The Beatles - Blackbird (1968)

"Blackbird" is a song by the Beatles from their 1968 double album The Beatles (also known as "the White Album"), which was performed as a solo effort by Paul McCartney. The song was also written by McCartney, although it is credited to Lennon-McCartney. McCartney has stated that the lyrics of the song were inspired by the unfortunate state of race relations in the United States in the 1960s.
Lyrics:
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life,
You were only waiting for this moment to be free
Black bird fly, black bird fly
Into the light of the dark black night
Black bird fly, black bird fly
Into the light of the dark black night
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise

[@debanjan6969]

If this is not playing in my funeral .I am not dying

[@rosmerychavarria3288]

Debanjan Mahapatra same

[@riderzinc]

Just play it for everyone you can while you're living, Spread the love

[@andrewcavallo1877]

Evy Pamenter Ayyy, A+ on that one

[@kkomm9725]

Please invite me, I'd love to hear it

[@debanjan6969]

@@kkomm9725 sure

[@murtlebelle]

I’ve been listening to the beetles since I was 6 with my grandma and this song played at her funeral a year ago. 3/7/34-1/30/18

[@animehwatcher2115]

MCR saves my life You mean *beatles ?

[@TonyEnglandUK]

@@animehwatcher2115 lol - He's been listening to The Beatles since he was 6 and he still can't spell their name?

[@winterblxssom9777]

Luigi Ibanez So, what if he or she spelt it wrong

[@thomaswilliams9570]

My beloved Grandson loved this song. He died when he was four years old and this was played at his memorial. This touches many generations.

[@murtlebelle]

Didn’t mean beetles meant Beatles it was autocorrected and I guess I missed it.

[@leecheek7780]

Paul McCartney is a musical genius

[@blum1982]

correction: GOD

[@jackthomson5156]

Was early one . But released so much shit for the years after the Beatles . Still to this day

[@tash5540]

Listen to the unpopular beatles songs and you'll realise it took a lot of songs and hardwork and thousands of hours to acquire such a perfect taste.

[@johnnymoondogs1816]

The beatles are god

[@richardeast3328]

@@jackthomson5156 Yeah, what a jackass.

[@karmayangzom5497]

“Paul McCartney wrote this about the civil rights struggle for African Americans after reading about race riots in the US. He penned it in his kitchen in Scotland not long after an incident in Little Rock when the federal courts forced the racial desegregation of the Arkansas capital's school system. "I was sitting around with my acoustic guitar and I'd heard about the civil rights troubles that were happening in the '60s in Alabama, Mississippi, Little Rock in particular," he told GQ. "I just thought it would be really good if I could write something that if it ever reached any of the people going through those problems, it might give them a little bit of hope. So, I wrote 'Blackbird.'"“

[@carolmizelle1317]

Yes!!! so beautiful.

[@sarahdanielle6884]

Tht makes it even more beautiful. It's a tear jerker for me now after learning this from you, and I'm not even black. Freedom & oppression. Those are tremendous topics.

[@nmoktxazca]

Thank you for this post

[@CP-cs6fn]

I just scrolled through the comments, in the hopes that someone had put the explanation down (and I didn't have to, lol)! It's such a beautiful song, but the meaning of it, gives it so much more beauty!

[@CP-cs6fn]

I've also heard that the "Black bird" he sings of is Rosa Parks...

[@Jaek771]

Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these broken wings and learn to fly All your life You were only waiting for this moment to arise Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these sunken eyes and learn to see All your life You were only waiting for this moment to be free Blackbird fly, blackbird fly Into the light of a dark black night Blackbird fly, blackbird fly Into the light of a dark black night Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these broken wings and learn to fly All your life You were only waiting for this moment to arise You were only waiting for this moment to arise You were only waiting for this moment to arise

[@albertparish1729]

It's also in the description of the vid tho ;)

[@janseendiguiseppiThomasMC]

Thanks for the lyrics, I just learned how to play it, now I can sing it!

