About the song
“Mockingbird” is a timeless 1963 song originally written and recorded by Inez and Charlie Foxx, notable for its adaptation of the classic lullaby “Hush, Little Baby”. The song was released under the Sue Records (Symbol Records) label and credited to Inez Foxx with vocal accompaniment by her brother Charlie, who alternated lyrics on a syllabic basis, creating a distinctive call-and-response dynamic.
Upon its release, “Mockingbird” achieved significant success, reaching number 2 on the U.S. Top Black Singles / Rhythm & Blues chart and number 7 on the U.S. popular music singles chart in late summer 1963. Its impact extended globally when Chris Blackwell of Island Records discovered the song playing in a record store in Kingston, Jamaica. This led to negotiations and, subsequently, its release in the U.K. under the Sue brand in December 1963, though it initially did not achieve major success until a reissue in 1969.
The song’s popularity further solidified through various cover versions by notable artists. Dusty Springfield recorded a rendition for her album *A Girl Called Dusty* (1964), where she performed both vocal parts. Aretha Franklin also covered “Mockingbird” for her album *Runnin’ Out of Fools* (1965), showcasing her powerful vocals alongside Ray Johnson’s counter-vocal, notably performing the song on the television program *Shindig!* in 1965.
A pivotal reimagining came in 1973 when American singer-songwriters Carly Simon and James Taylor recorded their version of “Mockingbird”. Taylor, inspired by a live performance of the Foxx’s at the Apollo Theater in 1965, proposed the remake, drawing on his fond memories of singing it with his sister during their teenage years. Released as the lead single from Simon’s album *Hotcakes* (1974), their rendition featured notable contributions from Dr. John on keyboards, Robbie Robertson on rhythm guitar, and a tenor saxophone solo by Michael Brecker.
Simon and Taylor’s rendition of “Mockingbird” resonated deeply with audiences, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Pop singles chart and achieving Gold certification from the RIAA for sales surpassing one million copies in the U.S. It also charted well internationally, including in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and the U.K.
Critically praised for its fresh reinterpretation and vocal chemistry between Simon and Taylor, “Mockingbird” remains celebrated for its enduring charm and musicality. Its legacy continues through live performances by both artists, including notable appearances at the No Nukes Concert in 1979 and on *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert* in 2015, where Simon performed a duet with Colbert.
Overall, “Mockingbird” stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of its melody and lyrics, capturing the essence of familial harmony and musical collaboration across generations.
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