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The Beatles — Blackbird
Album: White Album
Avg rating:
8.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2780









Released: 1968
Length: 2:18
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free

Blackbird fly
Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night

Blackbird fly
Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
Comments (143)add comment
Kamala!
Posted 2 months ago by goatsage56    [ Reply ]
just the bees knees this is..
Posted 3 months ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
Fun fact: Alter Bridge's Myles Kennedy starts with the first notes of this song when they perform their Blackbird on stage, which is an amazing song - one of the best songs written in this century. 
Posted 3 months ago by ak_cemal497    [ Reply ]
look at the distribution on that ratings chart..pretty much says it all
Posted 4 months ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
This has aged alot better than Paul's cutesy Vaudevillian shtick. No Oobla Dis here.
Posted 6 months ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
 mgtom wrote:

One of Paul's many amazing little ditties.  Simple. Clean. Fun. 

Sing along! 



Whoa. Whoa. "Little ditties", "simple", "fun"? You do realize this song is about the fight for desegregation, in support of the civil rights movement? It was written as a song of encouragement, especially the Little Rock 9.

All your life, you were only waiting
For this moment to be free

I have a guess why Beyoncé included it in her country album.
Posted 7 months ago by gklarenberg    [ Reply ]
 scrubbrush wrote:

Beyonce just released a beautiful version of this song.
https://open.spotify.com/track...


Ah you beat me to it
Posted 7 months ago by petecallaghan    [ Reply ]
Eagerly waiting for this to followed by Beyoncé BLACKBIIRD 😁
Posted 7 months ago by petecallaghan    [ Reply ]
Beyoncé just released a beautiful version of this song.


Beyoncé - Blackbird - YouTube

https://open.spotify.com/track...
Posted 7 months ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
 h_in_bristol wrote:


Very annoying indeed.


being slightly off time, especially
Posted 8 months ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
11
Posted 8 months ago by salice    [ Reply ]
One of my favourite songs ever
Posted 9 months ago by stimats    [ Reply ]
I still am amazed by the variety of songs that they created. A lot to do with the producer as well.
Posted 9 months ago by terryd    [ Reply ]
 mdnlsn wrote:

Had never listened to this on headphones before. That tap/clap sticks out like a click track in my ear. Really takes away from the song



Very annoying indeed.
Posted 9 months ago by h_in_bristol    [ Reply ]
Macca at his best: simple, melodic, powerful. The Civil Rights Movement appreciated his support.
Posted 1 year ago by siqbal    [ Reply ]
I will always love this song....

its symbolism...
its place in music history...
its place in my heart

So very fortunate to have lived to hear and experience these fellas -- as a group and as solo artists.

And of all the words available to me to describe Beatledom.... the only one I firmly land on is: Ineffable.
Posted 1 year ago by Roguewarer    [ Reply ]
 buddy wrote:

The first song I ever learned on acoustic guitar.



Not just the first song for me, but my #1 inspiration for learning in the first place!
Posted 2 years ago by jpschroe    [ Reply ]
His cover by jon batiste is just mesmerizing 
blackbird
Posted 2 years ago by paloeguevo    [ Reply ]
 scrubbrush wrote:

As far as double studio albums from great bands go, I have to say that I rank this album just below:
1. The Rolling Stone - Exile on Main Street
2. Led Zeppelin - Physical Graffiti
3. The Clash - London Calling


Beatles White is numero uno in my not so humble opinion.
EJ's Yellow Brick Road also come to mind . . .
Posted 2 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Me watching this year's Glastonbury where Paul McCartney performed this and partner says "I thought this was just a lullaby from the Boss Baby movie - didn't know it was a Beatles song..." 🤨🤔😔😐🤗😁
Posted 2 years ago by CCSandman    [ Reply ]
 scrubbrush wrote:

As far as double studio albums from great bands go, I have to say that I rank this album just below:
1. The Rolling Stone - Exile on Main Street
2. Led Zeppelin - Physical Graffiti
3. The Clash - London Calling


It's better than all those combined.
Posted 2 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
 mdnlsn wrote:

Had never listened to this on headphones before. That tap/clap sticks out like a click track in my ear. Really takes away from the song




I agree! Still a GREAT SONG!!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 kingart wrote:

{#Cheers} NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MORE LEMONHEAD. {#Pray}


Piss off Lemonhead
Posted 2 years ago by bixbeider    [ Reply ]
Had never listened to this on headphones before. That tap/clap sticks out like a click track in my ear. Really takes away from the song
Posted 3 years ago by mdnlsn    [ Reply ]
A beautiful little titty....oops Love it
Posted 3 years ago by k_trout    [ Reply ]
As far as double studio albums from great bands go, I have to say that I rank this album just below:
1. The Rolling Stone - Exile on Main Street
2. Led Zeppelin - Physical Graffiti
3. The Clash - London Calling
Posted 4 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
 buddy wrote:
The first song I ever learned on acoustic guitar.
 
