BEATLES: And Your Bird Can Sing - Lennon vs Frank Sinatra 

As a Beatleologist, id never heard this view and thought it was Jagger-Faithfull but hadnt put the timeline together but now convinced it was Sinatra. Lennon was a fanatic on reading all the press etc. On both sides of Atlantic and guarded Beatles fanatically. The April 66 Sinatra article was just days after Maureen Cleave interview on "Jesus" statement and how Lennon thought at time. Funny how Mia Farrow moved into Lennons orbit in India and the Dakota/Rosemary's Baby connection as well. Some kind of Karma Konnection. Spot on detective work.

I always loved ,"And your bird can sing". The guitars are pretty ground breaking,mixed as smoothly as they are.The vocals,lead and especially the harmonies really speak to me.I always thought it is about a girl that got away and John saying "look at what you gave up".

For me, being a big Beatles ànd Sinatra fan, this revelation is truly astounding and funny.

Many people today do not understand the culture war that was going on in the 1960s. At the time it was referred to as the "Generation Gap." It was real, it was deep, and it was visceral. Many members of the Sinatra generation absolutely detested rock-&-roll and especially the Beatles. They would often make disparaging remarks and jokes about the younger generation's music and culture. The Beatles, as the leaders and most recognizable symbols of that culture took the brunt of it. Many in the younger generation felt a similar disdain toward the older generation of Sinatra. This was summed up in a common saying, "Don't trust anyone over 30." It wasn't just music, hair, slang and fashion, either. It was to varying degrees, the Vietnam War, the Draft, drugs, sex, mores, religion, politics, and spirituality. You can still find artifacts of this mutual disdain in the popular media of the era. The "gap" mostly disappeared in the 1970s. After the Manson killings and several other such incidents, the youth culture lost much of its veneer of innocence. Several other factors eased the antagonism: ending of the military draft, ending the Vietnam War, society's broad adoption of much of the youth fashion, and the younger generation getting older and having children of their own. By the 1980s, it was all forgotten. But in 1966 it would have been at its peak.

I was 8 years old back then and I remember thinking that this song was about Sinatra. A Beatles fan would note any criticism about them, anSinatra was very critical of RocknRoll in general and the Beatles specifically. To hear this song with the line "And your bird can swing" it was obvious even to an 8 year old. Sinatra was using the words swing, swingin' ring-a-ding-ding, swing-a-ding-ding, swing this, swing that; basically swinging was what Frank preached. I still love Sinatra's music but when he slagged the Beatles, he appeared to be a big square, the direct opposite of swinging, baby.

This was the theme song to the Beatles cartoon TV show. Because of this, Ive heard this song a thousand times 😊

To me, this song is addressed to Macca. Paul had recently acquired his house in St John's Wood. He was still the bachelor Beatle living in the big city with a theatrical girlfriend from well connected middle class parents. He had direct access to high brow art and culture and to everything happening on the London scene, including avant garde John Cage style performances that involved musicians and audiences "playing" household objects, radiators and anything else as musical instruments. John was out of it in Weybridge, in the stockbroker belt next to a golf course, with a rather more ordinary wife and son set up. As he said himself, he felt like a nowhere man living in his nowhere land. Paul would regularly go out to him for their 3 hour writing sessions, and would no doubt enthuse to him (unthinkingly) about the latest developments on the London scene and the new roles that Jane had landed etc etc... And John felt left out and also slightly vulnerable and resentful of their changing and contrasting circumstances. Paul was happy, firmly at the centre of things and thriving as a Beatle and as a rapidly maturing elite young man about town. John was inwardly struggling and even Paul, his best mate, didn't seem to notice. I've always thought that this is what this song is about. Its an example of that distinctive brand of Lennon "aggressive vulnerability", this time directed at Paul. Deep down, though, it also reflected the love he still had for his mate. If Paul's new glittering life in London with Jane came crashing down around him...if he looked in John's direction, he'd still be round. He'd still be there for him.

Only Lennon could call this song a "Throw away" Beatles song. Unbelievable!

