Three groups have recorded under the name "The Paragons".

1) The Par… Read Full Bio ↴Three groups have recorded under the name "The Paragons".

1) The Paragons was an influential rocksteady band from Kingston, Jamaica, operating in the 1960s.

2) The Paragons was a doo wop group perhaps best known for their 1957 single Florence.

3.) Charlotte, NC, '60s garage band. "I saw Abba late last night."

1) If you're familiar with the song "The Tide Is High" you probably know it as a huge hit for Blondie, but before Deborah Harry and company got a hold of it, it was a 1960s hit in for the Paragons. Formed in Kingston Jamaica, the Paragons were originally made up of Garth "Tyrone" Evans, Bob Andy, Junior Menz, and Leroy Stamp. In 1964, just before they broke big in Jamaica, Stamp was replaced by John Holt, and Menz (who left to join another Jamaican vocal group the Techniques) was replaced by Howard Barret. The early Paragons sound is heavily influence by American soul music and the singing is in the familiar tight, interlocking harmony style of Jamaican vocal trios and quartets of the early '60s. In 1964, the group caught the attention of legendary producer Coxsone Dodd who immediately brought the group to Jamiaca's famous Studio One and under the watchful eyes and ears of Duke Reid (who became the group's mentor) cut a succession of popular singles such as "Love At Last" and "Good Luck and Goodbye" for Reid's label Treasure Isle.

Not long after this first flush of success Bob Andy quit the group and the Paragons stopped recording as John Holt (who by this point had emerged as the group's leader) decided that the group should soften their soulful sound and go for a more root-heavy rock steady approach. It turned out to be a good idea as the Paragons became the most popular rock-steady vocal act in Jamaica and in Britain. But money problems, specifically issues over why the group wasn't rich after more than a dozen number one Jamaican hits, led to the band's breakup. Of the members only John Holt went on to have a significant solo career. Still, the Paragons recordings, including "The Tide Is High," are some of the most wonderful and sublime moments in Jamaican pop.

Silver Bird
The Paragons Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Fly, fly little silver bird
Fly, fly away
Fly, fly little silver bird
Fly, fly away

You got to made for the world seems brighter
Like the thunder follows rain
And if you can make one heart brighter

And your starling not in vain

So fly, fly little silver bird
Fly, fly away
Fly, fly little silver bird
Fly, fly away

If you see someone who's lonely
As you fly along the way
Tell her she will meet her one and only
Who will share her love someday

So fly, fly little silver bird
Fly, fly away
Fly, fly little silver bird
Fly, fly away

Fly, fly little silver bird
Fly, fly away

Fly, fly little silver bird
Fly, fly away

Overall Meaning

The Paragons' song "Silver Bird" is a song that encourages someone to strive for their dreams and to have hope in the future. It uses the metaphor of a silver bird flying away to represent the idea of chasing one's dreams and not giving up hope. The song suggests that if you pursue your dreams, you can make the world a brighter place and bring happiness to others.

The lyrics suggest that when someone chases their dreams, they bring brightness to the world, like the way thunder follows rain. The song encourages people to not just focus on their own happiness but to brighten up the lives of others as well. The song mentions the concept of finding love and encourages people to tell those who seem lonely that they will find love someday.

Through the use of the metaphor of a silver bird flying away, the song becomes a powerful encouragement to people to pursue their dreams and make the world a better place. It emphasizes the importance of hope, perseverance, and kindness towards others.

Line by Line Meaning

Fly, fly little silver bird
Do not be afraid to chase your dreams, bird

Fly, fly away
Let nothing hold you back and soar into the sky with confidence

You got to made for the world seems brighter
Your radiance and beauty can illuminate the world and spread joy

Like the thunder follows rain
Your impact can be loud and powerful, like thunder following rain

And if you can make one heart brighter
Even if you only make a single person's day, it will be worthwhile

And your starling not in vain
Your efforts are not wasted, and you will make a difference

If you see someone who's lonely
As you travel through life, keep an eye out for those in need

As you fly along the way
While you journey through life

Tell her she will meet her one and only
Bring hope to those who are searching for love and companionship

Who will share her love someday
There is someone out there for everyone, and they will find them in due time

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Arthur S. Reid

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind