The Bird (The Time song)

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"The Bird"
"The Bird" U.S. 12" single
U.S. 12" single
Single by The Time
from the album Ice Cream Castle
A-side"The Bird"
B-side"My Drawers"
Written1983
Published1984
ReleasedJanuary 11, 1985
RecordedLive at the First Avenue, October 4, 1983
GenrePop, funk
Length7" edit: 3:41
Album: 7:40
Dance Remix: 6:25
LabelWarner Bros.
Composer(s)Prince (as Jamie Starr), Morris Day, Jesse Johnson
Lyricist(s)Prince (as Jamie Starr)
Producer(s)Prince (as The Starr ★ Company)
The Time singles chronology
"Jungle Love"
(1984) 		"The Bird"
(1985) 		"Jerk Out"
(1990)
Alternative cover
"The Bird" Promotional 7" single
Promotional 7" single

"The Bird" is a song from The Time's third album, Ice Cream Castle. The song was initially recorded in the studio in 1983 with all instruments by Prince, except guitar, which was performed by Jesse Johnson.[1] This version was replaced by a live recording with the full band at the First Avenue on October 4, 1983. This is the first Time song to be released both live and featuring The Time as a band, rather than primarily Prince with Morris Day on vocals. The song has become a signature number for the band and continues to be played in every Time concert to this day. In addition, two additional live versions have since been released: one on Prince's Rave Un2 the Year 2000 DVD and one recorded at the House of Blues in 1998 for Morris Day's 2004 album It's About Time.

Background[]

The title of the upbeat number refers to a dance in which the arms are flapped, mimicking a bird's wings. Morris Day also squawks throughout the song. The song suggests that by "doing the bird", one can overcome their troubles. "The Bird" is a funk-rock offering, using both a drum machine and live drumming by Jellybean Johnson. Guitar takes the background for a funk effect, while keyboards play a dominant role in the song. After the main lyrics, there is an extended instrumental section to allow the band to dance.[2] A "Dance Remix" of the song was released as a 12" single. The B-side to the single was the rocker, "My Drawers".

Chart history[]

Chart (1985) Peak
position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 36
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance/Disco[3] 6
U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles[4] 33

In the media[]

References[]

  1. ^ https://www.facebook.com/JesseJohnsonfan/posts/10152293702581224
  2. ^ Tudahl, Duane (2018). Prince and the Purple Rain Era Studio Sessions: 1983 and 1984. ISBN 978-1538114629.
  3. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Hot Dance/Disco: 1974-2003. Record Research. p. 260.
  4. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 581.

External links[]

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