Lyr Req: Bird Song (Bert Jansch)

Subject: Bert Jansch: 'Bird song'
From:
Date: 17 Sep 00 - 06:00 AM

I'm looking for the words (and the tab) of "Bird Song", from the album "Rosemary Lane". Thank you

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bert Jansch: 'Bird song'
From: Quincy
Date: 17 Sep 00 - 06:44 AM

Don't know if this is it??

bird song

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bert Jansch: 'Bird song'
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 03 Sep 02 - 12:46 PM

I listened to the sound sample at CDNOW and transcribed this much:

BIRD SONG
(Bert Jansch)

For he has nothing, yet he can fly
Anywhere beneath his God's (?) sky.

It's clearly not the same song that Quincy linked to. (That's an interesting song, though.)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bird Song (Bert Jansch)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 23 Nov 11 - 02:09 PM

You can hear it at YouTube.

Subject: Lyr Add: BIRD SONG (Bert Jansch)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 27 Nov 11 - 12:43 PM

I found these lyrics online and then checked them against the recording, and made some slight adjustments.


BIRD SONG
(Bert Jansch)

See how the golden bird tries to fly.
He is so angry, beats his wings in vain,
And the brightest jewels upon his back
Will not raise his head above the clouds.

Unlike the tiny sparrow, wild and free,
Gathering small pieces to build his nest,
For he has nothing, yet he can fly
Anywhere beneath God's sky.

And loudly the eagle cries his song of war,
So piercing and shrill it strikes with fear
Among the shepherds dear gentle lambs
Caring nothing for his concert(?)(own soul?).

And rarely the dragonfly does grace the dawn,
Dancing among the flowers of spring.
His rainbow hues he hath hidden from view,
Though unto God he spreads his wings.

Sung by Bert Jansch on "Pentangling" (2004)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bird Song (Bert Jansch)
From: GUEST, Sminky
Date: 28 Nov 11 - 05:39 AM

Verse three I've always heard as:

Caring nothing for his own soul

but I've been wrong before!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bird Song (Bert Jansch)
From: GUEST, Sminky
Date: 28 Nov 11 - 12:21 PM

I should have added that Maggie Boyle does a superb version of this song on People on the Highway: a Bert Jansch Encomium (various artists). Easier to hear the words.