[@DinosaurPlace]

I love the Beatles

[@kevinachmad6268]

.

[@empressisis3572]

Anyone listening to this guy in 2019??

[@whamies5754]

Fatima Westfield yes

[@filmsseries8068]

Yes, The Wonder Years bring me here.

[@FirstPersonShitter]

Every year until I die.

[@christinehughes7276]

yes cause ive finally learned how to make my sunken eyes see and broken wings fly......almost didnt make it

[@AmIJorge]

Yup

[@user-xc9tj1re3d]

November 2019, still love this song

[@juwelie]

Jesus Christ this Song always makes me cry. I still remember my dad singing this in his room and me and my sister would sit there listening.

[@itsmesia2469]

🙏✨❇️🏩❇️✨🙏

[@devattack]

You brought me to tears with this comment.

[@bradknight2618]

The Beatles were a musical, political, visual, fashion, generational movement. Their writing and arranging talents were unmatched. The world has gotten bigger the minds have gotten smaller. Those that forget history are bound to repeat it.

[@Notpetroff1]

This song reminds me so much of my aunt. She was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer at only 23. November 6th was the day she passed away but it was so weird. Right before she left she had known so much. She seemed powerful at times and others completely at peace. Right before she went, she told her mom that the battle was won already and that she is okay. Today it still powers me to do my absolute best to make sure that I see her again at another time No Matter What

[@laurenjayne4702]

My uncle passed away due to suicide, and this was his funeral song. This song perfectly represented him and I love it dearly. Can’t help but cry when I hear it.

[@traelmate37]

one of the most underrated beaTles songs ever - 51 years on and their reach and influence is still 'unbelievable'

[@jodywilke4642]

Another great song, by a really talented singer-songwriter. Nothing more needs to be said.

[@netkosent1620]

Well, as a bassist, I think there is at least one more thing that needs to be said about this man; he is an amazing/legendary bassist.

[@jodywilke4642]

Netkos Ent I always concentrated more on Paul's singing and songwriting abilities--I didn't really notice anything else.😊💒

[@willritter4076]

I'd be honored if some Beatles & McCartney fans would take a listen to my acoustic piano & vocal performances of PENNY LANE and BLACKBIRD on my channel in tribute to 2 of Sir Paul's greatest compositions. Live acoustic with no autotune. Thanks and peace.

[@kath1371]

Great funeral song, reason I say “all your life you are only waiting for this moment to be free” nothing can compare to that, Beatles in my view like simple nursery rhymes

[@smilley7383]

This song hits everyone in its own way ..pretty crazy that out of the top song writers three are in this band

[@maz1407]

Im ashamed to have learned of this song through BOSS BABY

[@Niicole188]

Hahaha

[@youknowwhoiam2771]

Mazel Wibawa bad movie, good music choices

[@jervangs.618]

You should listen to more of these 4 lads :D if ya haven't already

[@joebanana4697]

So am I...yesterday I was watching it w/my son.

[@angel1329us]

What a thrill it is to discover the Beatles. Enjoy. For. The. Rest. Of. Your. Life.

[@robynvanzanten7070]

We are going through the nsw australia fires right now, at the risk of loosing everything and this is the only thing keeping me from having a mental breakdown thankyou.

[@KayKay-qc4qy]

My mom sang this to me when I was a baby, this song makes me cry every time I listen to it😢😢❤️❤️❤️

[@wyattjames5379]

My parents sang this song to me as a lullaby as a kid and it still comes to mind when i’m really going through a rough patch. Thanks Mom & Dad. Thanks Beatles.

[@iverkjellkken6569]

I think I found my new favourite beatles song

[@dr.inferno9205]

Iver Kjelløkken I mean, it's Paul's song

[@rubyjames3105]

good for you! give 'in my life' a listen, it's a contender.

