Paul McCartney wrote this song as a tribute and gift to Black women after the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Beyonce covering it brings tears to my eyes. ❤❤❤❤
Beatles are among the bands who refused to perform to any segregated concert venues in the 60's. They wrote this song in tribute to the civil rights movement then. It was a message of hope and encouragement.
I sang this to my two oldest sons while rocking them to sleep. They are 19 and almost 15. My dad was a huge beatles and Elton John fan. Hence, my name. I grew up listening to all Beatles' albums and the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album by Elton John on vinyl. My dad rocked me to sleep singing michelle and sometimes playing it on the guitar and singing while I laid in my crib.
This really works to me. Beyoncé used Paul’s original fretting and toe tapping, and still made a version that doesn’t sound like a cheap imitation of the original version of this song. This song is iconic so you have to be a little brave to cover it, and I thought she did a very nice job.
I read Sir Paul allowed her to use the 60 year old master of the original recording. That's him playing the acoustic guitar and his toe tapping. A girl is called a bird in England and he was inspired seeing the young black girls having to be escorted into white schools in the 60s, particularly in Arkansas, but everywhere young black girls faced intimidation. Sir Paul has a good soul.
what exactly did she add to this song? instrumentation? nope. lyrics? nope. just sung over the top of it and everyone eats it up like she's discovered the cure for cancer. honestly it's sad. this version sucks so bad
I'm an old guy, nearly 70, and I loved this song when it first came out and ever since. Never really listened to Beyonce before but I was intrigued by the idea of her singing this. Pleasantly surprised by her version. I love the way she kept the original "footsteps walking" drumbeat, too. Very nice.
@@Eagle-eye-pie But I wondered if he actually PLAYED that part for the recording as it turns out (or so I've read) that he helped produce the song as well ;?)
Just an honest opinion. Beyoncé is still on top for me. She had released several critically acclaimed albums throughout her career, where each album showcased her immense talent and versatility as an artist. Each of those albums represents a different phase in Beyoncé's artistic evolution and has left a significant impact on popular music. Beyoncé's ability to reinvent herself with each release while maintaining her signature style and authenticity is what makes her one of the most influential artists of her generation. Truly an artist to other artists! 💘😍✨👑
The intention behind this song being for black women to keep going during the Civil Rights movement! Now Beyoncé adds the black country girls who are not accepted in country music, but she’s giving them this platform to SHINE!!! I am moved…😭🫶🏾✨
Glorious. I'm a crotchety old man whose first Beatles record was bought when the band was still together, in a long ago analog world, and I am so grateful for this young lady's voice and choice of inspiration. Glorious.
McCartney had the struggle of black women especially in mind when writing the song. In his 1997 book, Many Years From Now, McCartney said of Blackbird: "This was really a song from me to a black woman, experiencing these problems in the States: 'Let me encourage you to keep trying, to keep your faith, there is hope.'"
I didn’t know that about this song! I’ve always loved this song, but for it to have an even more beautiful meaning behind it than I thought, that’s amazing.
@Rosehoney-eb3kv Yep. This was a strategic and brilliant move on Beyonce's part. Do whatever she could to help these women become more established in that genre. And perhaps it's that powerful influence of hers that scares those country music gate keepers.
"Blackbird" is the music of my life. I had never listened to any song from Beyoncé. I'm almost 70 and I can say that her version of the classic from Paul McCartney is wonderfull! Congrats Beyoncé and thanks a lot!❣
As a BW who grew up on a farm in NC, with a Great-grandpa who played the electric guitar & sang country music. This album is making me at home again. Thx B.
I’m still on the fence about this new Album. I think she should be accepted into country music, she is from Texas and Louisiana. I don’t think white peoples should “Gate keep” music. Especially when country has black origins. The Beatles aren’t “country music” though. If anything, they’re Pop.
@@luluseatowngetdown6251I think if you listen to traditional Scottish music and see their dancing, you'll see where square dancing came from and you'll see the Scottish influence in country music. However, music is universal. Anyone that wants to keep Beyonce out of the country music genre is missing out on some great music.