I think the bird is Ronnie Spector, and the song is directed toward Phil Spector, famous producer. According to the book Be My Baby, by Ronnie Spector (chapter 7, pages 68-83), the Ronettes met the Beatles in January 1964 in London, George and John went on a couple of double dates (social outing) with Ronnie and her sister Estelle. According to Ronnie, Phil Spector was jealous and didn’t want Ronnie to be alone with them. When the Beatles arrived in New York in February 1964, the Ronettes joined the Beatles in their hotel suite. John wanted to sleep with Ronnie. John got her alone and but she politely resisted his advances. She claims in her book that she was a virgin at the time. In 1966, the Ronettes were supposed to join the Beatles on the ‘66 tour. Ronnie was not allowed to go. Someone stood in for her. According to Ronnie, she never slept with John. I’m not sure if it was known Ronnie would not be on the tour when John wrote the song. So for my theory the verses: And your bird can sing - Ronnie Spector was Phil’s bird and she could definitely sing And your bird is green - Ronnie claiming to be a virgin still in February 1964 And your bird can swing - John planting a seed for Phil, playing mind games, for Phil to wonder if maybe John did sleep with her after all So I feel like there is a jealous vibe to the song…John kind of saying I didn’t get to sleep with your bird, but you don’t get to produce The Beatles, the most famous act in the world. And it would follow that if I am correct and the song was about Phil and Ronnie, it would be awkward to admit it later when Phil Spector finished producing the Let It Be album, and was producing much of John’s solo work at the time he was being asked about the meanings of his songs.

James yet again you knocked it out of the park with this one 👌👌👌

Entertaining show, but I’ve been reading about The Beatles for over forty years now, never heard of any of them admiring Sinatra when they were growing up, they mention artists like Little Richard, Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent, etc. In fact, John was actually quoted at one point saying “Sinatra never did it for me.” Paul is probably the exception, having sent him his composition titled “Suicide.” Nice of Frank to sing Happy Birthday to Maureen. It’s also very possible the lyrics are about more than one bird. Or most likely stoned/tripped out nonsense from Mr Lennon.

I am 71 and a big Beatles fan since 1964. Always liked And Your Bird Can Sing, especially the dual guitar breaks. It was obviously a song critical of someone but in my mind I made it a generic put down. Always knew the British slang “bird” was a girl, but he Sinatra slang was new to me. I think you hit the nail on the head with this one. It makes more sense of all the lyrics and allows for Lennon’s talent to give them double meaning. Good job!

Remember, Frank’s daughter (bird) Nancy had a #1 single in January of 66. Which I’m sure brought in plenty of “Green”backs. And she was a swinger.

I thought the laughing on the anthology version was down to them being absurdly high

The trouble with this sort of thing is that as listeners we assume that every line of every song has deep and specific meaning, and that every bit is about a specific event/person. But if you listen to the clip of George writing Something with John giving him tips, you realise most of it isn't as deep and meaningful as the attachment we form with it afterwards, and to the writer is more just whatever scans and sounds good. It may have been inspired by a specific person or thing, but every line... nah, it's too pat.

this makes a lot of sense to me. I know Sinatra hated the Beatles & the new wave of rock 'n roll that everyone was drawn to. Before the Beatles, a lot of music involved singers performing with a large orchestra. Much of it was directed at older people since they had jobs & money of their own & could afford to buy albums. But after the Beatles that seemed to change. The new artists didn't require large orchestras or arrangements & could be produced without the large price tag. Plus recording labels began to see that if something was really good, younger people would find a way to buy it! Suddenly the purchasing power was with the young people, not their parents. Back then, I didn't care much for Sinatra. He seemed like another old guy who was trying to exist in a world that had changed. But now I love him! He was a very talented man & I often enjoy listening to him sing.

John’s latent childhood animosity toward his parents underscores every relationship he had. What Lennon did to Cynthia and Julian and to Pete Best, Stu Sutcliff, then to Paul, George, and Ringo… then even Yoko and then Mae Pang…. not to mention the Stones, Elvis, and Frank all goes back to his neglect / abandonment by mom and especially dad and perpetually unresolved psychological issues. John Lennon lived and died essentially a “pissed person” angrily singing about something he sadly never knew… as in… well… you know… that crazy little thing… called… (free as a ???) Bird?

I think the Sinatra theory makes the most sense. As far as I know, Frank never wrote his own music. Lennon did. Although both men were musical illiterate (unable to ŵrite or read musical notation), Lennon and McCartney were able to get their musical ideas across to George Martin. As far as lyrics go, Lennon was definitely was one of the beat ever. Plus, The Beatles played their own instruments. Frank did none of this. However, Frank's genius was his interpretation of other people's songs. They were both great artists with egos to match.

Very well done sir! I’ll never listen to this song the same way again

As many years as I have been watching YT videos, I am just now discovering you. I love your video... you have a new subscriber!