[@wesleysons7317]

Me too

[@lianandujar482]

I by chance heard this song in the background of a video and I used Shazam to see what song it was. I can't believe I forgot this song. Now I'm crying like a baby, because this song helped me through some really hard times where I thought life just wouldn't get better. God bless these amazing human beings, it really is incredible the impact that they've had generations later.

[@marthastephens2179]

Blackbird fly is tattooed on my ankle. I love this song ❤️

[@anushabelut9992]

Martha Stephens Mkeppoo

[@beancate]

Im 12 years old and i simply adore the beatles with all my heart and soul. Ive started listening to them last 2016 and from then on Ive been listening to them everyday

[@dawncain6181]

Good for you baby! It is a lovely song and I'm happy to see it transcend generations.

[@beancate]

@@dawncain6181 Thank you! I'm actually into artists like Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Patsy Cline and others. Im an old soul as you can tell. Have a good day:)

[@nygrrl99]

My 3 year old grandson sings this song and he goes to sleep with it playing on the iPhone. It’s such a beautiful thing.

[@catguy96]

Saw Paul perform this live a few weeks ago. Amazing song really. My favourite from The Beatles.

[@user-qp9en3ye3l]

@Venom Paul Rudd...

[@RiadhBoukratem]

We've been raised in the center of everything, but no one has surpassed fate! We'll be chained to the shadow of our darkness but we will die free!

[@kylelin1641]

The subtle foot tapping in the background, I love it

[@markpatrick8188]

I've never picked up on that! Thx!

[@georgegabriel4933]

They played this song at my friend's funeral. Breaks my heart

[@rushattack1]

My toddler listens to this every night. Puts him to sleep. Very relaxing.

[@carlosquiroz9209]

So he's the boss baby

[@jima1135]

I recently learned the meaning of the song on the Beatles channel. They said that Paul wrote it referring to the Civil Rights movement in the US. Listening to the lyrics now, just as pertinent as they were in the 60s.

[@maluorno]

these days the only threat to black people is themselves

[@TarePandaHelp]

@@maluorno isnt that everyone? Worst enemy is ourselves.

[@netkosent1620]

@@maluorno It's not as bad as it was back then, but that's still far from the sole truth. As TarePanda said, all of us can be our own worst enemies, but that doesn't mean other enemies aren't out there also. There has always been good people and shitty people of all colors, and even back in slavery days there were numerous white people trying to help, and numerous white people trying to oppress; that's not much different than now except that the ratio is more in favor of unity. However, we still have a lot of laws and systems in place that continues the systematic approach, and that needs to change still. I'm well traveled and know each area is different, so I can't speak for all areas, but I live in the South and we still have plenty of issues to work out.

[@MrNewktrane]

@@netkosent1620 Question for you in what time space did you come up with "numerous"? If that was the case the issues now would involve around class structure-only. Historically speaking in America, there were never "numerous"but from the 1600s to around 1964, there were "numerous" who carried along with their days & prayed in church every Sunday morning while the most horrific acts ever on these shores was being perpetuated daily on their fellow human beings. Your quote of both sides bad people is about on par with Agent Orange's similar words after the murder in Charlottesville. Historically speaking on your words- where were all those evenly distribution of 'shitty people 'of color during the time frame you brought up? This country's on going failure to come to gripes with it's most ugly history with Revisionist tales like the one you spun serves no purpose.

[@thebilldavisartworks]

@@maluorno What?! Dipshit!

[@lexierose5880]

Ive been listening to Beatles all my life .im 40 now still confronts me when im upset .

[@aemmlhss.60s]

Whenever i here this song i close my eyes, think of the world, the beauty of it, and what the Beatles have helped do to it, especially with this song and many others, i just think of my dreams, what will happen in the future, John and George still being here with us, them being in our souls, there songs living within our hearts, helping us live on... Beautiful😔💜💙💜💙

[@ClosetDemon]

If this ain't playing at my funeral I'm not coming.