Soo it!!!!!!!! Anyway, "Hum, play, make sure you get your cream on! We now listening to Big Novie Music, it hits forever, UBreak ¡Don't Judge. Really get into it too. Listen to, Big Novie.
@@Mikkinson-Crownwell-ub1yxIt's literally true. Go watch his interview about it. The songvwas dedicated to the Little Rock Nine. The word bird is also a British slang for girl
I mean Paul McCartney literally stated that he wrote this song for Black women? So Beyoncé covering it with four black women that work in country music is kind of what we can assume he would’ve wanted?
Soo it!!!!!!!! Anyway, "Hum, play, make sure you get your cream on! We now listening to Big Novie Music, it hits forever, UBreak ¡Don't Judge. Really get into it too. Listen to, Big Novie.
Music lover, but pop culture idiot here...ashamed to say I've never listened to Beyonce before. This is amazing! What a beautiful beautiful voice. About to launch myself into finally listening to Beyonce's music.
@@katherinebuehler5146 That is a lie. Several Commonwealth heads regularly spoke out against apartheid, and Queen Victoria and Edward VII were anti-racist, shocking for their time: the Queen honoured Mr Karim, the Munshi, with a KVCO, and Edward spoke out against rising anti-Japanese sentiment in the UK; Queen Elizabeth also castigated the apartheid South African regime in the 1980s and received Nelson Mandela at Buckingham Palace when he became president of South Africa. Britain was never segregated, and the accommodation for 1940s Caribbean immigrations via the Windrush was subsided by the British government. The slave trade was abolished in 1807, and slavery was made illegal in 1833, over 30 years before the US. Reparation payments beginning then brought the UK into incomprehensible amounts of debt, not paid off until 2015.
@@juliusnepos6013Yes, Paul wrote as a tribute to the black women of Little Rock Nine during the Civil Rights movement. And now now Beyoncé, Tanner Adell and Brittany Spencer, Reyna Roberts and Tiera Kennedy (background vocals) are singing it together
@@Richard_Nickerson I think if you have 5 black women singing on a track,, each of whom are solo artists, there is a high probability they were all a studio together working it out the vocal arrangement, or, Beyoncé arranged it herself before going into the studio.
@@skineyemin4276 I'd rather look at her track record of having nothing to do with the writing or arranging of the songs she's performing. I'll never forget her album winning for her musicality when she wasn't even a writer listed on it whereas Beck lost despite not only writing everything himself but literally performing everything himself too. She is a voice. She is not a writer, arranger, or composer.
I'm a lifetime Beatles fan. Although I don't favor many Beatles covers. This is just beautiful. Beyonce and her friends did a wonderful job. Definitely one of my favorites. I was heartfelt to hear this song brought into this really tough time in our history. Beyonce has given a gift to not only us old timers but the youth of today. I thank you all Beyonce. Bravo and well done! The message lives on!
In Australia was also term Blackbirding used in regards to Indentured Servants of Indigenous and Polynesians people deceived and kidnapped after Slavery was abolished in other parts of world.
@@yvonnesanders4308In Australia blackbirding refers to Indentured Servitude of Indigenous and Polynesians kidnapped or deceived after Slavery was abolished. It's a British term.
I love everything about this version. The vocals, the harmonies, the sound of the guitar, the percusion on the left speaker (and later some orchestration) and if you think of it: the significance of Beyoncé singing this after all the fights for civil rights.
What you call the percusssion on the left speaker is the sound of the Paul beating the tempo with his feet and fancy shoes back in 1968 in Abbey road. take a look at the original video from the 11 june 68. Great song and great cover anyway. She didn't change the key and decided to sing lower that she would usually do. I guess the sampled the original part and Paul's shoes. lol.
In that case, you might like to check out Judy Collins cover of "In My Life". I think it is a great cover. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-iRYMdAQWsmc.html
I usually don’t care for Beatles covers either, but hunted down Monalisa Twins When I’m 64 due to your comment and loved it! Thanks for the recommendation!
@@brigittebedolla4719 Judy Collins does an excellent "Beatles" cover with the song "In My Life" ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-iRYMdAQWsmc.html.
I'm absolutely NOT a typical Beyonce fan, but I will give this one to her. It's a beautiful rendition of an incredible song. She stayed respectful and true to the original while also putting her own spin on it. Major props. ❤
Best cover of this song ever. I love hearing Beyonce's gorgeous, strong-but-delicate voice over McCartney's finger-picking, and the soaring harmonies of the other singers accent it all so well. Such sweet sounds coming through my earphones!
I'm a huge beatle fan and I've never been a huge Beyonce fan but I have nothing but respect. I love this cover she turns everything she touches into gold.
Like her or not and I am not or never been a fan of hers and I find her disturbingly annoying asf to say the least. But in my most humblest opinion she does have the midas touch but only in the most annoying way. Great job on the song. I'm sure you will keep annoying the h*ll outta me for years to come.
Lovely cover, The Beatles always championed black artists and refused to ever play to segregated audiences in the south on their American tours, those boys were always on the right side of history.
This song has been my favorite Beatles song for as long as I can remember! Particularly for the deep meaning behind it. I love Paul McCartney for writing it and I love Beyonce for sharing this one with a whole new generation of people. Such a beautiful piece!
One of my most favorite songs in life. I understand how Paul approves. What a beautiful job. A lot of people who missed the song in the past will go back and listen to it as well because of this rendition.
The way that Bey was treated at the CMAs after her performance in 2016 was described as “ disgusting “. Would she want to be in that environment again?
@@InspiredByEbonyLove just a comment. The reaction she received could have been in part due to who she was singing with. The Chicks (Natalie) hadn’t totally overcome the bad taste they left in some people’s mouths.
This song is dedicated to all of the current "Black Birds" struggling, healing and flying. Thank You Bey and the other wonderful singers for bringing this awareness. ❤🩹❤
Thank you, Sir Paul, for writing such a beautiful, powerful song. And thank you Beyoncé, for this gorgeous cover which will introduce the song to whole new generations. I’m bawling right now.
This is one of the songs that calms me down when I'm feeling too overwhelmed. And Beyoncé covering it with the other great artists??? Wow. Making me feel extremely emotional in a good way.
I can't possibly describe how powerful this divinely inspired important masterwork truly is. Civil Rights are Human Rights! and no one knows this better in our nation than people of color, most especially black and indigenous native women. ♥🙏
Soo it!!!!!!!! Anyway, "Hum, play, make sure you get your cream on! We now listening to Big Novie Music, it hits forever, UBreak ¡Don't Judge. Really get into it too. Listen to, Big Novie.
as a grizzled rock veteran who has not really ever listened to B's music outside of the hits, this cover/album give me chills with how beautifully she uses the history of american(and in this case, british) music to send a vital message about our fucked up modern times. probably the most important album of the decade, in my humble opinion ❤🔥❤🔥❤🔥
THANK YOU FOR SUCH BEAUTIFUL WORDS AND FOR SHARING YOUR VANTAGE POINT. THANK YOU FOR DEMONSTRATING JUST HOW EASY IT IS TO COMPLIMENT AN ARTIST WHOSE WORK YOU DON'T NORMALLY DIVE INTO. THAT WAS VERY RESPECTFUL OF YOU. MAY EVERYONE ELSE FIND THEIR WAY TO THAT THOUGHT PROCESS.
Except it's first thing in the morning for me. My friend sending me the Jolene link woke me up. What a way to start the day!! My favourite Beetles tune. Love it ❤❤
@@suzyvials319 Well its a great way to start your day, that's for sure. I stayed up till 1:30 listening to the whole album then had trouble falling asleep cause the music kept playing in my head 😄😄
Any artist who has the audacity to use a Classic BEATLES track for their own album had better hit it out the park. I’m here to tell you…SHE DID!!!! Well Done!!! Thank you Sir Paul! You made this possible in the first place! 😊
Love Blackbird, it’s from one of the many great Beatle’s album, The White Album. There are too many exceptional songs to list. All you young folks should give it a listen. Beyoncé did this beautiful song justice with her rich, honeyed tones. Thanks to her, others will be exposed to the magic of McCartney’s gift.
