Jerry Reed – The Bird

About The Song

“The Bird” is a novelty country song recorded by Jerry Reed and released in October 1982 as the lead single from his album of the same name. Written by Hal Coleman and Barry Etris, the song features a humorous and storytelling style characteristic of Reed’s work. It peaked at number 2 on the *Billboard* Hot Country Singles chart just before Christmas 1982.

The narrative of “The Bird” is told from the perspective of a blue-collar worker who stops at a roadside tavern. There, a smooth-talking salesman enters with a curious bird perched on his shoulder. The salesman boasts that the bird can sing famous country songs. Skeptical, the protagonist asks the bird to prove it. The bird then sings the chorus of Willie Nelson’s “Whiskey River” and later George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” Impressed, the protagonist buys the bird for $500, dreaming of a lucrative career as a novelty act performer.

However, shortly after the purchase, the bird flies out the door and disappears, leaving the protagonist tricked and helpless. As the song fades, the bird can be heard singing a modified version of Nelson’s “On the Road Again,” with Reed audibly calling for the bird to come back and humorously asking someone to buy him a drink.

“The Bird” is notable for its clever incorporation of impressions of iconic country songs and artists, including Willie Nelson and George Jones, which adds to its comedic and novelty appeal. The song’s mix of storytelling, humor, and musical homage has made it a fan favorite and a memorable part of Jerry Reed’s catalog.

Critically and among fans, “The Bird” is often mentioned alongside Reed’s other humorous and narrative-driven songs like “Amos Moses” and “When You’re Hot, You’re Hot.” It is praised for its wit, musicality, and Reed’s engaging vocal performance. The song remains available on streaming platforms such as Spotify and YouTube, where it continues to entertain listeners with its unique story and catchy tune.

In summary, “The Bird” is a 1982 novelty country single by Jerry Reed, written by Hal Coleman and Barry Etris. It tells a humorous story about a singing bird that tricks its new owner, featuring impressions of famous country songs. The track achieved commercial success, reaching number 2 on the country charts, and is celebrated for its clever narrative and musical homage.

Video

Lyric

Well my throat was dry and it was a-gettin’ late
I was at this bar on an interstate
When a guy with this bird on his shoulder walked through the door

He proceeded to tell me the wildest thing
He said, “Sir, this bird of mine can sing
Like no other bird you have ever heard before”

Well I kinda looked at the guy and said, “Oh, really?”
He turned to the bird and said, “Do ol’ Willie”
When the bird started singing I almost fell in the floor

Whiskey River, take my mind
Don’t let her memory torture me
Whiskey River, don’t run dry
You’re all I’ve got, take care of me

Well if that ain’t the darnedest thing
I thought, son, what a heck of a thing
A man could get rich making that bird sing

And I could feel this wild idea comin’ on strong
I’m sittin’ here with two weeks pay
And I’d probably blow it all anyway
Then he said, “Hey, wait ’til you hear him sing like George Jones”

He stopped loving her today
They placed a wreath upon his door
Soon they’ll carry him away
He stopped loving her today

I said, “Well that does it sir, I’d like to buy that bird
Would $500 take him off your hands?”
Well he thought for a while and he said, “Alright”
He handed me the bird and he said, “Goodnight”
He counted my money and out the door he ran

Well I was thinkin’ I’d found the rainbow’s end
That the money would soon be pouring in
When suddenly the bird just flew out the door and was gone

Well then it hit me, and I got boiling mad
‘Cause I knew right then that I’d been had
And as he flew off into the night he was singing this song

On the road again
I just can’t wait to get on the road again
(Somebody stop that bird)
The life I love is making money with my friends
And I can’t wait to get on the road again

On the road again
(My bird) I just can’t wait to get on the road again
(My five hundred dollars)
The life I love is making money with my friends
And I can’t wait to get on the road again

(Somebody get me a BB gun)
On the road again
(I want that bird) I just can’t wait to get on the road again
(This is for the birds)
The life I love is making money with my friends
And I can’t wait to get on the road again
(Buy me a drink somebody)
(Hey, come back here bird)