[@glennyglenn]

So sweet So melodic and beautiful I wonder who he was glancing at, at the end of the song I’d like this version at my funeral xxx

[@clay8949]

he probably saw his mom

[@empireoflizards]

Might be the sound engineer or whoever is coordinating the recording session. These guys were probably often having fun when going through takes.

[@clovis2309]

This song reminds me of when i was younger, when things were happy at my house. My parents and grandparents always sang this to me before bed to bring me peace and good dreams. My parents never fought, I was never sad or self conscious, and everything was golden and peaceful. It really helps me think and makes me a little happier, but at the same time it's very saddening to hear such a reminder of the past. It's a very emotional song, and I am so thankful for Paul McCartney of all people. Thanks

[@blue_223]

Why do I feel so emotionally connected to this song 😭

[@snowwy_hd]

My mom used to sing this to as a baby back in the 90s, I love the beatles so much... miss you mom x

[@cahayamalam9177]

Tim : my parent wrote this for me Boss baby : oh really? Your parent is lennon and McCartney? Tim : NO, TED AND JANICE

[@thasplashgod6415]

Did boss baby really say that 😂

[@ilariacipriani5843]

Omg I discovered this song thanks to that film 😂

[@santanagarcia5359]

Great little movie......cheers

[@baileelennon1870]

Cahaya Malam Lennon and McCartney 😏 insert mclennon

[@des7911]

“You don’t even know their names” 😂

[@mrcrazy5459]

Hell yeah these guys are legends

[@wallacesheckells7095]

This song is so fantastic. Just a musician, his instrument, and the tapping of his feet to keep time.

[@lebronbrown8968]

I played this at my granddad's funeral with my guitar it's hard to play when your crying

[@jennysams6089]

Am I the only one who found it amusing when they said “sunken eyes” and it switched to the pic of Paul

[@factChecker01]

Beauty is simple and clean. Genius is simple and clean. This song is simple and clean.

[@Missconduct044]

Damnit!! Every time I hear this song, I wanna cry!!! It’s indescribably beautiful.

[@corvidcreepz]

I've never heard this song before but it's so nostalgic to me somehow

[@a.ndy.nonymous]

I DID NOT KNOW THAT WAS HIS FOOT TAPPING EVER UNTIL JUST NOW!

[@pogzie22]

this is my family's favorite song... my daughter's lullaby...we play this on and on until she fall asleep

[@alenaschroeder6196]

I’ve listened to the Beatles for a while with my grandma and Aunt. In fact I had the same birthday as Paul. 💕 They are so talented!

[@secretpopcorn4468]

My dad plays this on the guitar and my grandpa tought this to my dad and my aunt and this reminds me of my aunt who passed away just a couple weeks ago :(

[@garypage2793]

My favourite Beatles song I don't know why just love to sing along to it .....

[@chlariepeace1247]

I love very much this song it is besutiful

[@pgkemper2011]

Birds, and how pretty they are! Blackbirds are very smart!:)

[@garypage2793]

Patricia Bonekemper yeah smart birds you like the song

[@garypage2793]

Chlarie Peace yeah so simple words and tune but that’s all it needs cheers for the likes

[@LittleFabrizio]

It’s kinda sad that one day this song will be listened by someone for the last time. Kinda like the memory of you. One day it’ll stop existing.

[@lucaniiia]

I lost my uncle today to cancer and he was a big the Beatles fan. He was a musician in the 70s and 4 years ago, he gifted me my first piano after he'd seen me play his in his music room and thought I should continue on with my inclination to music. I'll always remember him every time I listen to the Beatles from now on. RIP uncle, you will be missed ♥️

[@emilys8971]

One of earliest memories- one of my brothers sang this song to wake me up... he apparently just learned to play the whole song with his guitar!! 😁

[@Trisin-m3i]

Dayng

[@thileification]

I always sing this for some reason I must be addicted

[@spiritualpie7468]

I learnt this song back in a French primary school, great to hear it again

[@annabrittaandersson8493]

One of my favoritesong.🥰❤️🌸

[@llla_german_ewoklll6413]

IM WAITING FOR MYSELF TO MEMORIZE THIS SONG!