You could've done worse. 
Posted 4 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
This is probably somewhere way down in the comments, but if you haven't seen this guy sing Blackbird to his new (and shortly lived) son in the hospital, and you're ready for tears, try this:

https://www.today.com/parents/dad-sings-blackbird-dying-baby-son-heartbreaking-youtube-video-1D80287465
Posted 4 years ago by bluematrix    [ Reply ]
 mgtom wrote:
One of Paul's many amazing little ditties.  Simple. Clean. Fun. 

Sing along! 
 Well said!  

Posted 4 years ago by khardog145    [ Reply ]
This song is very relevant to current circumstances worldwide.  Paul explained (in a concert I saw) that he wrote this song about those struggling for equal rights at the time.
Posted 4 years ago by rpdevotee    [ Reply ]
 kingart wrote:

{#Cheers} NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MORE LEMONHEAD. {#Pray}
 

NOOOOOOOOOO MORE LEMON PARADE. Really, no more please Bill. 
Posted 4 years ago by NeuroJoe    [ Reply ]
Awesome!
Posted 4 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
I love this song, but listening to this version through headphones is challenging because my left year only hears the click and vocals and my right ear hears the guitar. Not sure why The Beatles recorded their songs by separating the instruments on L/R channels like that, but it makes listening to some of their songs through headphones not ideal.
Posted 4 years ago by Sofa_King    [ Reply ]
 Lemonhead wrote:
{#Fire}NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MORE BEATLES{#Fire}
 
Was never going to happen after JL's murder! But, thanks to their legacy, there's still plenty of airplay to keep us going!
Posted 4 years ago by LoudshirtsBand    [ Reply ]
Thinking about this song and "Mother Nature's Son" and "Yesterday" all week.

Marveling how a bass player/pianist composed and performed such challenging and interesting guitar pieces. 
Posted 5 years ago by Missing_Lowell    [ Reply ]
Who did the birds on this song
Posted 5 years ago by stephen.king12101    [ Reply ]
One of Paul's many amazing little ditties.  Simple. Clean. Fun. 

Sing along! 
Posted 5 years ago by mgtom    [ Reply ]
Posted 5 years ago by sunflowerbee    [ Reply ]
 junebaby65 wrote:


I love when people comment that they don't like the Beatles.  It drives RP listeners into a tizzy.  Lol.  I do enjoy them, but as I've said over and over: We all have different tastes, and maybe, just maybe,  in this world of about 6 billion people, there are some who can't stand the Beatles!!!
 
Hum, let me think......... it's not possible, i have to have faith in humanity :)
Posted 5 years ago by Sbed    [ Reply ]
 Dazzerb wrote:
The Beatles hurt my ears,their music really annoys me but this tune I quite like. 
 

I love when people comment that they don't like the Beatles.  It drives RP listeners into a tizzy.  Lol.  I do enjoy them, but as I've said over and over: We all have different tastes, and maybe, just maybe,  in this world of about 6 billion people, there are some who can't stand the Beatles!!!
Posted 5 years ago by junebaby65    [ Reply ]
A real pleasure !
Posted 6 years ago by Noé    [ Reply ]
 Lemonhead wrote:
{#Fire}NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MORE BEATLES{#Fire}

 
{#Cheers} NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MORE LEMONHEAD. {#Pray}
Posted 6 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
 buddy wrote:
The first song I ever learned on acoustic guitar.

 
Holy shite, are you kidding? I learned it but recently and nearly broke my fingers on the try.
Posted 7 years ago by Bleyfusz    [ Reply ]
Nice song I like the Beatles still after many years.{#Guitarist}
Posted 7 years ago by Streamingaudio    [ Reply ]
So beautiful
Posted 7 years ago by Ishwara    [ Reply ]
Another song where it is impossible to tell if it is really that good, or does it just seem that way because of all the good feelings that come with it.  I suppose it could be argued there is no difference.
Posted 7 years ago by Typesbad    [ Reply ]
 buddy wrote:
The first song I ever learned on acoustic guitar.
 