A rule that my Dad implemented in our household growing up (somewhat in jest), Was that we don't allow Beatles covers to be played in this house, only the originals. I think I'm gonna have to break that rule many times over for this one. An absolutely wonderful rendition.
I mean if its any consolation to your Dads rule, this is still the same track the Beatles recorded, with the guitar and clicking, just with Bey and the other singers recording over it.
Been a Beatles follower from the beginning. Never really listened to Beyonce before now but must say this cover is the best I've heard and I've heard a lot. At 70+ I've listened to numerous singers as well and have to say her voice on this is pitch perfect.
When I heard Beyonce's covers included one of my favorite songs of all time, "Blackbird," I was upset. However, after just now listening to it, she did a good job. Her version brings tears to my eyes as all good versions do. I would like to hear some other talented black female vocalists sing this song, for example, Alicia Keys. If I could sing, I'd sing it too Beyonce!
@@markorotosky2425 Yea, her team should not have let her put that on there. That was painful to listen to. She had a few good songs on there, but that wasn't one.
[Verse 1: Beyoncé] Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these broken wings and learn to fly All your life You were only waiting for this moment to arise (You were only waiting for this moment to arise) [Verse 2: Beyoncé] Blackbird singing in the dead of night (Dead of night, night) Take these sunken eyes and learn to see (Learn to see all of your life) All your life You were only waiting for this moment to be free [Chorus: Beyoncé] Blackbird fly (Blackbird, blackbird, fly, fly, fly, fly) Blackbird fly (Blackbird, blackbird, fly, fly, fly, fly) Into the light of a dark, black night [Bridge: Beyoncé] Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh [Chorus: Beyoncé] Blackbird fly (Fly) Blackbird fly (Fly) Into the light of a dark, black night [Verse 3: Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, Reyna Roberts, Reyna Roberts & Tanner Adell] Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these broken wings and learn to fly (Learn to fly, learn to fly) All your life You were only waiting for this moment to arise [Outro: Reyna Roberts & Tanner Adell, Beyoncé, All] You were only waiting for this moment to arise You were only waiting for this moment to arise
Oh my goodness! This is one of my favorite Lennon/McCartney songs of all time and Beyonce has more than done it justice. Absolutely lovely cover. I have tears in my eyes. 🖤🖤🖤
The phrase "Blackbird fly into the light of a dark black night" is from the song "Blackbird" by The Beatles, written by Paul McCartney and included on their 1968 album, "The Beatles" (also known as the "White Album"). The song is often interpreted as a symbol of hope and empowerment, encouraging the listener to overcome obstacles and find their strength and freedom, even during challenging times. The imagery of a blackbird flying into the light, despite the darkness, conveys a message of perseverance and resilience.
Ohhh the way this song resonated with me at first listen ❤ And then when my 15 year old daughter who enjoys listening to the Beetles informed me that it was written by Paul McCartney and the meaning of it!! Beautiful. Her and I are both enjoying The Cowboy Carter album!
This cover is just beautiful. I've loved it for 40 years, and I'm today years old when I found out that it's a civil rights anthem. Beyoncé covers is beautiful in more ways than one.
Because it was made up. I remember this was debunked when Sara M. covered the song, but Paul has stated that it was inspired by the US civil rights movement. Other claims include that he witnessed a black woman being beat by police officers, segregated schools in Alabama, etc etc. The truth is it was probably about that black bird that captivated his attention while he was in India LOL, or about a black woman he met at a club, or a song he stole from someone else in a faraway world lol. Who knows.
I have no reason to question what Wikpedia has to say on topic. It note this: However, during an informal rehearsal at EMI Studios on 22 November 1968, before he and Donovan took part in a Mary Hopkin recording session, McCartney played "Blackbird", telling Donovan that he wrote it after having "read something in the paper about the riots" and that he meant the black "bird" to symbolise a black woman. @Taniere if you have documentation suggesting this is not true, I'd be interested to see it. I have no dog in this fight, but I am curious.
@@Tanieretotally wrong. I am 74 and have heard numerous interviews with sir Paul. It was about the little Rock 8. Make up stories about other bullcrap. Not this one!!