Very good James, had never thought much about that song and it's origins but can't really argue with anything that you have said...

I recall John saying in an interview that he wrote "Nobody Knows You When You're Down & Out" for Sinatra to sing and was disappointed about getting turned down. That would have been the mid-70s. Sorry, I don't have a source for this. Also, Dean Martin was very proud of having beaten the Beatles first with his "Everybody Loves Somebody," and held it over Sinatra's head. The secret was in adding the drum kit to the orchestra, they believed, and so "Strangers In The Night" added one, too. (No source for this one either, alas.)

The Sinatra connection is interesting. And you do a great job putting it together. But I prefer the Cynthia connection as the inspiration. Some of the things you say, like Cynthia wouldn’t brag about seeing everything, or being weighed down by possessions, comes from the popular belief she was a down to earth, humble person. Which she appears to be. But when John was in a nasty mood, I’m sure he wouldn’t be above accusing her of living off him and enjoying his fruits of success. And her bird can sing? Well, that would be John. And the cage would be the prison of his marriage. He often claimed she did not understand him. “But you can’t see me.” Fits in perfectly with how John would think Yoko sees him, but Cynthia does not. Look at the lyrics from Lennon’s point of view back then, not how we see things today.

George Harrison mentions Frank Sinatra in the intro to the Song 'Far East Man' on the Dark Horse album.

I love the song interpretation videos. Keep 'em coming!

Brilliant, fascinating, and very entertaining as usual! Thank you for this & all of your work!

This theory is very convincing and doesn't leave any questions (at least for me). Great job! I still find it weird, that Sinatra calls his [____] bird...

Excellent analysis!

When I finally got to hear “and your Bird can sing“ which was years after I had memorized the entire Revolver album, I felt some resentment towards capitol records for leaving it out of the initial release of “revolver“ in the US. Also, listening to the narrator/presenter, I hear another example of a Brit saying “different to” instead of “different from”. I’ll never understand that usage.

I TOTALLY agree! Thank you! I always wondered what that song was about. The dual guitar leads are what I liked. The best Beatle instrumental of all (except maybe Nowhere Man). So, what is "Doctor Robert" all about?

Lennon was quoted as saying that the song was about Mick Jagger and his nonstop talk about his bird, Marianne Faithfull, and how she could sing and sing and sing and sing anything, and he got tired of it. So he ended up with this song .those are direct quotes from him. Yes,He was friends with the Stones and interacted a lot and whether he was private or open about her being involved just doesn’t matter. Some very interesting semi classical guitar writing and playing .

John say's in an interview that the song was inspired by Mc Jagger introducing Maryann Faithful to him and Jagger said this is my new bird and she can sing to, it's on you tube.

Day 1 of asking James to rank oasis albums from worst to best 🎉

As an american born in 1973, I am familiar with the use of "bird" to mean "girl" or "girlfriend", I had never heard it used to represent someone's genitals. I am most familiar with the way my father used it, which could refer to anybody, male or female, who was a little strange or different, e.g. "s/he is a strange bird".

I agree that the Sinatra theory adds up best, as far as the lyrics go, with a play on Byrds for the music. Could it also have incorporated all of these interpretations, and perhaps even other more obscure references?

Perfectly feasible as John was an avid reader, and from this period onwards he started using media to influence his songwriting. Both this and TNK which you covered in another video are based on articles/books. Johns songs on pepper are based on a painting/poster/tv advert/newspaper. Mean Mr Mustard another based on a newspaper article.

You went deep there son.. I love it jamesy boy! 👊🏼⚡🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Great vid again Jamesy! Love it 🤣

is that version of ‘And Your Bird Can Sing’ on Anthology 2 is the same one you spoke of on Revolver Deluxe ?

I always thought "you don't get me" meant he was going already, you can't get me, you aren't going to have me... I'm leaving... you don't get to have me...

Your theory is well argued and supported. I was a busy teenager in the 60's and regarded Sinatra and his sharkskin suits like he was a gangster clown. I didn't realize the rivalry was that intense, nor that the Grammy Awards were so competitive between them. We knew it took too long for the Grammys to give the Beatles any recognition and couldn't figure out why they were focused on the old fuddy-duddy Frank Sinatra. He was a guy who had never been higher than a night of swilling martinis and was about as cool as a stick in the mud. To me, Sinatra's "music" is contrived and "too cool for school." If that is hip... I'd rather take another bong hit and scratch up his LP.

