About the song
Toby Keith, a country music titan known for his gritty vocals and unflinchingly patriotic anthems, has often used his music as a platform to explore themes of family, love, and the American experience. With “Mockingbird,” he invites his daughter, Krystal Keith, to join him in a poignant duet that delves into the complexities of father-daughter relationships.
The song’s title, “Mockingbird,” is a metaphor for the youthful and carefree spirit that often characterizes teenage girls. The bird’s ability to mimic sounds and adapt to its surroundings mirrors the adolescent experience of discovering one’s identity and navigating the challenges of growing up.
Keith’s lyrics offer a glimpse into the protective and affectionate nature of a father. He expresses his desire to shield his daughter from the hardships of the world, while acknowledging the inevitable transition from childhood to adulthood. Krystal’s vocals, with their youthful exuberance and vulnerability, complement her father’s more seasoned tone, creating a harmonious blend of perspectives.
“Mockingbird” is more than just a catchy country tune; it’s a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics and the bittersweet passage of time. Through its evocative lyrics and the emotional resonance of the father-daughter duet, the song invites listeners to reflect on their own relationships and the enduring bonds that shape our lives.
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Lyrics
Mock (yeah) -ing (yeah)
Bird (yeah?) Yeah (oh, yeah)
Mockin’ bird, now
Everybody have you heard? (Have you heard)
He’s gonna buy me a mockingbird (I’m gonna buy her a mockingbird)
And if that mockingbird don’t sing (if that mockingbird don’t sing)
He’s gonna buy me a diamond ring (I’m gonna buy her a diamond ring)
And if that diamond ring don’t shine (if that diamond ring won’t shine)
Oh, sure, let’s break this heart of mine (sure this is gonna break this heart of mine)
And that’s why (yes, indeed oh)
I keep on tellin’ everybody, sayin’ (oh, yes, indeed oh)
Yea-yeah (whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-ohh) ohh-oh
hear me now, understand
(He’s gonna find me some peace of mind) I’m gonna find her some peace of mind
(And if that peace of mind won’t stay) if that peace of mind won’t stay
(I’m gonna find myself a better way) I’m gonna find myself a better way
(And if that better way ain’t so) if that better way ain’t so
(I-I-I ride with the tide and go with the flow)
(And that’s why) yes, indeed oh
(I keep on tellin’ in your ears, sayin’) oh, yes, indeed oh
Yea-yeah (whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-ohh) ohh-oh
Now move over, lemme show you how it’s done, baby
(Yeah, right, quit big leaguing me)
I said, hey, everybody have you heard? (Everybody, have you heard?)
She’s gonna buy me a mockingbird (he’s gonna buy me a mockingbird)
Yeah, if that mockingbird don’t sing (if that mockingbird don’t sing)
She’s gonna buy me a diamond ring (he’s gonna buy me a diamond ring)
And if that diamond ring won’t shine (if that diamond ain’t gonna shine)
It’ll surely break this heart of mine (it’ll surely break this heart of mine)
And that’s the reason why I keep on tellin’ everybody, sayin’
(Yea-yeah) whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-ohh (whoa-ohh-oh)
Oh, hear me now and understand (hear me now and understand)
She gonna find me some peace of mind (gonna find me some peace of mind)
Yeah, and if that peace of mind won’t stay (if that peace of mind don’t stay)
I’m just gonna get myself a better way (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 why (that’s why) I keep on shoutin’ in your ears sayin’
Yeah, yeah, yeah, oh
No, no, no, no, no, whoa-whoa, baby (ohh-oh-ohh)
Mockingbird
Yeah (yeah) I might rise above, (I might go below) go below
Ride with the tide (let’s go with the flow)
And that’s why (that’s why) I’m shoutin’ in your ears sayin’
Yeah, yeah, yeah, oh