The Coo Coo Bird
Clarence Ashley; Doc Watson Lyrics
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On a mountian so high
So I can see Willie
As he goes on by
Um hmm hmm
Oh the coo-coo is a pretty bird
She never hollers coo-coo
'Til the fourth day of July
I've played cards in England
I've played cards in Spain
I'll bet you ten dollars
I'll beat you next game
Jack of diamonds, Jack of diamonds
I've known you from old
Now you've robbed my poor pockets
Of my silver and my gold
Um hmm hmm
I've played cards in England
I've played cards in Spain
I'll bet you ten dollars
I beat you this game
Oh the coo-coo is a pretty bird
She wobbles when she flies
She never hollers coo-coo
'Til the fourth day of July
The song “The Coo-Coo Bird” by Clarence Ashley is a traditional American folk song that tells a simple story of a man who wants to build a cabin on top of a mountain so that he can see his lover, Willie, as he goes by. This is a romantic idea that is reinforced with the use of the word "hmm" which is a sound of contemplation and longing. The lyrics convey the idea of being close to the person you love, even if they aren’t always with you.
The second half of the song talks about the bird called the coo-coo. It is described as a pretty bird that wobbles when it flies. The song suggests that this bird never actually hollers “coo-coo” until the fourth day of July. This is a metaphor for how people, like the bird, may keep their true feelings hidden until a certain time or event.
The final lines of the song go back to the theme of gambling, claiming that the singer has played cards in both England and Spain and is confident that he will win the next round. This line suggests that the singer may be a gambler or has experience traveling to different parts of the world, perhaps for work or pleasure. Overall, the song is a classic example of American folk music that uses simple lyrics, catchy melodies, and a sense of nostalgia to connect with its audience.
Line by Line Meaning
Gonna build me a log cabin
I'm going to construct a cabin using wood logs as building material.
On a mountain so high
The location that I've chosen for building cabin is at a high altitude.
So I can see Willie
I desire to have an elevated place with an unobstructed view of Willie's passing.
As he goes on by
I want to witness Willie's journey.
Oh the coo-coo is a pretty bird
Coo-Coo is a beautiful bird.
She wobbles when she flies
The bird's movement is somewhat unsteady when it is flying.
She never hollers coo-coo
The bird doesn't make its characteristic sound.
'Til the fourth day of July
The bird only makes its sound on the Fourth of July.
I've played cards in England
I have gambling experience in England.
I've played cards in Spain
I have gambling experience in Spain.
I'll bet you ten dollars
I propose a wager of $10.
I'll beat you next game
I'll win the upcoming gambling match.
Jack of diamonds, Jack of diamonds
I have a pair of cards - the Jack of Diamonds.
I've known you from old
I'm familiar with the other player for a long time.
Now you've robbed my poor pockets
The other player has taken all my money from my poor pockets.
Of my silver and my gold
I no longer have any silver or gold coins left after losing the bet.
I'll bet you ten dollars
I propose a wager of $10.
I beat you this game
I won the current gambling match.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: THOMAS CLARENCE ASHLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind