- The Bird
Infobox Single
Name = The Bird
Caption = U.S. 12" single
Artist = The Time
from Album =Ice Cream Castle
B-side = "My Drawers"
Released = 1984
Format = 7" single12" single
Recorded = Live at theFirst Avenue ,October 4 ,1983
Genre = Pop,Funk
Length = 7" edit: 3:41
Album: 7:45
Dance Remix: 6:25
Label = Warner Bros.
Writer = Jamie Starr,Morris Day , Jesse Johnson
Producer = The Starr ★ Company
Certification =
Last single = "Jungle Love"
(1984)
This single = "The Bird"
(1984)
Next single = "Jerk Out "
(1990)
Misc = Extra album cover
[ Upper caption = ]
Background = khaki
Lower caption = Promotional 12" single"The Bird" is a song from The Time's third album, "Ice Cream Castle ". The song was recorded in the studio in 1983 with all instruments by Prince, except guitar, which was by Jesse Johnson. This version was replaced by a live recording with the full band at theFirst Avenue onOctober 4 ,1983 . This is the first Time song to be released both live and featuring The Time as a band, rather than Prince.The title of the upbeat number refers to a dance in which the arms are flapped, mimmicking 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 adrum machine and live drumming byJellybean Johnson . Guitar takes the background for a funk effect, while keyboards play a dominant rôle in the song. After the main lyrics, there is an extended instrumental section to allow the band to dance. A "Dance Remix" of the song was released as a12" single , however it doesn't bring anything new to the song. TheB-side to the single was the rocker, "My Drawers".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 theHouse of Blues in 1998 for Morris Day's 2004 album "It's About Time".In the media
* Played in the 1984 movie "Purple Rain".
* Sampled on "The Latest Fashion" for the "Graffiti Bridge" album.
*Professional wrestler Koko B. Ware used the song as his entrance theme during his run in the World Wrestling Federation.External links
* [http://www.dtt-lyrics.com/related/castle.html#bird "The Bird" lyrics]
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