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The Beatles — And Your Bird Can Sing
Album: Revolver
Avg rating:
8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2382









Released: 1966
Length: 1:56
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Tell me that you've got everything you want
And your bird can sing
But you don't get me
You don't get me

You'll say you've seen seven wonders
And your bird is green
But you can't see me
You can't see me

When your prized possessions
Start to weigh you down
Look in my direction
I'll be 'round
I'll be 'round

When your bird is broken
Will it bring you down?
You may be awoken
I'll be 'round
I'll be 'round

You tell me that you heard every sound there is
And your bird can swing
But you can't hear me
You can't hear me
Comments (285)add comment
 ppopp wrote:

This is a magnificent song. Lennon claims it was a throw-away song. He must've had the most valuable trash can on the planet.



He also stated in a Playboy Magazine interview that that was one of Paul's best guitar riffs.  I think it's remarkable.
Without a doubt, some of the very BEST singing and musicianship on this absolute gem! Everything you could want for an ear-worm, all delivered in under two in a well-wrapped package. Their ART was impeccable!
 bimmerfan739 wrote:

Radio Paradise, one of the very first online "radio stations," presents a diverse playlist reminiscent of the early days of WBCN, so I'm always surprised at the volume of negative listener comments whenever the Beatles get played. Eh... no accounting for taste. Or sense of history, musical and otherwise.



WBCN broadcasting from the top of the Prudential Center in Boston was one of the original free form FM radio stations that encouraged DJ's to play and say whatever they wanted.  While I attended Berklee College of Music you could hear BCN playing from anywhere on campus.  It was the de facto music source for pretty much all students.  Radio Paradise has carried that torch forward for more than 20 years.  Mr. Goldsmith, you, Alanna and the rest of the crew are a godsend.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
OMG - some of the best John / Paul harmonies 
Ah...that wonderful two part harmony. 
Liverpool's splashes of color
 ppopp wrote:

This is a magnificent song. Lennon claims it was a throw-away song. He must've had the most valuable trash can on the planet.



can't even imagine! love this one so much.
i wonder what songs of his/theirs he really, really liked the most.
Ha! I was writing my local Audubon chapter newsletter when this came on. 

Thank you, William G., for the emotional boost!
psg wrote:  I keep hearing "You don't get meat"

 Dave_Mack wrote:

Well, how can you get any meat if you don't eat your pudding?

Joe sees what you did there. Aren't you the Smooth McGrooth!
Exquisite!  Perfect power pop.  
Seek out the version now available on the remastered delux Revolver where they can't stop giggling. It is an absolute joy. 
You know how you get to a certain age where everything reminds you of something?
Yeah.  Except, for me, Beatles songs.   They stand alone, unsullied by association with anything else.  
Oddly, the same isn't true of their albums.  Each is a reminder of a person or place or both.   Also, "The Beatles" often reminds me of the nun who taught French to me in the 4th, 5th and 6th grades and was vexed that we could remember all the words to the early Beatles, but couldn't manage a single "dialogue" in French.
 MassivRuss wrote:


Ohhh. A fellow 'BCN acolyte. Live long and prosper.


When I attended Berklee as a guitar major BCN could be heard playing across the campus.  Most everyone had it on 24/7.  Best free form radio ever.  RP is it's more than worthy successor.  
 jmjohall wrote:

Every time  I hear the Beatles I change the channel.. So tired of them.  Sorry guys... UGH



You poor tortured soul.  Perhaps next lifetime  you will be able to perceive truth and beauty.  Hang tough,   
love
Guadalcanal Diary did a pretty decent cover of this one.
Love the harmonies. These blokes could sing …
I rode the bird is female sex. Isn't it ?
EXCELLENT!!!!!
So good
Love, just love that guitar riff. Brings back happy memories of buying the album on the day of release in a record store in Valletta,  Malta.
 bimmerfan739 wrote:

Radio Paradise, one of the very first online "radio stations," presents a diverse playlist reminiscent of the early days of WBCN, so I'm always surprised at the volume of negative listener comments whenever the Beatles get played. Eh... no accounting for taste. Or sense of history, musical and otherwise.



