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Throughout the history of popular music, certain themes and characters are represented more than most. Birds are found near the top of this list, with our
feathered friends referenced across generations and musical genres. From happiness and nature to love and escape, birds are typically evoked to highlight positive feelings and new possibilities. Freedom and flight can also be turned on their heads, however, with some bird songs speaking of capture, burden, and love gone awry.
Let’s review the best songs about birds of all time. From ’60s classics to modern hits, these songs are ideal for your next playlist.
Famous Songs About Birds
Let’s explore 15 fantastic songs about birds. From emotional songs to dance floor favorites, each track offers a unique take on bird life.
I’m Like a Bird – Nelly Furtado
This song by Nelly Furtado comes from her debut studio album, Whoa, Nelly! The Canadian singer-songwriter released it in 2000, using catchy melodies and vocal hooks to traverse dreamy pop territory. “I’m Like a Bird” has a breezy musical flow, and the lyrics capture feelings of happiness and freedom. This song has a fairly simple melody, which makes it ideal for karaoke nights and party sing-alongs. “I’m Like a Bird” quickly became a worldwide hit, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries around the world.
Three Little Birds – Bob Marley and the Wailers
“Three Little Birds” is a famous song by Bob Marley and the Wailers. It comes from their 1977 album, Exodus, and it was also released as a single in 1980. “Three Little Birds” is often mistaken for “Don’t Worry About a Thing” or “Every Little Thing Is Gonna Be Alright,” with the repeated use of these phrases used to express mental flight and intoxication from marijuana. Marley was inspired to write this track after observing three canaries on the windowsill at his Hope Road studio.
When Doves Cry – Prince
“The Purple One” wrote tons of amazing songs over his career, and this was one of his most popular. “When Doves Cry” is the lead single from Prince’s 1984 album, Purple Rain, and it also featured in the film of the same name. Musically, this track is sparse and clean with no bass line. Lyrically, Prince evokes images of crying doves to illustrate the loss of a relationship. This song is also about family dynamics, referencing Prince’s fear of becoming too much like his parents.
Caged Bird – Alicia Keys
“Caged Bird” by Alicia Keys comes from her debut studio album, Songs in A Minor. This beloved track is known for its poignant lyrics about birds, along with its beautiful piano-driven arrangement. While birds in flight are often used to reference freedom, this track uses caged birds to highlight isolation and pain. “Caged Bird” is a tribute to Maya Angelou’s autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Birdhouse in Your Soul – They Might Be Giants
This quirky song by They Might Be Giants is a real earworm. Released in 1989 on their album Flood, it presents a lighthearted narrative about a nightlight in the shape of a canary. As you might expect given that context, “Birdhouse in Your Soul” is unique, fascinating, and rather silly. From the strange snare drum pattern and harmonic modulation to the associative lyrics and rapid delivery, this track is one-of-a-kind.
Bird on the Wire – Leonard Cohen
The incredible songwriting skills of Leonard Cohen really shine through on this number. “Bird on the Wire” was released on his 1969 album, Songs from a Room, and it remained a signature song throughout his entire career. This soul-searching track was inspired by a bird sitting on a phone wire, which was used as a jumping-off point to sing about habit and freedom. Cohen was living on the Greek island Hydra at the time, where he battled and overcame depression with help from his girlfriend.
Birds – Coldplay
“Birds” is the second track from Coldplay’s 2015 studio album, A Head Full of Dreams. It’s an up-tempo song with creative lyrics and memorable melodies, with birds vaguely referencing the refugee crisis at the time. Once again, birds are used to reference freedom and escape. If you want to play this song yourself, Coldplay is known for creating easy guitar songs with simple chord progressions.
Morning Mr Magpie – Radiohead
It’s not their most famous song, but “Morning Mr Magpie” is an incredible sonic creation. On this number, the generational talents of Radiohead find focus with rhythmic guitars, tight percussion, and mysterious lyrics speaking directly to “Mr. Magpie.” This track comes from the band’s King of Limbs long-player from 2011. Unusual for songs about birds, the central figure in this narrative is negative. There’s a good reason for this, with magpies known for stealing and hiding human possessions.