There are a few reasons why LOTS of people learn this early in their guitar careers.  The chord progression isn't hard, and if you can sing while you play .... well, you're as good as Paul McCartney!
Posted 7 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 Dazzerb wrote:
The Beatles hurt my ears,their music really annoys me but this tune I quite like. 

 
finally there is hope for everyone
Posted 8 years ago by raga    [ Reply ]
The Beatles hurt my ears,their music really annoys me but this tune I quite like. 
Posted 8 years ago by Dazzerb    [ Reply ]
The first song I ever learned on acoustic guitar.
Posted 8 years ago by buddy    [ Reply ]
 Ostar wrote:

Today again! Right after Fly. Is this a recycled playlist or what?
 
Ostar, you've been around since 2006 and you haven't yet figured out how RP playlists are crafted and programmed? The DJ doesn't work 24 hours a day, and the lists are not random. The carefully sequenced sets of songs do tend to evolve over time, though.
Posted 8 years ago by Otomi    [ Reply ]
Dead bird singing in the black of night....
Posted 9 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
{#Fire}NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MORE BEATLES{#Fire}
Posted 9 years ago by Lemonhead    [ Reply ]
Perfect.. perfect....
Had yet to hear Nick Drake's Fly
and had the volume up, the lyrics too....
when it ended .. didn't miss a beat
and ....  the 'Into the light of the dark black night'
with the Beatles... Blackbird

Perfect.... oohooh so wonderful

Radio Paradise.. a mini-event within a few songs...
building and growing..  linked around a theme, a thought, a pause....
Thank you
and while writing this,  slipping into Lullaby by  Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
You are the quiet in my soul 
You are the pieces of gold 
Won't you shine 

Thank you Radio Paradise.....
a blessing in my life
 
Posted 9 years ago by kennewicksheri    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:
Today this comes after Nick Drake's Fly....this is not a good transition for me...I think ND is much better than the Beatles
 
Today again! Right after Fly. Is this a recycled playlist or what?
Posted 9 years ago by Ostar    [ Reply ]
Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of homeless camps loves this song soooo much, which is from a wonderful double album, except for the "Revolution 9" avant-garde LSD flashback...
Posted 10 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Gotta bump this gem: 9 > 10
Posted 10 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
olsaltybastard wrote:
I think I like this because I haven't heard it 1000 times. In fact, I have never heard it. It lacks the teeny boppper tinge that most Beatles songs tend to have (the ones I have heard anyways.)
 

