Hummingbird

Album: Summer Breeze (1972)
Charted: 20
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This single was Seals & Crofts most unlikely hit. The lyrics, complemented by a chant-like chorus, quote from scriptures of the Baha'i faith, which was founded in the mid-1800's by a Persian nobleman who left his life behind in search of truth. The faith was long little-known outside of the mountainous areas of Iran and Turkey, but has since drawn much interest and is one of the fastest-growing religions in the world. The song itself was a major hit, reaching #20 on the Billboard Hot 100, and is a favorite among fans. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Mike - Santa Barbara, CA
  • According to Jim Seals, this is about the lifelong persecution Baha'i founder Baha u'llah endured because of his beliefs. The refrain "Hummingbird, don't fly away" is a plea for forgiveness.

    In the 1991 interview, Seals explained the song relates to "how each one of the world's teachers when they come are misunderstood, and the first thing we do is strike out at them, behead them, hang them on a cross or whatever. Here mankind waits thousands of years for the coming of someone to help the unity of mankind, and then when he comes, they throw him in jail for 40 years and torture him. I was more or less trying to speak for the human race - presumptuous, I know - saying we were sorry."
  • This was used in the 2014 Australian film Tracks, starring Mia Wasikowska.

Comments: 6

  • Ruth from Los AngelesThis song is one of the most beautiful by Seals & Croft - meaningful, timeless and deeply iconic of the spirit of the 70’s.
  • Hubbs from AshevilleSummer has ended, and my daughter has left to start college at NCSU, leaving me all alone. Now I spend my mornings watching the hummingbirds at the feeder, knowing that soon, they too will fly away. But it has to be.
  • Virginia from Los AngelesThis is probably THE MOST beautiful song I have ever heard. Kudos to Seals & Croft
  • Cindi Church from UsI love this timeless song it is so beautiful
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn January 14th 1973, "Hummingbird" by Seals and Crofts entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; and on March 25th it peaked at #20 (for 1 week) and spent 13 weeks on the Top 100...
    Between 1972 and 1978 the duo had twelve Top 100 records; with three making the Top 10 and those three were also their biggest hits ("Summer Breeze", "Diamond Girl" and "Get Closer", all peaked at #6)...
    But if you want to get picky; "Summer Breeze" and "Diamond Girl" both stayed on the Top 100 for 18 weeks each, and "Get Closer" spent exactly a half-year on the chart (26 weeks)...
    Darrell Crofts turned 73 this past August 14th and Jim Seals will be 73 this coming October 17th.
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyThis was third records titled 'Hummingbird' to make Billboard's Top 100. The first was by Les Paul & Mary Ford and Frankie Kaine in 1955; Paul & Ford's version peaked at No. 7 while Laine reached No. 17. Then in 1970 B.B. King had a different version make it to No. 48!!!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou HarrisSongwriter Interviews

She thinks of herself as a "song interpreter," but back in the '80s another country star convinced Emmylou to take a crack at songwriting.

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"They're Playing My Song

With the band in danger of being dropped from their label, Alice Cooper drummer Neal Smith co-wrote the song that started their trek from horror show curiosity to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.