It’s a Beautiful Day is a band known for blending rock, folk, and psychedelic music in a way that felt fresh and inspiring.
Emerging in the late 1960s, their sound featured violin melodies and heartfelt vocals, with the colorful, hopeful vibe of the era.
Judy Collins, a celebrated folk singer from the same period, shares this emotional touch. With her clear voice and thoughtful lyrics about love and peace, she creates music that brings people together and leaves a lasting impact.
Both share a similar style, blending folk and rock elements to create music full of emotion and depth
About the Song
White Bird is a gentle, emotional song that talks about feeling trapped and wanting to be free. It uses the image of a white bird to show hope and longing.
Both It’s a Beautiful Day and Judy Collins sing it with sincere feeling, using soft music and clear voices to touch the heart.
Detail | It’s a Beautiful Day | Judy Collins |
---|---|---|
Released | June 1969 | March 18, 2021 |
Album | It’s a Beautiful Day | White Bird: Anthology of Favorites |
Writers | David LaFlamme, Linda LaFlamme | David LaFlamme, Linda LaFlamme |
Producer | David LaFlamme | Judy Collins |
White Bird Lyrics by It’s a Beautiful Day
Verse 1
White bird in a golden cage
On a winter’s day, in the rain
White bird in a golden cage
Alone
Verse 2
The leaves blow ‘cross the long, black road
To the darkened sky in its rage
But the white bird just sits in her cage
Unknown
Chorus
White bird must fly, she will die
Instrumental Break
Verse 3
The white bird dreams of the Aspen tree
With her dying leaves turning gold
But the white bird just sits in her cage
Growing old
Chorus
White bird must fly or she will die
White bird must fly or she will die
Bridge
The sunsets come, the sunsets go
The clouds roll by, and the Earth turns slow
And a young bird’s eyes do always glow
And she must fly
She must fly
She must fly
Instrumental Break
Verse 1
White bird in a golden cage
On a winter’s day, in the rain
White bird in a golden cage
Alone
Chorus
White bird must fly, she will die
White bird must fly or she will die
White bird must fly, she will die
Outro
White bird must fly
White Bird Lyrics by Judy Collins
White bird in a golden cage
On a winter’s day in the rain
White bird in a golden cage alone
The leaves blow
Across the long, black road
To the darkened skies
In it’s rage
But the white bird
Just sits in her cage unknown
White bird must fly
Or she will die
White bird dreams of the aspen trees
With their dying leaves turning gold
But the white bird
Just sits in her cage growing old
White bird must fly
Or she will die
White bird must fly
Or she will die
Thе sunsets come, the sunsеts go
The clouds roll by and the earth turns old
And the young bird’s eyes do always glow
She must fly
She must fly
She must fly
White bird in a golden cage
On a winter’s day in the rain
White bird in a golden cage alone
White bird must fly
Or she will die
White bird must fly
Or she will die
White bird must fly
Or she will die
White bird must fly
Or she will die
White bird must fly
History and Background of the Song White Bird
The band, It’s a Beautiful Day, created white Bird in the late 1960s, during a time of social change and new musical styles.
The song reflects the band’s experience of feeling stuck in rainy Seattle, far from the bright, open places they longed to be.
Written by David LaFlamme and Linda LaFlamme, the song mixes gentle violin with soft rock sounds to convey these feelings.
It became the band’s most well-known track, often played on the radio. Later, folk singer Judy Collins covered the song, adding her own voice while honoring its original spirit.
Meaning of the Song
White Bird uses the idea of a bird to symbolize hope and the wish for freedom. The singer feels trapped but dreams of breaking free to find a place where life is easier and more open.
The bird shows a desire to escape hard times and reach peace. The calm music supports this feeling, helping listeners understand the quiet strength in wanting change.
The song connects with anyone who has hoped to rise above their challenges and find a better, freer life.
Similar Songs Like White Birds
Fans of White Bird will likely enjoy more of the band’s songs that share the same dreamy, emotional, and melodic style:
- Don and Dewey: This song features lively violin and smooth vocals, creating a rich sound full of energy and warmth. It shows the band’s skill in mixing different musical styles.
- Hot Summer Day: With its soft rhythm and thoughtful lyrics, this track gives a peaceful feeling that fits well with the band’s calming style and emotional tone.
- Chelsea Morning: A bright, uplifting song by Joni Mitchell beautifully interpreted by Judy Collins, giving a joyful and fresh folk vibe.
- Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season): Classic Pete Seeger song delivered with Collins’ clear, soaring vocals, blending folk tradition with thoughtful, meditative lyrics.
Similar Artists Like It’s a Beautiful Day & Judy Collins
If you appreciate the blend of folk and rock styles found in It’s a Beautiful Day and Judy Collins, you might also enjoy these artists who offer similar sounds and timeless music.
- Crosby, Stills & Nash
Genre: Folk Rock, Rock
Top Albums: Crosby, Stills & Nash (1969), Déjà Vu (1970) - Joni Mitchell
Genre: Folk, Folk Rock
Top Albums: Blue (1971), Court and Spark (1974) - The Byrds
Genre: Folk Rock, Rock
Top Albums: Mr. Tambourine Man (1965), Turn! Turn! Turn! (1965) - Simon & Garfunkel
Genre: Folk Rock, Pop
Top Albums: Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970), Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966) - Fairport Convention
Genre: Folk Rock, British Folk
Top Albums: Liege & Lief (1969), Unhalfbricking (1969)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes the Song’s Instrumentation Unique?
The blend of violin with rock and folk instruments creates a distinct, flowing sound that stands out in its era.
How does the Song Reflect the Band’s Feelings About their Hometown?
It expresses a sense of being trapped and longing for freedom, inspired by the band’s experience in rainy Seattle.
How has the Song Impacted Other Artists or Music Styles?
Its mix of folk and rock has inspired many musicians to blend genres and tell emotional stories in their songs.