Snowbird

Album: Now And Forever (1970)
Charted: 23 8
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  • Beneath this snowy mantle cold and clean
    The unborn grass lies waiting for its coat to turn to green
    The snowbird sings the song he always sings
    And speaks to me of flowers that will bloom again in spring

    When I was young my heart was young then too
    Anything that it would tell me, that's the thing that I would do
    But now I feel such emptiness within
    For the thing that I want most in life's the thing that I can't win

    Spread your tiny wings and fly away
    And take the snow back with you where it came from on that day
    The one I love forever is untrue
    And if I could you know that I would fly away with you

    The breeze along the river seems to say
    That he'll only break my heart again should I decide to stay
    So little snowbird take me with you when you go
    To that land of gentle breezes where the peaceful waters flow

    Spread your tiny wings and fly away
    And take the snow back with you where it came from on that day
    The one I love forever is untrue
    And if I could you know that I would fly away with you
    Yeah, if I could you know that I would fly away with you Writer/s: Gene Mac Lellan
    Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 14

  • Ann Fitz from TorontoAnne Murray sings this song with joy in the overall tone that the narrator will find the courage to fly from the heartache. On the other hand, Catherine MacLennon sings from a place of deep love
    And deep sorrow and I really felt for the narrator
    As he was unable to move from such a heavenly place. Catherine’s version with her pure innocent sweet voice really pulled on my heartstrings to understand the difficulty of moving from a place where there was pure joy to a place of nothingness.
  • Phil E from Huntington Beach, Ca.I Remember this song played virally on the Radio stations back when it came out. I was too young to appreciate it then, but now in my 60's I'm able to grasp the metaphors. It's like knocking on heavens door. Just a cool song hearing it as a kid but now they have meaning. Trivia: I remember John DeLorean being interviewed and saying this was his favorite song.
  • Gordon Fader from Halifax NsI backed Gene on the song for the first time it was played in the Chiefs and POs military bar. He said he had just written it and handed me a folded sheet of music. The band was called The Four Winds. Being more of a jazz pianist I was that impressed with the score but his superb lyrical voice was impressive.
  • Chris from ArizonaThe songwriter suffered from depression for most of his life, and he committed suicide in his 50's. That makes some of the lyrics more poignant.
  • Chris Diaz from Kingwood, TxI love Anne Murray songs, all of them. I grew up listening to them and I took them all to heart, because it was my life back then and still is. God Bless you.
  • Seventhmist from 7th HeavenI never cared much for Murray's voice, but this one is an exception.
  • Jennifur Sun from RamonaLove this song. More than once I wished I could fly away to some where else.
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn July 12th 1970, Anne Murray's debut record, "Snowbird", entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #86; and on September 20th, 1970 it peaked at #8 (for 2 weeks) and spent 16 weeks on the Top 100...
    On August 22nd, 1970 it peaked at #1 (for 3 weeks) on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart...
    And one day later on August 23rd, 1970 it reached #1 (for 6 weeks) on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Tracks chart...
    Between 1970 and 1986 she had twenty-eight Top 100 records, four made the Top 10 with one reaching #1, "You Needed Me", for 1 week in 1978...
    Ms. Murray, born Morna Anne Murray, celebrated her 69th birthday last month on June 20th, 2014.
  • Ken from Philadelphia, PaThis song was part of a major plot line in a 2013 episode of The Family Guy. Stewie and Brian become obsessed with Ms. Murray's music, and after debating the meaning of Snowbird, decide to ask Ms. Murray directly. She generally affirms both their interpretations, but also notes that she didn't write the song (or any of her own songs). Stewie immediately deems her a "fraud" and much hilarity ensues.
  • James from Diamond Bar, CaBeautiful - Reminds Me Of The Beautiful Simple Things In Life - A Trip To Fosters Freeze For An Ice Cream Cone - Thanks Anne And Gerald
  • Robert from Denver, CoI first heard this song when I was 13 and have loved it ever since.
  • Ken from Louisville, KyThis song was used on the closing credits to Michael Moore's satrical movie "Canadian Bacon". It was used as an "example" of Canadian music!

  • J from Calgary, CanadaGene MacLellan committed suicide in 1995.
  • Sarah from Ottawa, CanadaThis used to be my one of my mom's favorite songs and now I like it too.
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