Birds Of A Feather
Raiders Lyrics

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I remember back a long time ago,
In the days of my childhood.
In the evening when the sun was sinking low,
Walking in the wildwood.
Skippin' and flippin' through the flowers,
We'd go hand in hand.
Looking back on all the happy hours,
Anyone could understand.

[Chorus]
You and me, babe.
Sure 'nuff got to be, babe,
Birds of a feather.
We should be together
Like birds of a feather.
Got to be together
Like birds of a feather.

You and I didn't have a lot of friends,
Didn't have too much to say.
So they never would let us join in,
All the games they used to play.
Seems like it was only yesterday,
Down at Lincoln Junior High.
I remember what the kids used to say,
As we'd go strolling by.

[Chorus]

Time goes rolling by.
They say that you and I must go our separate ways.
But birds of a feather will always be together.

Your folks didn't want me hanging 'round.
Said that I was bad for you.
So we'd meet on the other side of town,
Down a long dark avenue.
But they can't keep the two of us apart,
As long as you really love me,
I got a feeling way down in my heart,
That's the way it's gonna be.

[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

"Birds of a Feather" by Raiders is a song that reminisces on childhood memories of two youth who grew to become simple pals. The song starts with the singer returning to his early years of childhood, memories of the times he spent roaming the woods with his childhood sweetheart. The chorus presents the main theme of the song as he acknowledges their similarity, "You and me, babe, Sure 'nuff got to be, babe, Birds of a feather, We should be together Like birds of a feather. Got to be together Like birds of a feather." The nostalgia is blended with some melancholy tone as it dwells on their lack of acceptance and rejection from the community, and the need to protest against their separation.

The second verse of the song talks about their social exclusion due to their unique affinity, as they didn't have anybody to befriend or talk to. The two misfits can't join in with the other children, so they end up wandering down the halls of Lincoln Junior High, being labeled as outsiders. This sense of exclusion makes them realize that, like two peas in a pod, they were inseparable. The chorus then resurfaces, reiterating that they are meant to be together like "birds of a feather."

The song ends with the realization that the two might have to part ways due to different circumstances presented by time and changes that occur, but the bond they share will continue to keep them together. The song is an ode to friendship and its sanctity, the idea that through all of the dramas and tribulations of life, true friends will always have their backs, and their bond will remain unbreakable.

Line by Line Meaning

I remember back a long time ago,
Recalling times from my childhood.

In the days of my childhood.
Back when I was still very young.

In the evening when the sun was sinking low,
During sunset when daylight was diminishing.

Walking in the wildwood.
Strolling around the forest.

Skippin' and flippin' through the flowers,
Skipping playfully while traversing fields of flora.

We'd go hand in hand.
We'd hold each other's hands.

Looking back on all the happy hours,
Reflecting on all the joyful times we spent together.

Anyone could understand.
The emotions we felt were evident to anyone.

You and me, babe.
Referring to two people: you and me.

Sure 'nuff got to be, babe,
We have to be together.

Birds of a feather.
Referring to two people who are similar.