“You’d be a sad one.” – Joe Ely

Shortly after arriving at a local lake walking trail near my home early on the 35 degree morning of January 1st, a flash of blue crossed my path at about eye level and caused me to stop. The flash slowed to a still as it landed gracefully upon a fence wire about 10 yards in front of me. It was an Eastern Bluebird. It looked at me, and I at him, in an inquisitive stare-down. The beautiful Eastern Bluebird officially became my first bird sighting in 2024.

The bluebird is thought to be a symbol of joy and hope while others presume that good news will be arriving soon. And still, there are others who think that bluebirds represent a connection between the living and those who have passed away. Some Native American tribes also associate bluebirds with prosperity and even fertility. I like all of the symbolism and feelings that are associated with the bluebird, and I can easily see how these comforting thoughts are completely applicable to a pretty bird who possesses a pretty song. 

And speaking of song (segue alert), there have been numerous ones referencing the bluebird through the years. For many of us, one only need to start singing “Mister Bluebirds on my shoulder…” and wait til another finishes with “It’s the truth. It’s actual. Everything is satisfactual.” Those lyrics of course are from the Academy Award-winning song “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” as sung by James Baskett from the 1946 Disney film “Song of the South.” Or how about “Somewhere over the rainbow… bluebirds fly.” Those with even the faintest knowledge of “The Wizard of Oz” will know that one.  

There are numerous songs featuring the bluebird – “Bluebird” by Buffalo Springfield, “Bluebird” by ELO, “Bluebirds Over The Mountain” by The Beach Boys, and even “Bluebird Wine” by Rodney Crowell (covered later by Emmylou Harris) just to name a few. But, if you’re like most of the Bluebird song experts (should a group actually exist somewhere), you probably think of the two most popular titled Bluebird songs – the early 1970’s “Bluebird” love song written by Paul and Linda McCartney performed by Wings from their “Band on the Run” album, and the more recent 2019 #1 country hit “Bluebird” by Miranda Lambert from her album “Wildcard.”

“If you were a bluebird, you’d be crying
You’d be flying home”

This “bluebird” song was originally released in 1977 by someone I was not very familiar with – Joe Ely and his band called The Flatlanders. I chose the song, one because I really like it, and secondly because it probably gets overlooked in the very specific genre of bluebird music should you ever choose to traverse into that rabbit-hole, of which I obviously have. (And forewarning, I have a birdwatching Spotify playlist that I will gladly share or discuss with you ad nauseam should you ever be in need of such a specific genre of music!)

At first listen, today’s song “If You Were a Bluebird” is one of many traditional sad country tales of broken beautifulness, but I find that the final few lyrics in this song are those dreaming of a better tomorrow and a more hopeful future. And isn’t that what the bluebird is supposed to represent? 

I think so.  

“If I was a highway, I’d be stretching
I’d be fetching you home”

This tv appearance is from sometime in the early 90’s, but reunites the Lubbock, Texas trio known as The Flatlanders – Joe Ely (vocals, guitar, black vest), Jimmy Dale Gilmore (vocals, guitar, black long sleeve), and Butch Hancock (vocals, harmonica, black suit jacket) singing “If You Were a Bluebird”…

If Emmylou Harris is more your speed, she does a wonderful rendition of the same song from her 1989 album appropriately titled “Bluebird.” 

And if you just need more inspirational bluebird in your life, here is Miranda Lambert’s video for “Bluebird.” As a sidenote, one of Lambert’s personal favorites is Emmylou Harris. Emmylou has a song from 1978 titled “Easy From Now On” which provided the inspiration for Miranda’s tattoo (you can see in the video), and the line from “Bluebird” where she sings “I’ve got a wildcard up my sleeve.” Just another example of one of many things you can learn from a journey into that bluebird internet rabbit hole. 

May your 2024 be full of hope, prosperity and possibilities, and may someone fetch you home if you need it. And of course, may bluebirds cross your path from time to time and remind you of good times spent with loved ones who have passed, or maybe just inspire you to dream of a better tomorrow. 

sincerely,

the 80’s