Ohhh. A fellow 'BCN acolyte. Live long and prosper.
I have no idea what this song is actually about, but in a bizarre way it is very personal to me.  I have a mother who has always been emotionally disconnected from me.  She has a pet green parrot that she loves dearly and talks about to no end.  It's striking how appropriate and sensible these lyrics are for us.  I considered sending her the song but I know she wouldn't get it.  
Radio Paradise, one of the very first online "radio stations," presents a diverse playlist reminiscent of the early days of WBCN, so I'm always surprised at the volume of negative listener comments whenever the Beatles get played. Eh... no accounting for taste. Or sense of history, musical and otherwise.
 wxman wrote:
timalina_jolie wrote:
there's no question that this was the most influential band in rock and roll history, however, the majority of their music was pop for a particular time, making it very dated today. If it's timeless you're looking for, may I recommend the rolling stones.
Easy there Lester Bangs.
 

One of the best rejoinders on RP. :)
This song is guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

        
Compared to most Beatles songs, it is not up to par. So I understand how Lennon might call it a throwaway song. But it is really quite good... 7 of 10. 
This is a magnificent song. Lennon claims it was a throw-away song. He must've had the most valuable trash can on the planet.
 

 jmjohall wrote:
Every time  I hear the Beatles I change the channel.. So tired of them.  Sorry guys... UGH
 
Apology not accepted. Seek help.
Every time  I hear the Beatles I change the channel.. So tired of them.  Sorry guys... UGH
 SomersetBob wrote:


BCarn wrote:
Lennon claimed many of his early songs were throw aways but this was in retrospect after some heavy influence form Yoko. I'd wager that if he were alive today he'd take back his "throwaway" comments.


 
westslope wrote:

I did not realize that Ono and Lennon hooked up in 1966.  
 

I think BC meant that Lennon's "throw aways" comment was made about his earlier stuff some years later, after he'd hooked up with Yoko, not that he'd made the comment in 1966 (at least, that's how I read it) 
 

You're correct westslope.  I thought using the term "in retrospect" might have made it clearer. 
And you're correct Somerset. Thx.
An old interview with John in Playboy informed me that while these are John's lyrics and him singing, this is Paul's guitar riff -- and a great one at that.


BCarn wrote:
Lennon claimed many of his early songs were throw aways but this was in retrospect after some heavy influence form Yoko. I'd wager that if he were alive today he'd take back his "throwaway" comments.


 
westslope wrote:

I did not realize that Ono and Lennon hooked up in 1966.  
 

I think BC meant that Lennon's "throw aways" comment was made about his earlier stuff some years later, after he'd hooked up with Yoko, not that he'd made the comment in 1966 (at least, that's how I read it) 
LOVE YOU FOR EVER JOHN {#Guitarist}
The first time I heard this song, it hit me like a ton o’ bricks. And if I haven’t heard it in a while, it still does. A bit of magic, that.
 BCarn wrote:

Lennon claimed many of his early songs were throw aways but this was in retrospect after some heavy influence form Yoko. I'd wager that if he were alive today he'd take back his "throwaway" comments.

 
I did not realize that Ono and Lennon hooked up in 1966.  
 ppopp wrote:
This is a magnificent song. Lennon claims it was a throw-away song. He must've had the most valuable trash can on the planet.

 
Lennon claimed many of his early songs were throw aways but this was in retrospect after some heavy influence form Yoko. I'd wager that if he were alive today he'd take back his "throwaway" comments.
 treatment_bound wrote:
The Jam's cover of this vs. Guadalcanal Diary's cover of this:
WHO 'YA GOT? 

 
I'm going with Guadalcanal Diary
The Jam's cover of this vs. Guadalcanal Diary's cover of this:


WHO 'YA GOT? 
{#Guitarist} {#Drummer}{#Bananajam}{#Bananajam}
Love that opening riff every time I hear it.

George Harrison... 
 WAS 12 WHEN I SAW THEM AT THE WASHINGTON  ARMORY.  CANT BELIEVE IT WAS SO LONG AGO.  NEVER LIKED PAUL MUCH.
I WAS CRAZY BOUT JOHN
 
 kingart wrote:
Who knows the history or subtext/context of this song? If read in the literal way, rather than druggy allusions like I am the Walrus, this could be a slightly snarky Lennon talking to McCartney.  Just wonderin'. 
 

   

moodfood wrote:

 it is believed to refer to the rivalry between the Beatles and the Stones, although the two groups were friends.

 
Apparently the thinking behind that theory is that the "bird" was Marianne Faithful, Jagger's girlfriend at the time. Wikipedia notes other stories . The same article says "Lennon was later dismissive of the track, as he was of many of his compositions at the time, referring to it as 'another of my throwaways ... fancy paper around an empty box'."
 Skydog wrote:
anything from Lennon on Revolver and Rubber Soul,.....just anything, they are all 11's  

 
Agreed.  Would add the Yesterday and Today release.

