Bye Bye Blackbird
Miles Davis Lyrics


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No one here can love or understand me
Oh, what hard luck stories they all hand me
Pack up all my cares and woe, here I go, winging low
Bye, bye, blackbird

Where somebody waits for me
Sugar's sweet, so is she
Bye, bye, blackbird

No one here can love or understand me
Oh, what hard luck stories they all hand me
Make my bed and light the light, I'll arrive late tonight
Blackbird, bye, bye

Bye, bye, blackbird
Where somebody waits for me
Sugar's sweet, so is she
Bye, bye, blackbird

No one here can love or understand me
Oh what hard luck stories they all hand me




Make my bed and light the light, I'll arrive late tonight
Blackbird, bye, bye

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Miles Davis's "Bye Bye Blackbird" express a desire to escape from a place where the singer feels unloved and misunderstood. He is tired of hearing "hard luck stories" and decides to pack up his cares and woes and leave, free as a "winging" bird. The chorus repeats the phrase "bye bye blackbird" as the singer imagines where someone waits for him - perhaps this is where he can find love and understanding. At the end of the song, he affirms that he will make his bed and "arrive late tonight," bidding farewell to the "blackbird" that represents his old life.


The song is a classic example of the Great American Songbook, a collection of popular songs written during the early 20th century that have become ingrained in American culture. "Bye Bye Blackbird" has been recorded by numerous artists over the years, including Ray Henderson, Al Jolson, Etta James, Julie London, and Keith Jarrett. The song has also been featured in numerous films and TV shows.


One of the interesting facts about "Bye Bye Blackbird" is that the song was originally written as a response to a failed Broadway musical. Composer Ray Henderson and lyricist Mort Dixon had written a show called "Blackbirds of 1928," but it was poorly received and quickly closed. However, one of the songs from the show, "Bye Bye Blackbird," became a hit on its own and has remained popular ever since.


Another interesting fact is that the song became associated with jazz music thanks to a recording by the influential trumpeter Bix Beiderbecke. Beiderbecke's recording in 1927 featured a virtuosic cornet solo that became famous and set the standard for future jazz performances of the song.


Additionally, "Bye Bye Blackbird" has been referenced in pop culture in various ways over the years. The chorus of the song is featured prominently in the film "The Godfather Part II," and the song is referenced in the lyrics of popular songs like "Blackbird" by The Beatles and "The Baroness and the Butler" by Frank Sinatra.


Chords:
Verse:
Gmaj7 / Bm7b5 / Em7 / A7
Dmaj7 / Bm7b5 / Em7 / A7
Dm7 / G7 / Cmaj7 / Am7
Bm7b5 / E7 / Am7 / D7
Gmaj7 / Bm7b5 / Em7 / A7
Dmaj7 / Bm7b5 / Em7 / A7
Dm7 / G7 / Cmaj7 / Am7
D7 / G6 / A7


Chorus:
Dmaj7 / F#m7b5 / G6 / Bb7
Em7 / A7 / Dmaj7 / F#m7b5
Bm7b5 / E7 / Am7 / D7
Gmaj7 / Bm7b5 / Em7 / A7
Dmaj7 / Bm7b5 / Em7 / A7
Dm7 / G7 / Cmaj7 / Am7
Bm7b5 / E7 / Am7 / D7
Gmaj7 / Bm7b5 / Em7 / A7.


Line by Line Meaning

No one here can love or understand me
I feel alone and disconnected from those around me because they do not comprehend who I am or care for me


Oh, what hard luck stories they all hand me
I am constantly told tales of misfortune and woe that make me feel even more downhearted


Pack up all my cares and woe, here I go, winging low
I have decided to move on and leave all my troubles behind, although I am doing so with a heavy heart and a sense of melancholy


Bye, bye, blackbird
This phrase is a farewell to the past, both the good and bad memories, as I embrace this new journey and the future ahead


Where somebody waits for me
There is a hope and a belief in my heart that someone, somewhere, is expecting me and will welcome me with open arms


Sugar's sweet, so is she
The person who is waiting for me is as sweet and pleasant as sugar, and I am anticipating the warmth and joy of their company


Make my bed and light the light, I'll arrive late tonight
I am urging whoever is waiting for me to prepare for my arrival, as I will be arriving later than intended and wish for them to be ready for me


Blackbird, bye, bye
This final phrase is a repetition of the earlier farewell, emphasizing my determination to leave my troubles behind and move on, while expressing my gratitude for the good experiences and memories that are now coming to a close




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mort Dixon, Ray Henderson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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