The Trashmen

Lyrics

[Chorus]
A well a everybody's heard about the bird
B-b-b bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A well a bird, bird, bird, the bird is the word
A well a bird, bird, bird, well the bird is the word
A well a bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A well a bird, bird, bird, well the bird is the word
A well a bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A well a bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A well a bird, bird, bird, well the bird is the word
A well a bird, bird, b-bird's the word

[Refrain]
A well a don't you know about the bird?
Well, everybody knows that the bird is the word!
A well a bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A well a

[Chorus]
A well a everybody's heard about the bird
Bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A well a bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A well a bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A well a bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A well a bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A well a bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A well a bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A well a bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word
[Refrain]
A well a don't you know about the bird?
Well, everybody's talking about the bird!
A well a bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A well a bird

[Break]
Surfin' bird
B-b-b aah, aah!
Pa pa pa pa, pa pa pa pa, pa pa pa pa, pa pa pa pa
Pa pa pa pa, pa pa pa pa, pa pa pa pa
Ooma mow mow, papa, ooma mow mow

[Bridge]
Papa ooma mow mow, papa ooma mow mow
Papa ooma mow mow, papa ooma mow mow
Ooma mow mow, papa ooma mow mow
Papa ooma mow mow, papa ooma mow mow
Papa ooma mow mow, papa ooma mow mow
Oom oom oom oom, ooma mow mow
Papa ooma mow mow, papa oom oom oom
Oom ooma mow mow, papa ooma mow mow
Ooma mow mow, papa ooma mow mow
Papa a mow mow, papa ooma mow mow
Papa ooma mow mow, ooma mow mow
Papa ooma mow mow, ooma mow mow
Papa oom oom oom oom, ooma mow mow
Oom oom oom oom, ooma mow mow
Ooma mow mow, papa ooma mow mow
Papa ooma mow mow, ooma mow mow
[Refrain]
Well a don't you know about the bird?
Well, everybody knows that the bird is the word!
A well a bird, bird, b-bird's the word

[Outro]
A well a ooma mow mow
Papa ooma mow mow
Papa ooma mow mow
Papa ooma mow mow
Papa ooma mow mow
Papa ooma mow mow
Papa ooma mow mow

Surfin' Bird by The Trashmen is a legendary track that burst onto the music scene in 1963 and quickly became a cult favorite. This song is an interesting blend of punk, surf rock, and doo-wop, making it a standout and earning its place as a protopunk standard. What's even more fascinating is that Surfin' Bird was actually composed by piecing together sections from two tracks by The Rivingtons, namely "Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow" and "The Bird is the Word".

When Surfin' Bird was released as a single, it took the world by storm, skyrocketing up the charts and reaching an impressive #4 on the Billboard Top 100. Its infectious energy and catchy melodies resonated with listeners of all ages and established The Trashmen as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

Over the years, Surfin' Bird has maintained its cultural significance, becoming an anthem for rebellious souls and a go-to track for filmmakers and musicians alike. The Ramones, punk rock pioneers, even covered Surfin' Bird, giving it a fresh new spin with their distinctive raw sound. This rendition paid homage to the song's protopunk roots while introducing it to a new generation of music enthusiasts.

The influence of Surfin' Bird can also be seen in popular culture. It made its way into iconic films like Full Metal Jacket and Pink Flamingos, adding a dash of irreverence to their soundtracks. One of the most memorable modern references to the song comes from the animated TV series Family Guy, where it was humorously showcased in an episode, further solidifying its place in the cultural lexicon.

The track has also had a surprising impact on the DIY rap movement in South Florida. Artists like Ski Mask the Slump God drew inspiration from Surfin' Bird, recognizing the rebellious and confrontational spirit that resonates within the song. They pay homage to its influence by creating tracks like "Bird is the Word," which captures the essence of Surfin' Bird while infusing it with their own unique style and perspective.

About Surfin’ Bird

Surfin' Bird is a musical mosaic that combines elements of punk rock, surf rock, and doo-wop, resulting in a truly distinctive and dynamic sound. The Trashmen took the infectious vocal hooks from The Rivingtons' tracks "Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow" and "The Bird is the Word" and transformed them into a high-energy anthem that captivated audiences.

The song begins with an instantly recognizable chant of "Bird, bird, bird, bird is the word," which quickly grabs your attention and sets the tone for the entire track. This repetitive and catchy phrase becomes a central motif throughout the song, creating a sense of exhilaration and rebelliousness. The Trashmen's spirited and raw vocals perfectly complement the energetic instrumentation, which features driving guitar riffs, pulsating drums, and a relentless beat that keeps listeners hooked from start to finish.

Surfin' Bird's lyrics are intentionally simple and straightforward, making them easy to grasp and sing along to. The Trashmen's delivery adds a raw and unfiltered quality to the song, further enhancing its punk rock roots. The lyrics touch upon themes of freedom, individuality, and breaking away from societal constraints, which resonated deeply with the countercultural movements of the time.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Surfin' Bird is its enduring popularity and influence. The song's frenetic energy and rebellious attitude have made it a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences decades after its release. Its high-energy sound and catchy melodies make it a go-to track for anyone looking to inject some excitement into their playlist or unleash their inner rebel.

Surfin' Bird's impact on popular culture cannot be overstated. From the Ramones' punk rock rendition to its presence in iconic films, the song has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Its appearance in Family Guy catapulted it back into the cultural spotlight, introducing it to a whole new generation of fans. Furthermore, Surfin' Bird's influence on the DIY rap scene in South Florida showcases its versatility and ability to transcend genres, cementing its status as a musical masterpiece.

In a world filled with generic tunes, Surfin' Bird stands out as a breath of fresh air. Its unconventional blend of punk, surf rock, and doo-wop sets it apart from mainstream hits, infusing it with a rebellious spirit that remains as captivating today as it was back in 1963. So why not take a break from the ordinary and let Surfin' Bird take you on a wild and exhilarating musical journey?

• Release Date: November 13, 1963
• Artist: The Trashmen