Lullaby of Birdland
Bud Powell Lyrics


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Lullaby of Birdland, that's what I
Always hear when you sigh
Never in my wordland
Could there be ways to reveal
In a phrase how I feel

Have you ever heard two turtle doves
Bill and coo when they love?
That's the kind of magic
Music we make with our lips when we kiss

And there's a weepy old willow
He really knows how to cry
That's how I'd cry in my pillow
If you should tell me farewell and goodbye

Lullaby of Birdland whisper low
Kiss me sweet and we'll go
Flyin' high in Birdland




High in the sky up above
All because we're in love

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Bud Powell's "Lullaby of Birdland" convey the sentiment of falling in love and experiencing the awe-inspiring sensation of being in love. The opening line, "Lullaby of Birdland, that's what I always hear when you sigh," sets the tone for the rest of the song as the singer's lover's sighs evoke a sense of tranquility and happiness associated with the lullaby of Birdland. The second line, "Never in my wordland could there be ways to reveal, in a phrase, how I feel," indicates that the emotion is so profound and intense that it cannot be expressed in words.


The following lines compare the singer's feelings to the magic of love that two turtle doves share when they bill and coo. The use of this metaphor represents the connection between two lovers and the magic that produces harmonious moments. Then, the singer refers to a "weepy old willow" tree that knows how to cry, which suggests that if the relationship with their partner ended, the singer would be as heartbroken as the willow tree.


Overall, the lyrics of "Lullaby of Birdland" are a romantic tribute to the power of love, emphasizing the beauty of flying high into the sky above without any reservations or doubts due to being in love.


Line by Line Meaning

Lullaby of Birdland, that's what I
The melody of Birdland acts like a lullaby to me, calming me and making me feel at ease.


Always hear when you sigh
Whenever you sigh, it sounds like the soothing notes of the Lullaby of Birdland to my ears.


Never in my wordland
There are no words in my vocabulary that can aptly express the feeling when I am near you.


Could there be ways to reveal
I am at a loss for words, as anything I say wouldn't come close to expressing the emotions I feel around you.


In a phrase how I feel
All I can attempt to do is sum up these emotions in a single phrase.


Have you ever heard two turtle doves
Have you ever listened to two turtle doves when they are love is something you simply cannot explain.


Bill and coo when they love?
The noises they make represents the inexplicable wonder and amazement one feels when they are in love.


That's the kind of magic
The kind of magic that happens between them is as impressive as the wonders of the Birdland tunes.


Music we make with our lips when we kiss
Likewise, the sounds we make through our kisses resemble the beauty of the Birdland's charms.


And there's a weepy old willow
The weeping willow is a symbol of sadness, inconsolable distress and despair.


He really knows how to cry
The weeping willow appears to know how to perfectly express our emotions of sorrow and sadness.


That's how I'd cry in my pillow
That's how I would feel if you express your intention of leaving me [refer to the next line].


If you should tell me farewell and goodbye
If ever you leave my life, I'd be heartbroken like the weeping willow, crying in solitude in my room.


Lullaby of Birdland whisper low
The Lullaby of Birdland is a tune that comes from the lips, humming quietly and delicately.


Kiss me sweet and we'll go
If we share a sweet kiss, we will be taken on a romantic journey beyond the sky, and into the realms of heavenly marvels.


Flyin' high in Birdland
The aerial flight will take us to Birdland where we can experience the wonders of tremendous beauty and enchanting music.


High in the sky up above
We'll be closer to the sky, up above where the clouds collate, and everything below appears minuscule.


All because we're in love
The result of our love will be so intense that it will take us to the greatest heights and deepest depths of the universe.




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Tratore, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Shearing, George David Weiss

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Ramakumar Jones

Real sharp and inventive-Bud Powell is still a total inspiration for me.

Kolef88

This is Bud at his best.

Stephen Schwab

Nobody has played at this level since.One of the greatest musicians to ever grace the planet.

善史 小野

テンポ良く演奏しますねえ、原曲メロディーを意外に大切した演奏ですね🎵👏❗️

Luke Kaven

This was broadcast from Birdland and recorded off the radio by Boris Rose, and issued and reissued in many forms.  Spring 53 Broadcasts.  It's the prime Bud Powell.

Viggo Simonsen

Like someone said about Bird, I will restate about Bud: 'He could make an adult man cry'.

TheHighTower

I feel his playing.

SuperCooldesign

TheHighTower I try to play his feeling

Nuri Majeed

1st heard Bud when I was a teenager n 70's didn't know what I was hearing but I know now its genius...whatever his mental state

Edouard CARRE

Un grand, grand, grand pianiste, injustement oublié...

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