Story Behind The Song
My husband and I are birdwatchers and we've been blessed to have painted buntings at our feeder in the spring. I sing at bird events. I was returning to International Migratory Bird Day celebration at a library and I thought, "I need a new bird song." That's when this one was born! Enjoy!
Song Description
Colorful and bright, the painted bunting is a rare "must see" bird in Florida. You wait in expectancy to see one and hope you can catch it with your camera. Enter the arch-enemy of the painted bunting, the nasty cowbird. Let's hope she lays her brood parasite egg somewhere else!
| Song Length |
3:07 |
Genre |
Folk - General, Unique - Children |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
| Mood |
Delighted, Peaceful |
Subject |
Birds, Plants, Forest |
| Similar Artists |
Peter, Paul & Mary, Joan Baez |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
CHORUS: Red and yellow, green and blue
Painted Bunting, I love you!
Blue and yellow, red and green
The prettiest bird in the Florida spring. (repeat)
Every day I'm watching; every day I wait
I fill up my feeder with birdie bait
I watch in the morning and late afternoon
Maybe he'll come if I whistle a tune. (whistle) (CHORUS)
I've got my camera ready; Holdin' it still
Perchin' my chin on the windowsill.
Hopin' and a-prayin', could this be the day?
Lord, won't you send a painted bunting my way? (CHORUS)
Deep in the hammock, she's building her nest
Lord, preserve us from the parasite pest!
Four speckled eggs will soon be hatched
But for one greedy cowbird, they are no match!
BRIDGE: Mrs. Cowbird, don't come near!
Do not lay your eggs in here!
Leave the bunting's nest alone
Don't be lazy! Build a nest of your own.
Daddy is a rainbow; Mommy is plain
He's so flamboyant, you'd think he'd be vain.
But be he humble, or be he proud,
When he flashes his feathers, you just gotta say WOW! (CHORUS)