You are confusing The Beatles with The Bay City Rollers, obviously.  Chalk and cheese.
Posted 10 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
It's a great lullaby for little ones to go to sleep by; used it 34 yrs ago on oldest and now her 6 yr son, every night, by his request.
Posted 10 years ago by pinem    [ Reply ]
Definitely one of my all-time favorite acoustic tunes. Just gorgeous.
Posted 10 years ago by Rick_V    [ Reply ]
8.9? Average score? Ok...it's Beatles...it's good...but c'mon...not sure about such a high score. Oh well...where's my tune right? Bring it on, folks.
Posted 10 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Today this comes after Nick Drake's Fly....this is not a good transition for me...I think ND is much better than the Beatles
Posted 10 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
way overated !
Posted 17 years ago by timrd    [ Reply ]
It's pretty mind blowing thinking about Paul just noodling away on his guitar and coming up with this. Man, I wish I could do that...
Posted 17 years ago by music_man    [ Reply ]
cordelia wrote:
i like this song, but i heard howard stern sing it once and now when i hear it, i can't shake the sound of stern singing it...
I always think of "ER" when I hear this. There was an episode from way back involving Sherry Stringfield's character, her sister on the show, and a lost baby. I don't remember the particulars of the story, but I remember them singing the song to get past the hurt. Howard Stern singing this song must be one of the seven signs of the apocalypse.
Posted 17 years ago by cattgirl813    [ Reply ]
Loonytunas wrote:
I so tired of hearing the Beatles, let them go.
no shit! x100930302843
Posted 17 years ago by tony620d    [ Reply ]
God damn I still love this song. Timelessssssssssssss......................
Posted 17 years ago by splooge    [ Reply ]
beeeeeeuuuuuuuteeeful
Posted 18 years ago by toddschmutz    [ Reply ]
i like this song, but i heard howard stern sing it once and now when i hear it, i can't shake the sound of stern singing it...
Posted 18 years ago by cordelia    [ Reply ]
I so tired of hearing the Beatles, let them go.
Posted 18 years ago by Loonytunas    [ Reply ]
hippiechick wrote:
You are so off about the meaning of that song. Anyway, this is one of the few of Paul's songs that I actually like.
I'm sure you can reference the theology to back your statement.
Posted 18 years ago by pinto    [ Reply ]
pinto wrote:
If I were into atheism and Communism, then, yeah, I'd like the lyrics to "Imagine" also.
You are so off about the meaning of that song. Anyway, this is one of the few of Paul's songs that I actually like.
Posted 18 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
texastimr wrote:
This is one of the first songs I taught myself on guitar. Great song.
Cheers to you. I still can't pick this one. Pretty complicated for your first, IMHO.
Posted 18 years ago by The_Waker    [ Reply ]
dmax wrote:
Hey, Bill - you could play this backed with Kate Bush's "Aerial" with her laughing birds and really drive people nuts.
Plus "Birds" by Quasi (the one from "Featuring 'Birds' ", as opposed to "Birds" by Quasi, from "Field Studies". Details, details.)
Posted 18 years ago by QualityPie    [ Reply ]
Anyone ever listen to this cut back-to-back with the song "Blackbird", by Wings (from the "Band On The Run" album)? I detect a similarity . . . which one's better?
Posted 18 years ago by QualityPie    [ Reply ]
GChevy410 wrote:
man I think it sucks that this is the original, because there are much better versions out there (thinking Monte Montgomery, and since theirs are not the originals it takes away from their rating
HUH?
Posted 18 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
all my love to paul..... even in this sad morning his voice and this song can bring me to good places...
Posted 18 years ago by exciter76    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by HombreDeMezcal    [ Reply ]
man I think it sucks that this is the original, because there are much better versions out there (thinking Monte Montgomery, and since theirs are not the originals it takes away from their rating
Posted 18 years ago by GChevy410    [ Reply ]
Beautiful.
Posted 18 years ago by glassjawgrlxxx    [ Reply ]
TheLoneIguana wrote:
This is one of the songs that makes me wish I could play guitar.
This is one of the first songs I taught myself on guitar. Great song.
Posted 18 years ago by texastimr    [ Reply ]
pinto wrote:
If I were into atheism and Communism, then, yeah, I'd like the lyrics to "Imagine" also.
Well said!! BTW. That chirping that seems to annoy some listeners is in fact an English blackbird. ( Sorry, but I don't remember his full name )
Posted 18 years ago by algrif    [ Reply ]
pianocomposer wrote:
This is my favorite Beatles song because it is art and it is pop and it's the emergence of Paul as a songwriter in his own right. (My favorite song by John was written years later. It is called "Imagine" and has the best lyrics of any pop song in the English language.)
If I were into atheism and Communism, then, yeah, I'd like the lyrics to "Imagine" also.
Posted 18 years ago by pinto    [ Reply ]
Solid 9... at 1:30, CST ,3/15/06.
Posted 18 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
This is one of the songs that makes me wish I could play guitar.
Posted 18 years ago by TheLoneIguana    [ Reply ]
Inspiration at its highest point. Love it dearly, and brightens the day considerably. Thank you.
Posted 18 years ago by Beastie    [ Reply ]
YES!!
Posted 18 years ago by littleblueriver7    [ Reply ]
still, deep in work I had to stop and go ahhhhh. Great song and counterproductive to work, back to the land of grown ups.
Posted 18 years ago by fusionmuze    [ Reply ]
Great song, but so overplayed . . . For a while, in my place of worship, I had to hear it almost every week. It was not played well either. I think if you are going to perform this song, you need to either be the Beatles or do it silently.
Posted 18 years ago by rKokon    [ Reply ]
yep..... my favorite Beatles cut....
Posted 18 years ago by Old_Pat    [ Reply ]
