Bluebird Tribute in Video and Song

Have you ever stopped to think about how many stories, movies and songs contain references to Bluebirds? The Bluebird has become a symbol of happiness and it's easy to understand because the bright blue color and warbling song of this beautiful thrush just seems to lighten your heart.

We hope that you'll enjoy this tribute to the beautiful Bluebird and that it will make you feel like, in the words of Irving Berlin (Blue Skies, 1927), "Blue skies Smiling at me, Nothing but blue skies Do I see, Bluebirds Singing a song, Nothing but bluebirds All day long"

Proud Bluebird Poster by naturegirl7

There are many happy songs that are about or that reference the beautiful bluebird. One of the most famous is the Bluebird of Happiness by Art Mooney. The words were written by Edward Heyman and Harry Parr Davies; music by Sandor Harmati. (Lyricsdownload)

-Introduced at Radio City Music Hall.
-Popularized by Jan Peerce.
-Best-selling record in 1948 by Art Mooney and his Orchestra.

(verse)
The beggar man and his mighty king are only diff'rent in name,
For they are treated just the same by fate.
Today a smile and tomorrow tears,
We're never sure what's in store,
So learn your lesson before too late, so

(refrain)
Be like I, hold your head up high,
Till you find a bluebird of happiness.
You will find greater peace of mind
Knowing there's a bluebird of happiness.
And when he sings to you,
Though you're deep in blue,
You will see a ray of light creep through,
And so remember this, life is no abyss,
Somewhere there's a bluebird of happiness.

Life is sweet, tender and complete
When you find the bluebird of happiness.
You will find perfect peace of mind
When you find the bluebird of happiness.
Two hearts that beat as one,
'Neath a new found sun,
We are in a world that's just begun,
And you must sing his song, as you go along,
When you find the bluebird of happiness.

Spring Bluebird Poster by naturegirl7

And we can't forget the happy song from the Disney movie, Song of the South. This movie and the Tales of Uncle Remus have become controversial in recent years. It's a shame, because this song always lifts my spirits.

Here's a little sound clip of the first verse - Zip-a-dee-doo-dah

Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah (Lyrics)

Music by Allie Wrubel
Lyrics by Ray Gilbert
Performed by James Baskett
© 1945 Walt Disney Music Company

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
My, oh my, what a wonderful day
Plenty of sunshine headin' my way
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay

Mister Bluebird's on my shoulder
It's the truth, it's actual
Ev'rything is satisfactual
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
Wonderful feeling, wonderful day, yes sir!

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
My, oh my, what a wonderful day
Plenty of sunshine headin' my way
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay

Mister Bluebird's on my shoulder
It's the truth, it's actual
Ev'rything is satisfactual
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
Wonderful feeling, feeling this way

Mister Bluebird's on my shoulder
It is the truth, it's actual... huh?
Where is that bluebird? Mm-hm!
Ev'rything is satisfactual
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
Wonderful feeling, wonderful day!

About the time we first hear the Robin's ringing welcome to spring we may listen for the Bluebird's more gentle greeting. No bird's song is more associated with the return of Spring than the Bluebird's: nor is there a bird's note more expressive of the passing season than the Bluebird's Autumn call of far-away, far-away.

Frank M. Chapman, Birdlife, 1897

Curious Bluebird Poster by naturegirl7

As might be expected of creatures so heavenly in color, the disposition of bluebirds is particularly angelic. Gentleness and amiability are expressed in their soft musical voice. Tru-al-ly, tru-al-ly, they sweetly assert when we can scarcely believe that spring is here; tru-wee, tur-wee they softly call in autumn when they go roaming through the countryside in flocks of azure.

Neltje Blanchan, Birds Worth Knowing, 1917

Bluebird Male Postcard by
naturegirl7

The male is hilarious and demonstrative, the female serious and anxious about her charge. ... If his life is all poetry and romance, hers is all business and prose. ....She shows no affection for the male, no pleasure in his society; she only tolerates him as a necessary evil, and, if he is killed, goes in quest of another in the most business-like manner, as you would go for the plumber or the glazier. In most cases the male is the ornamental partner in the firm, and contributes little of the working capital. With the bluebirds the male is useful as well as ornamental. He is the gay champion and escort of the female at all times, and while she is sitting he feeds her regularly. It is very pretty to watch them building their nest.

John Burroughs, The Bluebird, 1867

Baby Bluebird Postcard by naturegirl7

Five little blue birds, hopping by my door
One went to build a nest, and then there were four.
Four little blue birds singing lustily
One got out of tune, and then there were three
Three little blue birds, and what should one do,
But go in search of dinner, leaving only two.
Two little blue birds singing for fun
One flew away, and then there was one.
One little blue bird sitting in the sun
He took a little nap, and then there was none.

Old Nursery Rhyme

Bluebird Nest Box Postcard by naturegirl7

If there is no response in you to the awakening of nature-if the prospect of an early morning walk does not banish sleep, if the warble of the first bluebird does not thrill you-know that the morning and spring of your life are past. Thus may you feel your pulse.

Henry D. Thoreau, Journals, February 25, 1859

The USPS has several stamp designs that feature the Bluebird, but alas, none for the new postal rate. These custom stamps from Zazzle are a great way to show your love for the Blues and whenever you order them, the postal rate will be right.

... you'll automatically be making a donation to The Humane Society, working to celebrate animals and confront cruelty.

Doesn't that feel good?