Surfin' Bird
The Cramps Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

A-well-a ev'rybody's heard about the bird bird bird bird
B-bird's the word oh well-a bird bird bird
Bird is a word oh well-a bird bird bird
Well-a bird is the word oh well-a bird bird bird
B-bird's the word a-well-a bird bird
Well-a bird is a word a-well-a bird bird
B-bird's a-well-a bird bird bird
B-bird's a word a-well-a bird bird bird
Well-a bird is a word a-well-a bird bird
B-bird's the word now well-a
Don't you know 'bout the bird
Well ev'rybody knows that the bird is a word
Oh well-a bird bird b-birds oh word well!

A-well-a ev'rybody dance about the bird bird bird bird
B-bird's the word oh well-a bird bird bird
B-bird's the word a-well-a bird bird bird
B-birds the word now when a bird bird
B-birds a word now when -a bird bird bird
B-bird's a word now well-a bird bird bird
B-bird's the word oh well-a bird bird bird
B-bird's the word a-well-a bird bird bird
B-bird's the word a-well-a don't you know 'bout the bird
Well ev'rybody's talkin' a-bout the bird a-well-a bird bird
B-birds the word well papa com-a mau ma-papa
Com-a ma mau papa com-a mau mau




Papa com-a mau mau well-a don't you know 'bout the bird
Well ev'rybody know that the bird is a word a-well-a bird bird

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Cramps's song Surfin' Bird are a repetitive chorus that is almost a chant. The first verse starts with "A-well-a ev'rybody's heard about the bird bird bird bird" which is a reference to a 1960s song by The Trashmen called Surfin' Bird. However, The Cramps take the repetition to another level by using the phrase "well-a bird bird bird" and "B-bird's the word". The lyrics are playful and nonsensical, almost like a musical inside joke. It sounds like they are poking fun at pop music and the idea of a catchy, infectious chorus that gets stuck in your head.


Overall, the lyrics to Surfin' Bird are an ode to the power of a simple, catchy hook. The Cramps had a reputation for being a garage rock band that liked to experiment with different styles and sounds, and this song is a perfect example of their eclectic approach. By taking a classic song and turning it into something that is both strange and infectious, The Cramps proved that they were more than just another punk rock band.


Line by Line Meaning

A-well-a ev'rybody's heard about the bird bird bird bird
The bird has become a common and well-known topic of discussion among people.


B-bird's the word oh well-a bird bird bird
The word 'bird' is used to describe the bird and its significance.


Bird is a word oh well-a bird bird bird
The word 'bird' is a term commonly used to describe the bird.


Well-a bird is the word oh well-a bird bird bird
The word 'bird' is the proper and accurate term to describe the bird.


B-bird's the word a-well-a bird bird
The word 'bird' is a commonly used phrase to describe the bird.


Well-a bird is a word a-well-a bird bird
The word 'bird' is a phrase that is frequently used to refer to the bird.


B-bird's a-well-a bird bird bird
The bird is often described as a 'bird' using this familiar term.


B-bird's a word a-well-a bird bird bird
The word 'bird' is used to describe the bird in everyday conversation.


Well-a bird is a word a-well-a bird bird
The term 'bird' is commonly used as a descriptive word for the bird.


B-bird's the word now well-a
Currently, the most popular term for the bird is 'bird.'


Don't you know 'bout the bird
Are you not aware of the bird and its popularity?


Well ev'rybody knows that the bird is a word
The word 'bird' has become synonymous with the bird in popular culture.


Oh well-a bird bird b-birds oh word well!
The bird, commonly called a 'bird,' is worthy of attention and reference.


A-well-a ev'rybody dance about the bird bird bird bird
The bird has become a popular topic for celebration and dancing among people.


B-bird's the word oh well-a bird bird bird
The word 'bird' is frequently used in reference to the bird.


B-bird's the word a-well-a bird bird bird
The most common term to describe the bird is 'bird.'


B-birds the word now when a bird bird
The bird is most commonly referred to as a 'bird.'


B-birds a word now when -a bird bird bird
The word 'bird' is often used to describe the bird.


B-bird's a word now well-a bird bird bird
The word 'bird' has become the most common term to describe the bird.


B-bird's the word oh well-a bird bird bird
The phrase 'bird is the word' represents the bird and its significance.


B-bird's the word a-well-a bird bird bird
The bird is most commonly described using the term 'bird.'


B-bird's the word a-well-a don't you know 'bout the bird
The bird is a well-known subject, and it's surprising that one might not know about it.


Well ev'rybody's talkin' a-bout the bird a-well-a bird bird
The bird has become a popular and widely discussed topic of conversation.


B-birds the word well papa com-a mau ma-papa
The phrase 'bird is the word' is a well-known and memorable lyric from the song.


Com-a ma mau papa com-a mau mau
This nonsensical lyric adds to the playful and amusing tone of the song.


Papa com-a mau mau well-a don't you know 'bout the bird
The bird is a well-known subject, and it's strange that someone might not be aware of it.


Well ev'rybody know that the bird is a word a-well-a bird bird
The word 'bird' has become strongly associated with the bird in popular culture.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: John Harris, Turner Wilson Jr, Alfred Frazier, Carl White

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@Kate_von_6

Never thought I’d see people moshing to surfing bird, but I’m glad I did ❀

@olivier4816

https://youtu.be/RYVRL2Jh6DA?t=513

@jaydee659

The Ramones kill it in their live vids of this song. I’m not sure what I just watched with this Cramps video lol that poor camera lady

@heavy_metal_poison

I was literally about to comment about this, thank fuck somebody noticed this

@bruhwhatthe

ill be the second to do it at my house show tonight dont worry

@medussaescarlatadeross3554

Maybe don't you know about the bird ....... 🐩🐩🐩🐩🐩🐩🐩🐩🐩

@startervisions

"We are not punk rock we are rockabilly" - The Cramps

@maribelmn6021

Son Psychobilly,aunque tienen canciones que son Punkabilly.
Un saludo.

@paddycampbell576

They weren't nothing but The Cramps. Standalone out on their own and bad to the bone...

@bodycountplays2915

They need to make a movie about the cramps and cast Jim Carrey 😂 he'd kill a scene like this.

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