Mind you Baby You Can Drive My Car was written by Paul and Harrison contributed a song or two during this period.
                                                             you tell me you heard every sound there is
 coloradojohn wrote:
I really don't believe this is an attack on a fellow Beatle or another group; seems to me to be about the same type of gal John slags on She Said, She Said, with "I know that I'm ready to leave/ 'cause you're making me feel like I've never been born" from the same album.

 
Lennon was near the end of the road with Cynthia during this time, I read somewhere that she got him a bird as a present
I really don't believe this is an attack on a fellow Beatle or another group; seems to me to be about the same type of gal John slags on She Said, She Said, with "I know that I'm ready to leave/ 'cause you're making me feel like I've never been born" from the same album.
anything from Lennon on Revolver and Rubber Soul,.....just anything, they are all 11's  
I liked the session raw version more, where Paul and John were laughing so hard.
This is a magnificent song. Lennon claims it was a throw-away song. He must've had the most valuable trash can on the planet.
Has to be one the best Beatles songs.
Utterly jaw-dropping in every way! The bass wanders up and down with full verve, the guitars jam so well around it; dig the harmonies! 
Never really paid attention to the guitar work in the song until now. . .and I'm glad I finally did, because it's awesome!
How many Beatles' songs do you play every day? 
Yes I Can
 kingart wrote:
Who knows the history or subtext/context of this song? If read in the literal way, rather than druggy allusions like I am the Walrus, this could be a slightly snarky Lennon talking to McCartney.  Just wonderin'. 
 

 
 it is believed to refer to the rivalry between the Beatles and the Stones, although the two groups were friends.
Heard a live "whatever gets you through the night" earlier this morning, and several songs from John Lennon on this his 64th birthday
Strong great sounds 
Who knows the history or subtext/context of this song? If read in the literal way, rather than druggy allusions like I am the Walrus, this could be a slightly snarky Lennon talking to McCartney.  Just wonderin'. 
 
 ThePoose wrote:
Who is Oasis? Sorry, I am 60, so I might have missed them as they passed through the hit parade.
Were they before the Fab Four?

nightdrive wrote:
Reminds too much of Oasis.

 




 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oasis_(band)


psg wrote:
I keep hearing "You don't get meat"

   
Dave_Mack wrote:

Well, how can you get any meat if you don't eat your pudding?

 
Going from this song to PF's "Another Brick in the Wall" is like finishing up a perfect summer day by falling into a pile of dogshit. And you know it's so, Roger Waters.  





...... 10

Who is Oasis? Sorry, I am 60, so I might have missed them as they passed through the hit parade.
Were they before the Fab Four?

nightdrive wrote:
Reminds too much of Oasis.

 



Ringo should have sung this...
 nightdrive wrote:
Reminds too much of Oasis.

 
Ha Ha! love it....well said.
 oldfart48 wrote:
FUN SONG, BUT LIKE ALL THEIR  EARLY STUFF BEING PRODUCED IN THAT BYRDS JANGEL-JINGLE HURTS MY EARS. BRING ON THE EARLY STONES.......

 

you mean that "byrds jingle-jangle" that they admittedly said they stole from the beatles?  during an interview McGuinn said that he was saw George playing the 12-string in "hard days night" and said "thats going to be our sound"

 
Reminds too much of Oasis.
I remember being really peeved that I had to put up with 11 tracks while my sister got 14 in the UK. Still got it (the disc- not the peeves).
 AndyJ wrote:
I am surprised at how the band stays current as the decades flow past...

Perhaps it's because they are not on the same non-stop rotation as waybackwhen...

I also notice how songs that had one meaning as a teener now have have a different and more poignant one as a geezer.

Paying attention to the passage of time and how -I- change as well as the world around me... Well, it's ironic-silly-funny and pleasant...

IOW,  Everything changes. Yet remains the same. It's different as am I... A sense of humor helps one see and enjoy the experience..
 
I don't believe it's possible for The Beatles to really "stay current" - especially since two of them are deceased, but I don't deny that many of their tunes can remain relevant or poignant to many listeners.  This has always been a favorite of mine.
FUN SONG, BUT LIKE ALL THEIR  EARLY STUFF BEING PRODUCED IN THAT BYRDS JANGEL-JINGLE HURTS MY EARS. BRING ON THE EARLY STONES.......
now - why dont these guys put out no more music?  gall durn it!  dab gum it they's good
One of my favorite bass lines
After playing the snot out of this record when it came out
It's still one of favorite albums 
I am surprised at how the band stays current as the decades flow past...

