anonymous April 9th, 2007 11:29PM  

Like most great songs, this one works on multiple levels.

As a metaphorical phrase, "And your bird can sing," might also be stated "all that and a bag of chips." Lennon is addressing someone who has seen it all, done it all, and has it all. But in the end, it is only personal connections that make you happy, not material possessions, fame, or achievement. So he is saying when you find those things don't make you happy, come look him up. ("I'll be 'round")

But on the literal level, this song is a dig at Mick Jagger. The word bird is English slang for a girl. In the mid 60's, Jagger was dating Marianne Faithful, who had charted with a cover of the Stones' song "As Tears Go By." Faithful is also reputed to be bisexual. So not only could Jagger's bird sing, but also "swing."

The Beatles and the Stones were rivals, but also good friends. Nevertheless, Lennon felt the Beatles were always a creative step ahead of their competitors. So while Jagger was busy patting himself on the back for all the fame and fortune the Stones were achieving, Lennon is reminding Jagger that he's still chasing the Beatles' tail.

Anon. July 14th, 2008 11:54PM  

Lennon had just read an article on Sinatra, who discussed his disgust at the whole Beatles phenomenon. The article noted that Sinatra used the phrase "your bird" in various ways (e.g. "How's your bird?" = "how are you"?)

dcs5991 April 1st, 2009 10:42PM  

This song is about how when you get down to it all of our material possessions and our egos can block love and real relationships and if you give them up you have nothing but love

Cster June 25th, 2009 08:57PM  

I think it's about not being with the one you really love. Maybe having them but them not being able to notice until they're having a bad time. "You can't see me. When your prize possessions start to wear you down...I'll be round."

Winnipegger September 14th, 2009 02:20PM  

It's obviously addressed to a materialistic person, reminding them that possessions aren't all there is to life.