I’m not disagreeing with your analysis, but I’ve always chalked up the laughter on the “Anthology” outtake to them being really stoned. Of course, the one conclusion does not prohibit the possibility of the other ;)

I grew up in the 60s and yes, bird was often a reference to the male organ.

By the way, best bass ever on "And your bird can sing". I think your thesis is a plausible one.

Brilliant analysis. I think you are correct.

Most underrated of all the Beatle songs. It’s sound is almost timeless. This could have been a hit for the The Replacements or even REM. It’s really that modern sounding.

If it’s true, it’s one of the funniest stories Iv heard, it would actually be very in line with Lennons sense of humour, maybe someone should ask Paul

Great research and insight - thanks! (subbed)

Outrageously Great observation ‼️

I've never liked "And your bird can sing". But I always thought it was about Jagger bragging to Lennon about Marianne Faithful.

It's funny you talked about this topic as I'm actually wearing my Revolver shirt. lol

Your best video yet.

Can you do a video on elephant stone - took 2 years to write and record.

I tend to bellieve what all the beatles say and said about their songs. I believe them to have been/are honest people who have (had) an interest in keeping the air clean and clear. Whatever John said about anything he did I believe. George and Ringo for sure. Paul tends to sometimes selectively live in fantasy, but just for purposes of a good story, so he might bend things slightly, but benignly, and usually because he doesn't exactly remember, and wants to say everything in an interesting fashion, but basically I believe he tells the truth as well.

The anthology 2 version was: "Released on: 1996-03-18"

Probably inspired by one thing, then left for a while, and inspired by another thing in his life. He said it was a throwaway song.

I always thought it addressed Cynthia, Jagger AND Sinatra consecutively.

On the subject of this song, I have to ask you, and I'm going to write to Andrew at Parlogram Auctions on this, too - on the US Yesterday & Today, I could swear I hear a loud cymbal clash at 0:50, just after the first chorus ends. Have you ever heard it, or am I just hallucinating? It's easy if you try.

Frank Sinatra?? In America during the 1960s, "Bird" was a very common slang term for one's privates, as in "How's your bird?". Popular talk show host Steve Allen used the phrase all the time. Aside from that, Frank recorded his own version of "Something", so where's the alleged disdain for The Fabs? People are going to see what they want. That's how all the "Paul Is Dead" clues got started.

So how many brilliant songs did Frank Sinatra write?

Please do "Doctor Robert" next.

"" Rosemarys Baby"" was 1968 !! - some years later !!

Sinatra was just a singer worried about going out of fashion. And that he did.

at the beggining of AYBCS en the anthology, you could hear somebody making noise (apparenty mccartney had a cold and was eating his own boggers?). i have always thinked that they laugh about this

A well argued case James. You suggest with the passing of John we’ll never know the truth. But surely, if as you suggest the Anthology version is John and Paul laughing about the lyrics hidden messages, Paul would have to have been “in on it” so he could be consulted.

Marianne Faithful!due to Friendly rivalry as it appeared that they copied Beatles in many ways Mick Jaggers Bird that sang a few hits at that time” This little Bird”

Johnny Fontaine character in the Godfather was based on Sinatra and he didn't like it, he confronted Coppler the director in a restaurant, it was apparently the mafia who got his career

this bird has flown

18:50 "She could sing as evidenced in the film "Rosemary's Baby"... but Rosemary's Baby wasn't made until 1968 so how would John know that she could sing? The 'evidence' wasn't there until three years later.

Frank Sinatra and The Beatles are both important figures in music history. I like both I like the Beatles but I prefer Sinatra and comparing both I am more impressed with Sinatra. Sinatra lasted much longer and his body of work was more impressive in my opinion.

There's no way of knowing if this analysis is true, but I love it!

Thank you James, you made my day today 🍻. I watched most of your movies about Oasis, they are all brilliant, but I would never expect that. I also never realised that it must be the only song on Revolver about which the lads never said a word. I must say i am hugely impressed with your analysis, brilliant 👌 It sounds very convincing, and it also shows how great minds The Beatles were, especially Lennon and McCartney. Thank you for that one 🍻

Excellent commentary!

John could have easily wrote the song about several different things at once. He supposedly did that with Julia. The naming of the Beatles is obvious. I don't care what McCartney tries to say, he could have very well had a dream about a man on a flaming pie but he and the Beatles basically dress as extras for the film The Wild One. That's partially where Beatles comes from. Typical Lennon word play. I see you're familiar with the hoffman forums which is a great source for knowledge. Have you inquired on the Telecaster discussion board? I can picture John having several things in mind with the song. He wasn't the only one who saw FRank as something superficial or at least something to be made fun of. Joe Piscopo did a number on him, mocking his duets.

