Hi Says the Blackbird
When you are tackling repertoire that is a song and has lyrics, it is worth knowing even one verse of the song to help with phrasing and to catch the mood and tone of the piece. The Bird Courting Song is an American folk song. I include just three of the ten or so verses here.
Watch the video for a charming sung version of Hi Says the blackbird. The video below is a cello instrumental version that is on the grade 2 RIAM syllabus. Remember you can adjust the settings on youtube to slow the video speed down.
Hi! says the blackbird, sitting on a chair,
Once I courted a lady fair;
She proved fickle and turned her back,
And ever since then I'm dressed in black.
Hi! says the blue-jay as she flew,
If I was a young man I'd have two;
If one proved fickle and chanced for to go,
I'd have a new string to my bow.
Hi! says the little leather winged bat,
I will tell you the reason that,
The reason that I fly in the night
Is because I lost my heart's delight.
Once I courted a lady fair;
She proved fickle and turned her back,
And ever since then I'm dressed in black.
Hi! says the blue-jay as she flew,
If I was a young man I'd have two;
If one proved fickle and chanced for to go,
I'd have a new string to my bow.
Hi! says the little leather winged bat,
I will tell you the reason that,
The reason that I fly in the night
Is because I lost my heart's delight.
