The Cuckoo
Clarence Ashley/Doc Watson Lyrics

The song "Coo Coo Bird" by Clarence "Tom" Ashley is a traditional American folk song that has been covered by many artists such as The Byrds and Bob Dylan. The first verse of the song talks about the singer's desire to build a log cabin on a high mountain so he can see Willie as he goes by. This suggests that Willie is either someone important to the singer or someone he has a special interest in. It is not clear who Willie is, but the fact that the singer wants to build a cabin just to see him suggests that he has a lot of admiration for this person.

The song includes a chorus that talks about the coo-coo bird. The bird is described as a pretty creature that wobbles when it flies. The interesting thing about the coo-coo bird is that it never says its name until the fourth of July. This has led to many interpretations of what this could mean, with some suggesting that it represents someone or something that is elusive or mysterious. The lyrics suggest that the coo-coo bird is something to be admired and celebrated, but also perhaps feared or mistrusted because of its elusiveness.

The second verse of the song talks about the singer's experiences of playing cards in England and Spain. The lyrics suggest that the singer is a seasoned gambler who is confident in his ability to win. He bets ten dollars that he will beat his opponent in the next game. Interestingly, the verse includes a reference to the jack of diamonds, which the singer has apparently known "from old". This suggests that the jack of diamonds is also an important symbol or figure within the song, although its precise meaning is not clear.

Overall, "Coo Coo Bird" is a complex and somewhat ambiguous song that invites multiple interpretations. It includes references to nature, gambling, and interpersonal relationships, all of which are woven together in a way that invites listeners to draw their own conclusions.