Birds & Bees – Vince Staples
“Birds & Bees” was released on Vince Staples’ 2015 debut album, Summertime ’06. It’s a gritty portrayal of growing up in Los Angeles, with energetic production juxtaposed with complex lyrics about birds and despair. Lyrically, “Birds & Bees” addresses family involvement in gang activities and the never-ending cycle of street violence. Along with their peers, the bees, the birds in this song are used to reference reproduction, family ties, and the relentless nature of life.
Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
“Wind Beneath My Wings” was written in 1982 by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley. The most famous rendition of this track is by Bette Midler, however, from a few years later in 1988. Recorded and released for the film Beaches, it became a massive hit all over the world. “Wind Beneath My Wings” is an uplifting song about love, referencing that one special person who can lift you up and make you fly.
Birds of a Feather – Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish was a massive sensation when she launched onto the scene in 2019. “Birds of a Feather” is one of her biggest hits, with this track released in 2024 on the album Hit Me Hard and Soft. This new-wave pop song was inspired by the traditional English idiom “Birds of a feather flock together.” Songs about birds often explore themes of longing, and this track talks about true love and lifelong connections.
Doves in the Wind – SZA ft. Kendrick Lamar
On this track, singer-songwriter SZA joins forces with hip-hop heavyweight Kendrick Lamar. “Doves in the Wind” is about female empowerment and love-based relationships beyond lust. It’s delivered in old-school boom bap style, slow and steady with a groove that twists and grinds. More than anything else, however, “Doves in the Wind” is a love letter to vaginas and all the power they hold.
Blackbird – The Beatles
This song by The Beatles comes from their debut release, 1968’s double self-titled album. Titled “Blackbird,” it was inspired by a particular bird call heard during the band’s India travels. Paul McCartney is the chief author of this song, even though it’s officially credited to Lennon-McCartney. He used the blackbird as a metaphor to represent the civil rights movement, where oppressed communities were fighting for their moment to arise.
Albatross – Fleetwood Mac
“Albatross” is an instrumental track by Fleetwood Mac. It was originally released as a single in 1968, before being included on the compilation albums The Pious Bird of Good Omen and English Rose. Despite the band’s long and successful career, this track is their only No. 1 on the UK charts. The title comes from the English expression “an albatross around your neck,” which describes a heavy burden and not the usual lightness of birds.
Rockin’ Robin – Michael Jackson
The incredible talents of Michael Jackson were in their infancy in 1972, which is when he released the track “Rockin’ Robin.” It comes from his debut solo album, Got to Be There, and it was a massive hit for the young rising star. This song was first recorded by American singer Bobby Day in 1958, and it uses the robin to represent unhindered movement and natural joy.
Why Birds Inspire So Many Songs
The symbolism of birds is strong across the music world. Flying across the sky in large groups and cuddling up together in long-term relationships, they offer a great lens on humanity itself. Depending on the context and intention, birds can represent freedom, spirit, nature, migration, love, and even transcendence. Musical genres and artists often interpret these meanings differently, as our deep relationship with bird life provides so much room for inspiration.
Hidden Meanings Behind Bird Songs
Bird-themed songs are often based on lyrical symbolism, where the archetypal “bird” stands in for a concept or ideal. Birds are a powerful and universal metaphor because they’re incredibly common but also ancient and otherworldly. Historically in literature and music, real or imaginary birds have been used to describe freedom, spirituality, and transformation. Their ability to fly across long distances is something we envy, and the medium of air they navigate is the perfect metaphor for the rising soul.
Many birds also provide an analog for relationships, with certain breeds known to mate for life just like us. Last but not least, bird song itself has long been an inspiration for composers. All birds use sound for communication, and some breeds have mastered complex rhythms and melodies only matched by humans.
Final Thoughts
Birds can be found all over the world, in many sizes, shapes, and colors. Since the dawn of human civilization, these magnificent flying creatures have inspired people to make beautiful art. Birds are widely referenced in popular songs, both as direct subject matter and shared metaphors for love and freedom. As ancient forms, birds highlight shared emotions and timescales bigger than ourselves. As masters of flight, they represent the power of movement and freedom. And as musicians themselves, birds help us create music that resonates with the true majesty of nature.
If you want to get inspired by listening to wonderful songs about birds, review the tracks above and create your own personal playlist.