Lady Bird
Tadd Dameron and His Orchestra Lyrics


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I'm gonna be a shady lady bird, I've got an awful lot to learn
But if you tell me that my heart's on fire, I'm gonna let it burn
I'm gonna be a shocking mocking bird, I'm gonna mingle with the best
I'm try to find my hearts desire, I'm gonna rob the nest

Just like Little Miss Muffet eating away her curd
When I act a bit tough I find no way the bird
I'm gonna be slumming, hummingbird, I'm gonna pass along the word
I'm gonna have my fun and never tire and if the technique seems absurd
That's because I've never been a shady lady bird

I'm gonna be a shady lady bird, I hope the payment is deferred
Or if the fly back's simply to my first




You'll find the worst has not occurred
That's because I've never been a shady lady bird

Overall Meaning

The song "Lady Bird" by Tadd Dameron and His Orchestra is an upbeat and lively tune with lyrics that represent a restless and adventurous spirit. The singer of the song proclaims that she will become a "shady lady bird" and is willing to take risks in order to achieve her desires. She is open to learning and is not afraid to make mistakes, saying that if her heart is on fire, she will let it burn. The lyrics further suggest that this character is looking for excitement and is willing to go to great lengths to find it. She talks about robbing the nest, mingling with the best, and never tiring of having fun.


The phrase "shady lady bird" is an interesting one as it suggests a certain level of sophistication and elegance, but also a sense of mischievousness and playfulness. It is unclear what exactly the character is trying to achieve, but there is a sense of ambition and drive in the lyrics. The comparison to Little Miss Muffet adds further depth to the song, as it represents a coming-of-age story where the singer is figuring out who she is and what she wants out of life. The song is an embodiment of the jazz age and the sense of freedom and experimentation that was prevalent during that time.


Overall, "Lady Bird" is a song that encourages the listener to embrace their adventurous side and take risks in order to achieve their goals. It is a fun and upbeat tune that captures the essence of the jazz age and the spirit of exploration and experimentation that was so prevalent during that time.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm gonna be a shady lady bird, I've got an awful lot to learn
I am going to be cunning, but I know I'm not perfect and I still have a lot to learn


But if you tell me that my heart's on fire, I'm gonna let it burn
If you indicate that I'm passionate about something, I'm going to pursue it with all my heart


I'm gonna be a shocking mocking bird, I'm gonna mingle with the best
I will be audacious and make fun of others, while also trying to socialize with people of high status


I'm try to find my hearts desire, I'm gonna rob the nest
I will search for the thing that my heart truly desires, even if it means taking it from someone else


Just like Little Miss Muffet eating away her curd
Similar to how Little Miss Muffet was enjoying her meal


When I act a bit tough I find no way the bird
When I try to act brave, I realize there is no escape


I'm gonna be slumming, hummingbird, I'm gonna pass along the word
I will wander around like a low-life hummingbird and spread rumors and stories


I'm gonna have my fun and never tire and if the technique seems absurd
I will enjoy myself without ceasing and if the method is seen as ridiculous


That's because I've never been a shady lady bird
I've never been an untrustworthy and deceitful person like I am now




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HUGH MARTIN, RALPH BLANE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

fliam47

this is so cool! it would suck if a group of jazz camp students tried to memorize it

Daily Blank Screen

Bijon Watson had us do it 😂

1 More Replies...

Achille Calise

THE FATHER,SON,HOLY GHOST AND AMEN!!!OF LADY BIRD !

Statelesslife Lyn's Empowering Bootcamp

My mother used to work with Tadd Dameron Thanks for Sharing!

60otaku4

You're welcome, Statelesslife Unconventional Art Channel-san!!
Otaku4 (*^_^)b

Scottland Shaffner

Dameron and his coterie! It's a beautiful thing!

Dreamer8girl

¸.•*¨*•¸☆ Otaku-san,
A classic jazz standard by Tadd Dameron Sextet. I enjoyed it.
Thank you so much!
Ro Dreamer

60otaku4

You're very welcome, Ro Dreamer-san!!
Otaku4 (^o^)/

Liam Watson

The sister tune is Miles Davis’ Half Nelson.

mjazzguitar

I wonder what the original "Tadd Dameron Turnaround" was. Some versions have all major sevenths, some go from Abma7 to G7, some go from Abma7 to Db7, and so on.
But if you really want to see a butchered version of the changes, go to Wikipedia.

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