[@reynoso2011]

dec 23 2018 marks 1year big brother pass ! use this song for his funeral ! great song!

[@xLextonx]

For me November 22 2018 im sorry for your loss

[@fredbarrett3747]

Alex, I am so sorry! I lost my baby brother March 5th, 2019. I was with him for 59 years. Does it ever stop hurting?

[@reynoso2011]

thank you all ! I will pray to God to comfort our broken hearts!

[@reynoso2011]

Fred Barrett. Hang in there buddy! i know exactly what your going thru! God will help you get thru this storm! i will keep you and family in prayer!

[@reynoso2011]

look out for signs you may smell your little bro colloge .your little bro will be watching you from above! one day you will renite with him Amen!

[@imeldaennis3220]

Like the first time I heard it...love it... All my Beatles albums in Bro's attic...apt life🙁... No one like them again ❤️

[@earlray156]

I was 8 years old on feb.4th 1964 when the Beatles airplane landed for the first time in the USA. Officially that day the Beatles were in and Elvis Presley was out, Nothing in USA ever changed our country more than this one day! From hair-cuts to clothes to the music you danced to, Our whole society changed over night. Women would absolutely scream and cry continually at concerts where you could not hear the music, I'm telling you this event was complete pandemonium and we have never looked back. The Beatles will be with me for life!

[@marieannecelticwoman3466]

Fav Beatles tune! TX, Paul!

[@linda86760]

My favourite Beatles song

[@russhfilms682]

I just lost my bestfriend , he was like my brother and I been listening to this on repeat..

[@yoki3720]

JOE RUSSH good luck bro✌️❤️

[@Chasstful]

Such a sweet song and so relevant to its day.

[@MrBannystar]

You were only waiting for this moment to RRRIIIIIIIISSSSEEEEEEEE!!! Blackbird singing in the dead of niiiiighhht...... TAKE THESE SUNKEN EYES AND LEARN TO SEE All your liiiiife, you were only waiting for this moment to be free.

[@juilietpritchard6560]

nicely put

[@neiljohncatapang7881]

*insert death metal ending*

[@-roxas-6608]

*beating of a dead horse intensifies*

[@terrykangaroo3090]

This band helps me. Without the Beatles, I don't know

[@IsaacWale2004]

There's a film to tell you that

[@idealtara]

@@IsaacWale2004 What film?

[@idealtara]

Yes, I'd be lost without them.

[@idealtara]

@Yarin Elul Oh yes, it's coming soon. Have you seen their other movies?

[@TheJapanfan]

Can't hear this without dissolving into a heap of tears

[@MatthewMurraycogswoth]

Like always, their music is amazing. The Beatles were master musicians and performers, partially due to the many hours they spent playing in a club in Hamburg, Germany where they could be on stage for almost 8 hours at a time. It takes 10,000 hours to master something, they mastered their craft and now we can all listen to it. :D

[@dynamic_being]

pure soul poetry

[@humongoushomunculus8020]

Into the light of the dark, black night I go.

[@AhmadHossam]

What's a beautiful song

[@timstill152]

So Beautiful....

[@MultiGabriela05]

This is a work of art. :')

[@MultiGabriela05]

Really!

[@MultiGabriela05]

"Hatred is not the way. Love can turn hatred into love." - Me.

[@cornstorm666]

Paul..Paul...Paul..."into the light of a dark black night" .

[@Unknown-mh3sr]

That’s still art AND always it will be 🔥

[@davejackson88]

The first theme song i wanna learn 'cause today i buyed my first acoustic guitar and i'm very happy !