olsaltybastard wrote:
I think I like this because I haven't heard it 1000 times. In fact, I have never heard it. It lacks the teeny boppper tinge that most Beatles songs tend to have (the ones I have heard anyways.)
Teeny bopper tinge? What albums have you heard? Rubber Soul? Let It Be? C'mon man.
Posted 18 years ago by The_Waker    [ Reply ]
pianocomposer wrote:
This is my favorite Beatles song because it is art and it is pop and it's the emergence of Paul as a songwriter in his own right. (My favorite song by John was written years later. It is called "Imagine" and has the best lyrics of any pop song in the English language.)
What, you know some songs in another language with better lyrics than Imagine....translate please!
Posted 18 years ago by jackvh    [ Reply ]
This is my favorite Beatles song because it is art and it is pop and it's the emergence of Paul as a songwriter in his own right. (My favorite song by John was written years later. It is called "Imagine" and has the best lyrics of any pop song in the English language.)
Posted 18 years ago by pianocomposer    [ Reply ]
jeremyleo wrote:
Godlike. Period.
My sentiments exactly.
Posted 18 years ago by The_Seeker    [ Reply ]
I think I like this because I haven't heard it 1000 times. In fact, I have never heard it. It lacks the teeny boppper tinge that most Beatles songs tend to have (the ones I have heard anyways.)
Posted 18 years ago by olsaltybastard    [ Reply ]
I read somewhere that this song is actually about black slavery and the underground railroad. And if you read this (click here) it talks about "blackbird" slave hunters. You have to love the Beatles.
Posted 18 years ago by gtm256    [ Reply ]
federico wrote:
Have you noticed? One of the things that sets the truly great apart in music is the sheer quantity of excellent pieces they create. The catalogue of the Betales, the Stones, Dylan is full of songs unknown to the general public that would be considered the top achievement of many other artists. And I think the same holds for Ellington, Count Basie, but also Mozart, Beethoven ... What do you think?
Um, what if they die young? Or break up early? Aside from that, your comment is basically a tautology. How are you deciding who is great? If you're saying that the Stone Roses aren't as great as the Stones because they only had one or two great albums, then, um, yeah, what distinguishes "great" from "not great" is, indeed, their volume.
Posted 19 years ago by mettle    [ Reply ]
Have you noticed? One of the things that sets the truly great apart in music is the sheer quantity of excellent pieces they create. The catalogue of the Betales, the Stones, Dylan is full of songs unknown to the general public that would be considered the top achievement of many other artists. And I think the same holds for Ellington, Count Basie, but also Mozart, Beethoven ... What do you think?
Posted 19 years ago by federico    [ Reply ]
Indubitably.
Posted 19 years ago by UltraNurd    [ Reply ]
this is a beautiful song, but i could really do without the tweeting and chirping.
Posted 19 years ago by chillynne    [ Reply ]
A naturally pure song filled with grace, that's the only way I can describe it... :sunny.gif:
Posted 19 years ago by pdjpirate    [ Reply ]
gotta be a 10. a perfect song
Posted 19 years ago by rasta_tiger    [ Reply ]
shevek wrote:
A 10. What more can I say?
That chirping bird in the background continually drives me fruit! Otherwise pleasant. Never been a big Beatles fan.
Posted 19 years ago by thekid    [ Reply ]
:daisy.gif: :daisy.gif: :daisy.gif:
Posted 19 years ago by Danny_G    [ Reply ]
One more near perfect song from a near perfect group. Sooooooooo good..........
Posted 19 years ago by dwa375    [ Reply ]
This song can melt the stress right out of my day. I have this song loaded on a "favorites to relax by" CD in my car and listen to it a couple of times a week during my ride home.
Posted 19 years ago by BGGA    [ Reply ]
rascal420 wrote:
Which album is this from? It's not on Abbey Road.
The Beatles (White album)
Posted 19 years ago by AphidA    [ Reply ]
A 10. What more can I say?
Posted 19 years ago by shevek    [ Reply ]
OOOOOHHH.... How I love this song. I *must* play it twice through each time. It's such a multi-dimensional song ... almost folk, almost Celtic hymn, beautiful lyric ballad, when you feel down, upset -- it's the most uplifting "blues" song EVER.
Posted 19 years ago by eeching2004    [ Reply ]
Anyone ever heard the Jaco cover?
Posted 19 years ago by BKardon    [ Reply ]
Which album is this from? It's not on Abbey Road.
Posted 19 years ago by rascal420    [ Reply ]
As much as I love the original, I must say that Crowsby Stills and Nash version is just as good. The harmonies there, are perfect.
Posted 19 years ago by midnitcafe    [ Reply ]
one of their best - like the rythm section
Posted 19 years ago by froderik    [ Reply ]
Great song, but did you ever realize how short it is?
Posted 19 years ago by RTK    [ Reply ]
Franlrc wrote:
Is it me or is this distorted like an audiotape left out in the sun?
Must be you - but it seems that I recall that this tune was recorded in Paul's home studio so maybe you're hearing something real. Of course, this could easily be faulty memory on my part.
Posted 19 years ago by bwanab    [ Reply ]
Godlike. Period.
Posted 19 years ago by jeremyleo    [ Reply ]
It's fun to listen to this and "Imagine" and hear the difference between a quiet song written by McCartney and Lennon. Gotta be honest McCartney takes the cake here.
Posted 19 years ago by Tempus_Fugit    [ Reply ]
Is it me or is this distorted like an audiotape left out in the sun?
Posted 19 years ago by Franlrc    [ Reply ]
I love this song. My son knew all the words to this when he was three- but that is nothing, there is a five year old guitar prodigy kid in this area that can play & sing this note for note. No Bull! Check out the link https://www.southcoasttoday.com/daily/11-04/11-02-04/b01li749.htm
Posted 19 years ago by damien    [ Reply ]
The greatest finger-picking tune ever!
Posted 20 years ago by Rickvee    [ Reply ]