music.wikisort.org - Composition

"The Bird" is a song from The Time's third album, Ice Cream Castle. The song was initially recorded in the studio in 1983 with all instruments by Prince, except guitar, which was performed by Jesse Johnson.[1] This version was replaced by a live recording with the full band at the First Avenue on October 4, 1983. This is the first Time song to be released both live and featuring The Time as a band, rather than primarily Prince with Morris Day on vocals. The song has become a signature number for the band and continues to be played in every Time concert to this day. In addition, two additional live versions have since been released: one on Prince's Rave Un2 the Year 2000 DVD and one recorded at the House of Blues in 1998 for Morris Day's 2004 album It's About Time.

"The Bird"
U.S. 12" single
Single by The Time
from the album Ice Cream Castle
A-side	"The Bird"
B-side	"My Drawers"
Written	1983
Published	1984
Released	January 11, 1985
Recorded	Live at the First Avenue, October 4, 1983
Genre	Pop, funk
Length	7" edit: 3:41 Album: 7:40 Dance Remix: 6:25
Label	Warner Bros.
Composer(s)	Prince (as Jamie Starr), Morris Day, Jesse Johnson
Lyricist(s)	Prince (as Jamie Starr)
Producer(s)	Prince (as The Starr ★ Company)
The Time singles chronology
"Jungle Love" (1984) "The Bird" (1985) "Jerk Out" (1990)
Alternative cover
Promotional 7" single

Background

The title of the upbeat number refers to a dance in which the arms are flapped, mimicking a bird's wings. Morris Day also squawks throughout the song. The song suggests that by "doing the bird", one can overcome their troubles. "The Bird" is a funk-rock offering, using both a drum machine and live drumming by Jellybean Johnson. Guitar takes the background for a funk effect, while keyboards play a dominant role in the song. After the main lyrics, there is an extended instrumental section to allow the band to dance.[2] A "Dance Remix" of the song was released as a 12" single. The B-side to the single was the rocker, "My Drawers".

Chart history

Chart (1985)	Peak position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100	36
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance/Disco[3]	6
U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles[4]	33

In the media

• Used in the 1984 movie Purple Rain.
• Sampled on "The Latest Fashion" for the Graffiti Bridge album.
• Used as the initial WWF entrance theme for Koko B. Ware.
• Shaquille O'Neal lip-synched this song on Inside the NBA.^{[citation needed]}

References

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