Perhaps it's because they are not on the same non-stop rotation as waybackwhen...

I also notice how songs that had one meaning as a teener now have have a different and more poignant one as a geezer.

Paying attention to the passage of time and how -I- change as well as the world around me... Well, it's ironic-silly-funny and pleasant...

IOW,  Everything changes. Yet remains the same. It's different as am I... A sense of humor helps one see and enjoy the experience..




      
 Cynaera wrote:

Rocking all the time. And yeah, the room is big. Oh - and I heard a rumor that there's a rollercoaster on the roof of the building.  Or maybe it was an Olympic-sized swimming pool.  I keep forgetting... {#Whistle}
 

Miss you so much, Cynaera...

love this song...
 

Shazam!  Love it!  Amen!
Both The Jam and Guadalcanal Diary took a swing at recording this one.  It's a great song.


It's on this Jam album, which is their posthumous "Odds and Sods" collection Polydor put out 10 years after Weller & Co. called it quits.  It's a great collection of 26 songs (including some demos of a few hits). 




Everybody in my church loves this song...
 
One of my 10 fav Beatles songs. And there are a lot of songs that vy for the 10. 
 Lakeview wrote:
I wonder if this is one of those songs you need to hear in the context of the whole album. On its own it's not turning my crank. Ho Hum

 
Don't think so. It's a good song but on this spectacular record easy
to overlook.
 max_p wrote:
go George!
 
And Paul!  Harmony guitar lines!
 psg wrote:
I keep hearing "You don't get meat"
 
Well, how can you get any meat if you don't eat your pudding?
I keep hearing "You don't get meat"
go George!
Pretty staggering that this is maybe the 50th or 60th best Beatles tune, written in about a 6 year stretch...and it's still a 9 from this jury...
Wow. What a segue from Bobby 'Blue' Bland. BTW, listen to McCartney's bass on this one. Guy was friggin' amazing.
 SinisterDexter wrote:
One of my favorite guitar songs of any Beatles tune.
 
i'm with you.
 Baketown wrote:
What  a great bass line!
 
Agreed! Shame it's hard to hear it properly...Good excuse to turn up the volume ;)


Heard the version on Anthology? Even more fun than this one. Fantastic song, indeed one of their better ones. (9/10)
 Proclivities wrote:

That guitar sound (as well as the solo sound from "Nowhere Man") can be replicated (approximately) with a delay and/or harmonizer effects pedal.  This is one of my absolute favorite Beatles' songs.

 
Yeah, I think he did it with a neat combination of effects, including at least a delay and flanger. Regardless, Pugh's ability to recreate that sound on stage was uncanny. I wonder how The Fab Faux do it? That's Will Lee's group. Maybe two guitars, hm?
I see a word. The word is "medication". Not sure why....
Simply one of their best.
What  a great bass line!
Have to stop and sing along.
never heard this song before, but I love it, sounds so fresh and contemporary (well like those brit pop bands.....like the beatles) {#Music}
 johnjconn wrote:


How big is your hotel room?
Must be one rocking place
 
Rocking all the time. And yeah, the room is big. Oh - and I heard a rumor that there's a rollercoaster on the roof of the building.  Or maybe it was an Olympic-sized swimming pool.  I keep forgetting... {#Whistle}
I read that when Danny Gatton learned to play this song, he assumed it was only one guitar playing the lead riff. He was that awesome.

 Cynaera wrote:
I want this on my MP3 player. I just love this song - those guitars ring like the best bird-song ever heard, so pure and harmonious. One of my absolute favorite Beatles songs.
 
{#Yes}

I want this on my MP3 player. I just love this song - those guitars ring like the best bird-song ever heard, so pure and harmonious. One of my absolute favorite Beatles songs.
One of my favorite guitar songs of any Beatles tune.
 Rooney wrote:


I hardly ever took Beatle songs in context.  If it was a good song, it was a good song, regardless of the flow of the album.  I never concerned myself with thoughts like :  gee, does this fit or not.  Having said that I find the harmony and guitar solo on this song astoundingly good.  One could make that argument for almost all of their albums.  Anyway, this song got a 10 from me and deserved it.  You should hear them laugh and giggle through it on their out-takes.  Sonofabitch that was a great guitar solo. 
 
