Bye Bye Bird
Sonny Boy Williamson Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Yeah, we know these sounds.
These sounds belong to one man.

One man from Mississippi, USA.
One man known as the wizard of the harp.
One man known as the menace.
And his name is Sonny Boy Williamson.
Bye bye bird,
Bye bye bird,
Bye bye bird,
Bye bye bird,
Bye bye bird, I'm gone.

Bird, I'm gone,
Bird, I'm gone,
Bird, I'm gone,
Bird, I'm gone,





I'm gone, (child, you find)
(Back home).

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to the Sonny Boy Williamson & The Yardbirds song "Bye Bye Bird" showcase the band paying tribute to Sonny Boy Williamson, who was known as "the wizard of the harp" and "the menace". He was a legendary blues player from Mississippi, USA whose influence was felt throughout the entire music world. The lyrics contain the repeated phrase "Bye bye bird", which is a clear reference to Williamson's nickname of "Little Boy Blue" and is also a nod to the fact that his signature instrument was the harmonica, often referred to as a "blues harp".


The song has a mix of joy and melancholy, as the band is celebrating the legacy of Sonny Boy Williamson while also lamenting his passing. The final line, "I'm gone (child, you find) (Back home)", can be interpreted in a number of ways. It may be a reference to Williamson's spirit moving on to the next world, or it may be a message to his fans that they should continue to seek out and listen to his music even though he has passed away.


"Bye Bye Bird" is a classic blues song that has been covered by many artists over the years, but this version by Sonny Boy Williamson & The Yardbirds stands out as a testament to the power and influence of the man himself. It highlights the fact that even though he may be gone, his music continues to live on and inspire new generations of musicians.


Line by Line Meaning

Yeah, we know these sounds.
We are familiar with the sounds that will follow.


These sounds belong to one man.
The sounds that follow are produced by one man.


One man from Mississippi, USA.
The man who produces these sounds is from the US state of Mississippi.


One man known as the wizard of the harp.
This man is renowned for his talent with the harmonica.


One man known as the menace.
Some people consider this man to be a troublesome figure.


And his name is Sonny Boy Williamson.
This man's name is Sonny Boy Williamson.


Bye bye bird,
Goodbye bird,


Bye bye bird,
Goodbye bird,


Bye bye bird,
Goodbye bird,


Bye bye bird,
Goodbye bird,


Bye bye bird, I'm gone.
Goodbye bird, I am leaving.


Bird, I'm gone,
I'm leaving, bird,


Bird, I'm gone,
I'm leaving, bird,


Bird, I'm gone,
I'm leaving, bird,


Bird, I'm gone,
I'm leaving, bird,


I'm gone, (child, you find)
I am leaving, (child, you will figure things out)


(Back home).
(I am returning home).




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: WILLIE DIXON, WILLIE WILLIAMSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Anders Karlsson

The Greatest harmonica.. what a tone and tecnique!❤️
Blues at it’s best. Shame he didn’t got more appreciation..🎤😊

christine shepardson

He knew that he was the best of all for 30 years, and got all the appreciation he wanted

Dennis Stone

Cause he never sold his soul . Heavens gonna have a few gems i can't wait

Василий Котлубей

Господи... Сколько раз, я уже прослушал эту мелодию, просто взрыв мозга...

K M

Magic and pure bliss working through my soul. The magic still lingers on 60 years later

KishaScape

Bye Bye Boib

1 More Replies...

pirruri pirruri

This man was a musical genius may he rest in peace

KishaScape

Bye Bye Boib

Ely Sazo

Se nota la nostalgia, portador de sufrimiento, música nacida de la vida, música del corazón.. que tiempos..

J Gregory Wilson

This man was the greatest harp player that ever lived. I wish we had more footage of him.

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