, despite genuine affection for their partners.
How do mockingbirds symbolize broken promises in song lyrics?
In James Taylor and Carly Simon’s ‘Mocking Bird,’ the mockingbird’s constant, hyperactive singing represents empty promises and contingencies that needn’t be fulfilled. The bird’s relentless noise mirrors how agreed-upon guarantees become meaningless verbal offerings in relationships.