I'm not sure anymore if it is the same paul.

The Sinatra connection with this song is ancient

Omg, that is so hilarious. Sinatra and Elvis were great singers, but they both seemed really jealous of the Beatles. I would never guessed this at all. Really great video. I'd say Lennon had the last laugh....😂

It was about Mick Jagger, who's bird Marianne Faithful could sing.

PS the bird was Jane Asher.

The song is about Hitchcock's movie

Funny how Sinatra ultimately called Harrison's "Something" the greatest love song ever written after slamming the band.

Superb analysis

Geez - one wonders what Frankie would've thought of Rap, Grunge, Anarchic Punk and Screamo ...!!

To be fair to Sinatra (whom i love almost as much as the Beatles), the vast majority of 50's and early 60's rock sounded simple and kinda all the same. When it comes to old rock, very few people listen to rock albums from that time period. Sure, there are some hit songs that get tossed around, but that's about it. It wasn't until the late 60's that rock started to get a lot more interesting, creative and deep. And the vast majority of people today who like classic rock, start their listening in about 1969. Beyond that, i seriously doubt Sinatra ever spent time listening to any rock aside from stuff he was forced to hear in passing, such as on a radio station. He likely formed an opinion in rock's infancy, and never explored further. Heck, he barely liked the music he was doing. For decades, when he was asked what he listens to at home, he always said classical, and would tell you about his favorite 19th century composers.

Interesting theory and great video but ultimately, I don’t buy it. If you listen to the song, I think he is clearly singing to a spoiled arrogant girl that thinks she has everything and has seen it all but when she finally realizes how hollow and empty all of that is, he will still be around. John telling Sinatra that when his prize possessions start to bring him down, he would still be around really doesn’t make sense for me. He’s essentially telling the girl that as long as you have this attitude, you don’t get me, but once you evolve and change and realize the error of your ways, we can be together. Another way to put it would be that he is telling her that while she may have money and a lot of people who want to be with her, she can’t have him. He won’t be one of her possessions. He won’t be like her caged singing bird. My guess is it was really about some debutante, rich girl, actress, singer or someone along those lines, whom he may have had a brief dalliance with at the time. The Stones also wrote multiple songs during this period taking the piss out of those types of girls (Amanda Jones, Stupid Girl, 19th Nervous Breakdown, etc). Dylan, whom John admittedly tried to emulate lyrically a bit in this period, was also doing it around this time with songs like Like a Rolling Stone, Queen Jane Approximately, Positively 4th Sreeet, etc. It was a common lyrical topic during those days. Listen to it again and see if that makes sense.

Has anyone asked Paul? Does he not answer?

Excellent!

frank sinatra initially hated u2 and called them out on stage when they were that biggest rock and roll act on the planet. but at the end thof his career the chairman of the board said after listening to I've got you under my skin, was blown away by bonos voice.

Great again james thanks bud 👍

I would imagine that John wouldn't remember or care what it's about.

Hi there I just want to make another comment I'm not sure because this song could be about so many people but you learn something new every day I did not know that Cynthia Lennon brought John a cage with a bird in it which you wind up

its about dylan (corina corina) Dylan sings "I got a bird that whistles i got a bird that sings " lennon was very competitive wirh dylan

And your "Byrd" can sing could also be another Los Angeles party observation, just like "She Said" was about Peter Fonda.

Well, ... 57 and still not too old to learn new things, ... new phrases, ... (19:15), ... "Wedding Tackle" eh?, ... 😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆 NEVER have I ever heard the term once in 57 years. Either that or I completely missed it when used, but I'm fairly sure I'd bust a nut laughing so hard like i just did now, ... 😜😜😆😆😁😁

The Beatles usually praised and were pretty respectful of music icons who came before them, other than a bit of ribbing, so Sinatra’s scathing assessment of The Beatles says a lot about old Frank. I guess you don’t get to be “Frank Sinatra” without a huge ego.

About Brian Jones isnt it ?

Possible to be both

I don't think the song is about anyone in particular...just sounds like great wordplay a-la Bob Dylan!!!

I have to admit the chairman of the bored's (hehe) alleged response to lennon's comment about him and his music was funny as hell 🤣 so, now we know who had jl wacked 😶

Sinatra thought Something was a Lennon\Macca number.