Well put. As it was, this came out during the very early days of the "album" concept—IIRC some people say Revolver was the first real instance of it.  Even if you don't think all the songs fit together well, you should regard each song on its own. These days, people don't even think of CDs as albums anymore. 

And yes that guitar solo rocked. They all sound like they're having fun. Given how much time John, Paul and George played together in Hamburg, they had every reason to sound great.  
 jimbaca wrote:
Oh, the guitar!
 

oh, the voice(s)!
 johnjconn wrote:
so is the crabs
 Are the crabs. Several boats are getting catchy with the crabs just beyond my window as I type this. I know that's not your reference, but I'm moving it to a much tastier plane, as this song deserves!

Yesterday....
 Stingray wrote:
I love the BEATLES - truely!
But always had very mixed emotions about "REVOLVER".
Never let this album into my heart!
Can anybody tell me why...? Maybe?
 

I cannot help you, it is probably my 2nd favorite Beatle album after Abbey Road of course.{#Lol}
Oh, the guitar!
 Rooney wrote:


I hardly ever took Beatle songs in context.  If it was a good song, it was a good song, regardless of the flow of the album.  I never concerned myself with thoughts like :  gee, does this fit or not.  Having said that I find the harmony and guitar solo on this song astoundingly good.  One could make that argument for almost all of their albums.  Anyway, this song got a 10 from me and deserved it.  You should hear them laugh and giggle through it on their out-takes.  Sonofabitch that was a great guitar solo. 
 
What a great comment, Rooney.  I absolutely love this song, for the same reasons you cited.  I wish George and John were still with us - a Beatles reunion could possibly restore the spirit of a despondent, disillusioned world...

So ... damn ... catchy ...
 socalhol wrote:
 pdemeester wrote:
I wonder if this is one of those songs you need to hear in the context of the whole album. On its own it's not turning my crank. Ho Hum

 
I concur
 

I hardly ever took Beatle songs in context.  If it was a good song, it was a good song, regardless of the flow of the album.  I never concerned myself with thoughts like :  gee, does this fit or not.  Having said that I find the harmony and guitar solo on this song astoundingly good.  One could make that argument for almost all of their albums.  Anyway, this song got a 10 from me and deserved it.  You should hear them laugh and giggle through it on their out-takes.  Sonofabitch that was a great guitar solo. 
 pdemeester wrote:
I wonder if this is one of those songs you need to hear in the context of the whole album. On its own it's not turning my crank. Ho Hum

 
I concur


I believe I read once that John did not like this song that he wrote. For me I am glad he did!!
Same here, and I'm American.  Plus, I always want to hear "If I Needed Someone" right afterwards.  For me, those two songs just seem to belong together.

 kaybee wrote:
Being Canadian, it's odd for me to hear this and see the Revolver album posted and not Yesterday and Today. 


 


At McCartney's ear, a some parasite  is watching you %username% {#Wink}

McCartney's ear



Give a listen to the out-take of this song.  Paul starts getting into a fit of giggles, and then John joins him.
I could listen to this a zillion times and still love it and want to hear it again. Thank you, RP.{#Notworthy}
 romeotuma wrote:


This song is absolutely marvelous...

 
 
Yep. 10. No explanations or justifications.

I wonder if this is one of those songs you need to hear in the context of the whole album. On its own it's not turning my crank. Ho Hum
 Stingray wrote:
I love the BEATLES - truely!
But always had very mixed emotions about "REVOLVER".
Never let this album into my heart!
Can anybody tell me why...? Maybe?
 

We are all different with different likes and tastes.  THIS IS A GOOD THING!
 Stingray wrote:
I love the BEATLES - truely!
But always had very mixed emotions about "REVOLVER".
Never let this album into my heart!
Can anybody tell me why...? Maybe?
 
Can't help you there... I prefer this album to Sgt. Pepper. 

I bet there is a long german word/condition for it though, like "Beatle-Lied-Fertigkeitdurcheinander" or something.

 Stingray wrote:
I love the BEATLES - truely!
But always had very mixed emotions about "REVOLVER".
Never let this album into my heart!
Can anybody tell me why...? Maybe?
 
I cannot tell you why because i feel it is quite possibly their best. At least tied with their best.

I love the BEATLES - truely!
But always had very mixed emotions about "REVOLVER".
Never let this album into my heart!
Can anybody tell me why...? Maybe?