Their most successful record was with their novelty composition, "Mockingbird". Released in 1963, it made the Top 10 on both the rhythm and blues and pop charts; the song was later covered by James Taylor and Carly Simon, as well as Dusty Springfield and more recently by country music artist Toby Keith (featuring his daughter, Krystal). Other notable recordings were "Hurt by Love," "Ask Me," and "(1-2-3-4-5-6-7) Count the Days."
They were known for their exciting live performances, of which a highlight was Inez's rendition of "I Stand Accused", which finished with a supposedly distraught Inez singing the last verse, while being carried offstage by Charlie. They toured extensively in Europe and their music played a key role in the development of the Northern Soul movement.
Inez also had some success recording on her own, beginning in 1969, but her popularity faded in the 1970s. Charlie was already working as a record producer when they finally disbanded their act.
Charlie Foxx died in 1998, at the age of 58
Mockingbird
Inez & Charlie Foxx Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ing (yeah)
Bird (yeah)
Yeah (yeah)
Mockingbird
Everybody have you heard?
He's gonna buy me a mockingbird
He's gonna buy me a diamond ring
And if that diamond ring won't shine
He's gonna surely break this heart of mine
And that's why I keep on tellin' everybody
Yeah, yeah whoa, whoa, yeah, yeah, yeah
Everybody have you heard? (I I, I know what I came)
He's gonna buy me a mockingbird (let you know)
If that mockingbird don't sing (and I I I, I love you)
He's gonna buy me a diamond ring (and ?) (but I)
And if that diamond ring won't shine (love you more)
She will break this heart of mine (if I make a mistake, love me)
And that's why I keep on tellin' everybody (just to feel, oh, just to feel)
Yeah, yeah whoa, whoa, yeah, yeah, yeah
Everybody have you heard? (I I, I know that you know)
He's gonna buy me a mockingbird (that I care)
If that mockingbird don't sing (and I I I, I know that he knows)
He's gonna buy me a diamond ring (he knows why)
And if that diamond ring won't shine
She will break this heart of mine
And that's why I keep on tellin' everybody (just to feel, oh, just to feel)
Yeah, yeah whoa, whoa, yeah, yeah, yeah
Everybody have you heard?
He's gonna buy me a mockingbird
Oh if that mockingbird don't sing
He's gonna buy me a diamond ring
And if that diamond ring won't shine
She will break this heart of mine
And that's why I keep on tellin' everybody (just to feel, oh, just to feel)
Yeah, yeah whoa, whoa, yeah, yeah, yeah
Everybody have you heard?
He's gonna buy me a mockingbird
Oh if that mockingbird don't sing
In Inez & Charlie Foxx's song "Mockingbird," the singer tells the story of her lover's promise to buy her a mockingbird, with the understanding that if it doesn't sing, he'll buy her a diamond ring. She goes on to explain that if the diamond doesn't shine, she fears her heart will be broken. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and desperation, as the singer is clearly deeply invested in her relationship and the promises her lover has made to her.
At its heart, "Mockingbird" is a song about relationships and the lengths we will go to keep the people we love close to us. The singer's intense desire for the mockingbird to sing is symbolic of her longing for her lover's affections. She is willing to go to great lengths, even to the point of having her heart broken, to keep the relationship alive.
The song has been covered by a number of artists over the years, including Dusty Springfield, Aretha Franklin, and James Taylor. It remains a beloved classic in the American popular music canon, and has been recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll."
Line by Line Meaning
Mock (yeah)
This line is just an exclamation to introduce the song and catch the listener's attention.
Ing (yeah)
This line is just a continuation of the introduction to the song, without any specific meaning.
Bird (yeah)
This line continues the introduction and provides a clue to the song's theme, which is about a mockingbird.
Yeah (yeah)
This line is again just a continuation of the introduction to the song.
Mockingbird
This line is the title of the song and reinforces its central theme.
Everybody have you heard?
The singer is addressing the listeners and asking if they have heard about what the song is going to be about.
He's gonna buy me a mockingbird
The singer is expressing her excitement that her partner (presumably) is going to buy her a mockingbird as a gift.
If that mockingbird don't sing
The singer is sharing her concern that if the bird she receives as a gift doesn't sing, she may not be happy with it.
He's gonna buy me a diamond ring
If the mockingbird doesn't sing, the singer's partner is going to make it up to her by buying her a diamond ring.
And if that diamond ring won't shine
The singer is expressing her worry that even the diamond ring may not be enough to make her happy if it doesn't shine.
She will break this heart of mine
The singer is saying that if her partner can't make her happy with the mockingbird or the diamond ring, it will break her heart.
And that's why I keep on tellin' everybody
The singer is explaining why she keeps telling everyone about the mockingbird and diamond ring - it's because they represent her happiness and love.
Yeah, yeah whoa, whoa, yeah, yeah, yeah
This is just the chorus being repeated to reinforce the song's message.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Charlie Foxx, Inez Foxx
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@robinprescod
Who is appreciating this in 2023 😅❤🎉
@55102
2024
@bszwed
me
@amandaschultz8867
Obviously you
@ladymax23
🔥💯🥰
@jenniferrose779
2024 if you please !!
@geraldpain7915
Fabulous song and expertly sang. RIP. Charlie & Innes Fox
@tonyknowles9194
This was made 9 years before I was born.....I'm rocking this in 2023!!....they don't make it like this anymore 😢
@maryguy-fo2qk
listening on December 29, 2023. 50's and 60,s music is the best
@TheGrandmom8
2024 here ..still rocking! (75 yrs old)