[@terrykangaroo3090]

As me and my friends were sitting eating lunch today, our school chaplain sat down with us and started playing this for us as a sing-along, it was awesome! *on his guitar (probably obvious)

[@am5981]

I once found a baby crow whom had fallen from its nest. I took it in under my care, fed it and cared for it. It died on me one evening with my love for pets

[@TiaMargarita]

Honestly, this is his best work. I grew up listening to The Beatles and loving them. The songs were sweet and easy to sing. But this, this has meaning. I never knew that it was about the African American’s fight for desegregation. Blackbird, fly...

[@iagreebut7269]

this is so beautiful

[@Daniel-gk1dp]

i just learned to play this on my guitar and trying to sing with it b'cuz its a nice song

[@JaleelJohanson62]

Stay with it! I've been playing it while singing for many years now. I enjoy doing it as much now as I did when I first learned it.

[@finnmccool684]

The next time you're faced with something, well...take these broken wings and learn to fly.

[@yvonneking3760]

I love this song! Take these broken wings and learn to fly!

[@evelynwallace4647]

I always loved this song because there was tragedy and hope and victory in every line.

[@juanarosaomalley816]

Masterpiece 😉👌

[@paul.akkkin02603]

Serviu de inspiração e que mais tarde se transformara em um clássico da música brasileira - Pais e Filhos - Legião Urbana

[@aaaaaaa-vm1oi]

Listened to this cuz of a book my brother brought on my bday called "Blackbird Fly" (By Erin Entrada Kelly) and weird nostalgia hit me like a train...I remember my dad and my brothers keep playing Beatles songs in the car when I was around 4, Now I found my new addiction thanks to them

[@Charlies247]

I’m not neither a Beatles maniac, or Paul obsessed fan. I can live without anymore tunes than those delivered by The Specials and the Ruts, however this is a most beautiful tune. My gran played and sang it to me. It’s Absolutely brilliant! Stay free.x

[@arkansastrey9694]

Learning to play 3rds and my teacher gave me this song : )

[@lilyarmitage4168]

I used this song as a lullaby for my two sons.

[@judithrobson826]

"Golden slumbers fill ur eyes"

[@StudioMargalima]

This song is a rustic little pearl. BeautIful.

[@treyatl2006]

One of my favorite Beatle songs...

[@caitlinmatley1566]

Is anyone else playing guitar along with this.......

[@randomgamingzzz1917]

Yessir right now I am

[@damianitoruelito]

oof my fingers hurt but im still trying to play

[@caitlinmatley1566]

@@damianitoruelito it is the hardest song I've learnt so far other than the bohemian rhapsody solo (I'm 14)

[@damianitoruelito]

Caitlin Matley i remember trying the bohemian rhapsody solo. i couldnt do it as fast :( (im 12)

[@caitlinmatley1566]

@@damianitoruelito you'll get it do u have instagram

[@paulfindlay2475]

John was my fave, but can't help loving Paul.

[@shadow_master7303]

My dad used to play this song on the guitar all the time, that’s why I’m here. You?

[@abbiehind9460]

Beautiful

[@deborahmcdowell5770]

I found this out through a bloody music test! It's a classic though.

[@weirdoperson5022]

Im Bout 7 and i know the BEATLES!

[@staliniumprojectile]

You shouldn't be on the internet.

[@Leaferr]

@@staliniumprojectile Way to encourage young kids to listen to good music.

[@hellooohellooo123]

@@Leaferr just a joke mate

[@weirdoperson5022]

No not just a joke!

[@JlizCasas]

I just listened to revolution 9 in its entirety and I had to come back and listen to this again so I could feel safe 🙈😭

[@noukie3902]

Julie Lizeth Casas SAME

[@the1beebee]

I wish I had a dollar for every time I played that on the album, etc. and sang it. What a miracle song! I wore my older brother's white album out, he never said a word. He was 10 years older.