About the song
Chirping with Charm: Revisiting Bobby Day’s “Rockin’ Robin”
In the tapestry of 1950s rock and roll, where youthful exuberance met a burgeoning sense of freedom, certain songs emerged as timeless emblems of the era. One such gem is “Rockin’ Robin,” a vibrant and infectious tune brought to life by the charismatic Bobby Day in 1957. More than just a catchy melody, “Rockin’ Robin” encapsulates the spirit of early rock and roll with its playful lyrics, upbeat tempo, and irresistible invitation to move.
The song’s magic lies in its simplicity. Bobby Day’s vocals, brimming with youthful energy, deliver a tale of a bird with an undeniable rhythm. The lyrics, though whimsical, paint a vivid picture of this rockin’ robin, captivating listeners with their lightheartedness. It’s a song that transcends generations, appealing to the child in all of us with its pure, unadulterated joy.
Beyond its surface charm, “Rockin’ Robin” holds a significant place in music history. It marked a high point in Bobby Day’s career, showcasing his talent for delivering infectious R&B-infused pop. The song’s success paved the way for other artists to explore similar sounds, contributing to the diversification of rock and roll in the late 1950s. Furthermore, “Rockin’ Robin” has proven its enduring appeal through numerous covers and reinterpretations over the decades, solidifying its status as a true classic.
This exploration of “Rockin’ Robin” will delve into the song’s origins, its impact on the musical landscape, and the enduring legacy of Bobby Day. We’ll analyze the elements that make this song so captivating, from its catchy melody and rhythmic structure to the playful lyrics and Day’s dynamic vocals. Join us as we revisit this timeless classic and celebrate its contribution to the golden age of rock and roll.
Video
Lyrics
Tweedle-lee-dee-dee-dee, tweedle-lee-dee-dee
Tweedle-lee-dee-dee-dee, tweedle-lee-dee-dee
Tweedle-lee-dee-dee-dee, tweedle-lee-dee-dee
Tweet, tweet, tweet, tweet
He rocks in the tree tops all day long
Hoppin’ and a-boppin’ and a-singing his song
All the little birds on Jaybird Street
Love to hear the robin go tweet, tweet, tweet
Rockin’ robin (tweet, tweet, tweet)
Rockin’ robin (tweet, tweedle-lee-dee)
Blow rockin’ robin, ’cause we’re really gonna rock tonight
(Tweet, tweet, tweedle-lee-dee)
Every little swallow, every chick-a-dee
Every little bird in the tall oak tree
The wise old owl, the big black crow
Flappin’ their wings singing go bird go
Rockin’ robin (tweet, tweet, tweet)
Rockin’ robin (tweet, tweedle-lee-dee
Blow rockin’ robin, ’cause we’re really gonna rock tonight (tweet, tweedle-lee-dee)
A pretty little raven at the bird-band stand
Taught him how to do the bop, it was grand
They started going steady and bless my soul
He out-bopped the buzzard and the oriole
He rocks in the tree top all day long
Hoppin’ and a-boppin’ and a-singing his song
All the little birds on Jaybird Street
Love to hear the robin go tweet tweet tweet
Rockin’ robin (tweet, tweet, tweet)
Rockin’ robin (tweet, tweedle-lee-dee)
Blow rockin’ robin, ’cause we’re really gonna rock tonight
(Tweet, tweet, tweedle-lee-dee)
Well, a pretty little raven at the bird-band stand
Taught him how to do the bop, it was grand
They started going steady and bless my soul
He out-bopped the Buzzard and the Oriole
He rocks in the tree top all day long
Hoppin’ and a-boppin’ and a-singing his song
All the little birds on Jaybird Street
Love to hear the robin go tweet, tweet, tweet
Rockin’ robin (tweet, tweet, tweet)
Rockin’ robin’ (tweet, tweedle-lee-dee)
Blow rockin’ robin, ’cause we’re really gonna rock tonight
(Tweet, tweet, tweedle-lee-dee)
Tweedle-lee-dee-dee-dee, tweedle-lee-dee-dee
Tweedle-lee-dee-dee-dee, tweedle-lee-dee-dee
Tweedle-lee-dee-dee-dee, tweedle-lee-dee-dee
Tweet, tweet
