About the song
“Mockingbird,” a delightful duet by Carly Simon and James Taylor, is a vibrant re-imagining of a classic R&B tune. Originally written and performed by Charlie and Inez Foxx in 1963, the song got a fresh coat of paint when Simon and Taylor, then married, released their version in 1974. Their take on the song is less a direct cover and more of a playful, folk-rock-infused transformation. It’s built around a catchy, call-and-response structure that perfectly showcases both their unique vocal styles and the harmony they created together.
The song’s premise is simple and lighthearted: someone attempts to soothe a restless lover by offering increasingly lavish gifts – a mockingbird, a diamond ring, a looking glass, and more. The escalating list of material possessions, while meant to please, ultimately highlights the limitations of such gestures in addressing deeper feelings. It’s this humorous take on affection and attempts at appeasement that make “Mockingbird” so charming.
Simon and Taylor’s “Mockingbird” was a significant commercial success, soaring to number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a hit from Simon’s Hotcakes album. It solidified their status as a power couple in the music world of the 70s. While the song itself didn’t receive any major formal awards, its lasting impact and constant presence on the airwaves are a testament to its widespread appeal and enduring popularity.
The accompanying music video played a big part in its success, offering audiences a glimpse into their personal life, and showcasing their undeniable on-screen chemistry. The playful, intimate setting of the video perfectly matched the lighthearted tone of the song. “Mockingbird” remains a much-loved classic, demonstrating the magic that happens when two talented artists come together to reinterpret a timeless melody. It’s a perfect example of their individual strengths and collaborative energy, leaving a lasting impression on listeners.
Video
Lyrics
Mock- (yeah)
-Ing (yeah)
Bird (yeah)
Yeah (yeah)
Mockingbird now
Hey everybody, have you heard?
He’s gonna buy me a mockingbird
And if that mockingbird won’t sing
He’s gonna buy me a diamond ring
And if that diamond ring won’t shine
He’s gonna surely break this heart of mine
And that’s why I keep on tellin’ everybody
Saying (yeah, yeah) whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa, whoa-oh
Hear me now and understand
He’s gonna find me some piece of mind
And if that piece of mind won’t stay
I’m gonna find myself a better way
And if that better way ain’t so
I’ll ride with the tide and go with the flow
And that’s why (yes, indeed oh) I keep on shoutin’ in your ear
Saying (yeah, yeah) whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa, whoa-oh
Well, now everybody, have you heard?
She’s gonna buy me a mockingbird, yeah
And if that mockingbird don’t sing
She gonna buy me a diamond ring
And if that diamond ring won’t shine
Yes, it surely break this poor heart of mine
And that’s the reason why I keep on tellin’ everybody
Saying (yeah, yeah) no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
Listen now and understand
She’s gonna find me some piece of mind, yeah
And if that piece of mind won’t stay
I’m gonna get myself a better way
I might rise above, I might go below
Ride with the tide and go with the flow
And that’s the reason why I keep on shouting in your ears, yo
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, baby, yeah