And Your Bird Can Sing
Album: Revolver
Written by: John
If “Rain” can dispel any myths about the Beatles’ supposed lack of ability on the bass and drums, “And Your Bird Can Sing” should be able to do the same for any hogwash spoken about their guitar playing. Don’t get me wrong, none of them were ever going to be truly transformative on their instrument like Jimi Hendrix, or mindbendingly virtuosic like Jaco Pastorius, but there is no question that these boys could all lay it down. Paul in particular is considered by many to be among the most influential bassists of all time. I personally like him on the guitar even better, like in that smoking transcendental solo he plays on “Taxman” and in the harmonious dual-leads he shares with George on “And Your Bird Can Sing.”
One of many sparkling tracks on 1966’s eclectic masterpiece, Revolver, this proto-power pop tune presents one of the finest guitar moments in the band’s whole catalog. It’s not Van Halen erupting or Jimi practicing voodoo, it’s simply Paul and George and an uncommon synchronicity that is definitive of everything the Beatles ever did.
Fittingly enough, the wonderful harmonizing is also there in the vocals, which chime beautifully at the end of each verse line. John’s lyrics here have begun to delve into the more cryptic and colorful realms that would ultimately produce the paradigm-shifting pop of “I Am the Walrus” and “Strawberry Fields Forever.” Predecessors are always underrated.
“And Your Bird Can Sing” is just a pitch-perfect two-minute tune. John hated it, Paul loved it. On this topic, I’m in Paul’s camp. Now you go have a listen and pick a side.
